I need a jump-start for my new venture. Help!

Dear Aunty B,

I am only 27 and have my own business. I have a great concept/venture for a new online business, but often get side tracked as I have not got anyone to bounce ideas off or anyone to be accountable too.

How can I get started? And I am also writing to see if there is a support group or mentoring group that regularly meets on the Gold Coast or Brisbane.

Please let me know how you think I can speed up my new venture.

QW,
Queensland

Dear Q,

You are 27 so I assume your new business is still young. If this is the case then I am not going to tell you how to speed up your new venture. You need to focus on your current venture. A business needs at the bare minimum three and in nearly all cases five years of your full-time attention to get it to critical mass.

You are just suffering from the usual entrepreneur itch – that there is more fun over the horizon, chasing that next big idea.

Try to be challenged by the opportunities involved in building your current customer base. In this environment it should take your full attention.

If after doing an extensive business plan you figure your new internet venture is a far bigger opportunity than your current one, and you want to pursue it, then get out of your current business and focus solely on the new one.

A support or mentor group is a great idea. But so is the idea of building up “coffee mentors” – successful business people who can sit down with you over a latte and keep you focused!!     

Lastly, may I suggest you take up an extreme sport. This will have the affect of moving the entrepreneur’s love of risk taking and desire for novelty and excitement out of your business life and into your free time.

Any readers have suggestions for QW? Or a group he can join? Send them to auntyb@smartcompany.com.au

Good luck!

Your Aunty B.