Let's Begin

 If you ask me, the definition for the word undertake is much more profound than the definition for the word entrepreneur (even though they basically    mean the same thing).

Undertake: To commit oneself to and begin (an enterprise or responsibility); to take on.
As opposed to
Entrepreneur: A person who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so. 

To commit oneself to an enterprise or responsibility. 
See what I mean? It sounds much better and its an unparalleled truth because when you say "I want to start my own business, be my own boss, and work from anywhere" what you're really saying is "I want to be an entrepreneur.". 
It really is a commitment and a huge responsibility that you're taking on because if you don't commit to it and you fail to accept that responsibility, you can't call yourself an entrepreneur. You're just a dreamer.
That's not to say that dreaming isn't important, because it is. In fact, it's how every single entrepreneur got their start. They had dreams and wishes and hopes. They had aspirations; things they wanted to achieve in their lives. 
So then, what is it that sets  entrepreneurs and dreamers apart? The entrepreneurs didn't stop at dreaming. They took action and did something about it.
They assumed responsibility for the journey they were about to embark on and they committed to it. 
So now, is my turn. Our theme is Stories and Strategies for Success and my story is just beginning. 
Often, when you hear about how people started their own companies, they start with how much they hated their jobs. They felt like they were wasting their lives and they got sick and tired of being sick and tired.
Right now,  that's the part of the story I can relate to the most. My dreams are being stifled by my 40-hour work week.  I feel that I'm ready to  take my future into my own hands.

The best thing about just starting out is that I have a wonderful opportunity to share, with others, my experiences as I go. Ampersand Squared is all about using what you love to make your life better and elevate your life experience to the highest power, and that's exactly what I plan to do. 

My Strategy:   
For now, the best thing I can do is to learn as much as I can from those who have already been through the  beginners phase and  came out on top.   To build a good foundation for success,   my  strategy is as follows: 

• LEARN:  I have to study and  gather as much information as I can.  Education is such a huge part of growth and development.  Even if you don't  earn a degree,  it is still extremely important to have a solid  knowledge base   for your chosen field.   Study and  acquire  enough knowledge  that is equal to or greater than  a college education. 
• PRACTICE: It is also important to practice . Put the time and effort into whatever it is that you want to do  and become a master of your craft. 

Last month we talked about value  and  the importance of bringing  that quality to your business.  Knowing what you're talking about and having the skills to back it up is  so valuable that it's almost a super power . 

• SET ATTAINABLE GOALS:   I'm not saying to lose sight of the bigger picture. What I am saying is that   on the climb up the ladder to success, the next  rung shouldn't be too far out of reach. It's good to set your sights high but don't make things more difficult than they need to be.  A  wise person once told me   to  only focus on what I could control.   Well, I can control  my  level of knowledge and I can  control my level of skill and  determination. I can't control the level of value others place on me but I can  control  the value I place on myself. 

These are  just the fundamentals; the stepping stones I'll use to prepare myself for the challenges I'll face ahead.   Along the way, I'll get to discover and experience a whole lot more and, of course, I'll be sharing  what I learn with all of you. 

Remember, its not too late to begin. Commit yourself to your chosen enterprise and take responsibility for the journey that you're on.
There is an ampersand in all of us. What strategies are you using to become successful with yours?