Vishal P. Rao
Administrator
Joined: 23 Jun 2005
Posts: 491
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# Posted: 12 Oct 2005 01:24 � Edited by: Vishal P. Rao
Age is no barrier to starting a home-based business. A home-based business, because of the ease of start up as well as the ease of maintenance is the perfect choice for both young and old alike. It's perfect for those putting themselves through college/university, because of the flexibility, as well as for those that are retired, and just seeking something to fill the hours of retirement profitably.
All a successful home-business requires is a little time and effort, and the dividends can be great. A good example of "overcoming the age barrier in business" by starting a home-based business is Daniel Turner of Australia.
Daniel actually started his first home-based business at the "tender age" of seventeen and is now quite an accomplished entrepreneur at the "ripe old age" of twenty-four. A recent interview with Daniel revealed his drive and his personality, both of which no doubt have helped him succeed.
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Work at Home Forum (WAHF):
What is your business background? Any special skills you possessed that assisted in your business endeavors?
Daniel:
I scraped through high school actually with a 59% average, yet somehow ended up enrolling at the University of Sydney (UTS) where I pursued a Bachelor of Business. However, I pulled out after a year and a half, when I had a discussion with one of my tutors who firmly believed that McDonald's was in the business of "hamburgers" when in fact, I believe they are in the business of real estate. I walked out and never went back.
I find I value self-education more, and at twenty-four have spent well over $100,000 in books/tapes/seminars. I don't want to discourage others from going to university, but for me, I'd rather learn from others who are making money in businesses, rather than from the teaching of theories.
WAHF:
What type of business do you currently have and why did you choose it?
Daniel:
My current business if Pay Per Click (PPC) Management. It's located at: www.instantpayperclick.com. I didn't really "choose" it, this just kind of evolved. I'd been learning slowly but surely about online marketing, and a lot of my friends started asking me to manage their own PPC campaigns. I eventually started charging for it and a new business was born!
WAHF:
How long have you been in business overall?
Daniel:
I've never really held an outside job. I'm way too headstrong. I've been in business since I was roughly seventeen years old. My Mum had a clothing alterations shop and after I started reading books on business, I ended taking over the marketing/systems of that business while she looked after the technical side of it.
WAHF:
What would you consider the greatest business challenge you've faced? The greatest reward?
Daniel:
The greatest challenge (and lesson) was to remember to keep my fingers on the pulse of the business and not rest on my laurels. Early on, I made a crucial mistake when I put the wrong people in charge, without the systems in place to keep these people in check. I also didn't possess the "brass" to keep them in line and accountable for their actions.
Had I had the proper systems in place before I hired them, I never would have gone through the turmoil I did. However, I learned a huge lesson from this, so in a way I was blessed by this and grateful for what happened.
My greatest reward is in knowing I now possess the knowledge I need to duplicate any business I deem necessary. I can have it all stripped away from me, and in a few years, I'll have it all back again, and more! If someone reading this learns one thing, it should be that you must invest in the little gray matter between your ears. It is the key to attaining everything you've always dreamed of.
WAHF:
Where do you see yourself and your business in the future? Say, in five or ten years?
Daniel:
It's funny you asked this. I have specific wealth, health, family, social and spiritual goals that I work towards on a daily basis which will steer me towards my end goals, some which are longer term than ten years. My immediate goal is to view my Internet business as a "business" period, and not just a "Web site." I have had to brainstorm a lot lately about where the business is headed, and I have worked out exactly what needs to be done. I plan to set up a central hub and have a network of businesses branching out from that hub into specific fields. My team and I will be "selecting" top performing staff in several industries, and then "approaching" them to setup and run our businesses. There will be a nice equity chunk in this for all that are accepted.
WAHF:
Is your family/friends/significant others supportive of your business?
Daniel:
Absolutely. I am fortunate. I have a special person in my life that not only is supportive, but she was willing to be the primary wage earner at times when I was just starting out.
My Mum also supported me in my entrepreneurial efforts throughout my life. She always told me that, "I could be whatever I want to be, and that I can do whatever I want to do." My Mum believed in me and gave me a great deal of confidence in achievements.
WAHF:
Do you have any partners, or is this a Sole Proprietorship?
Daniel:
I do have partnerships, however, there can really only be "one captain of each ship", and at crunch time only one person can make the decisions. Any partnerships must have defined goals/objectives in alignment. If not, the partnership falls apart quickly. Also, all partnerships should have exit strategies for each member. There needs to be written documentation for the leaving of each and every member, and how that will be done.
I also have projects that are mine solely. I do them with my team, of course, but I'm accountable for the results. It's the greatest feeling of triumph but also one of incredible solitude, as you fail or succeed on your own merit. Makes you want to succeed more!
WAHF:
Do you have any regrets, and if so, what would you do over?
Daniel:
My only real regret is the point I mentioned earlier, not having systems in place initially when I hired employees. But this isn't a real regret, as I learned from that experience. I also attained other business relationships while I went through that and these are meaningful, productive relationships, so no regrets exist.
WAHF:
Do you own any other businesses besides this one?
Daniel:
Of course, and I'm gearing up for more! The biggest thing to apply is leveraging. Leveraging through time, money, people and knowledge. Leveraging allows you to do more with less and this theory drives my business applications. I've already started the leveraging process in www.instantpayperclick.com.
WAHF:
If you were to advise someone on starting a business what would you say?
Daniel:
Form an idea. Build a plan around that idea. Work the plan. Step by step you will reach your goals, whether online or offline, through business or health. Every positive step you take brings you closer to your goals. Each week I write down about fifty to one hundred things that I need to do, then prioritize those items, and then start doing them from the first one on. This has helped me stay focused and I'm sure it will help others.
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As readers can see, Daniel is wise beyond his years. Taking his advice to heart, learning and applying skills just as he has will lead to success beyond your wildest dreams!
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