Have you ever considered starting your own business? It’s a huge leap, and at some point, we’ve all thought about it—but the real question is: Is it the right move for you? And more importantly, is now the right time?
Timing: The Right Time Never Comes ⏰
Let me tell you a quick story about timing. It’s neverthe perfect time to start a business. There’s always something that will make you wait—whether it’s the economy, family commitments, or the hope of that long-awaited raise or bonus.
The year was 2001. I was working at Big X accounting firm and had a burning desire to start my own business. So, I took the leap and handed in my resignation, fully expecting to land cybersecurity work quickly. But just six days after filing my business documents on September 17, 2001— 9/11 happened—the entire landscape changed. What was once a pipeline of cybersecurity projects turned into physical security needs due to the nature of the attacks. To add to the challenge, my wife was pregnant with twins, we had no health insurance, and we had no stable income. It would’ve been easy to turn back to corporate life, but when your back is against the wall, you find ways to make it work. By March 2002, things started settling down, and work began to flow in. By May 2002, we hired our first full-time employee—9 months after starting the company.
Stats on Starting a Business:
- In 2024, 5.5 million new business applications were filed in the U.S., marking a record high. Starting a business is more common than ever, despite the challenges. (U.S. Census Bureau)
- 80% of new businesses survive their first year, and 50% make it to their fifth year. It’s not easy, but it’s absolutely achievable. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
The Myth of Easy Funding 💸
In today’s economy, it’s tempting to think, “I’ll just get private equity (PE) funding to kickstart my business.” But let me tell you—it’s not that simple. Especially if it’s your first time stepping out on your own. PE firms demand 20% to 30% returns year over year, and they’re not always aligned with your vision or business model. Getting that first round of funding takes more than just ambition—it requires proof that you can generate returns.
Things You Can Start Today 💡
- Personal Brand: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned the hard way is the importance of developing your personal brand outside of your company. Early on, I tied my identity completely to my business. While that worked at the time, when I sold the company and left the acquiring firm, I had to rebuild from scratch. Start building your personal brand today—independent of your current employer—so you’re never just “the person who worked at XYZ Corp.”
- Passion: As you rise in any field, you often end up becoming a glorified salesperson (and that’s okay—just part of the game). I found that my passion for cybersecurity began to fade as I moved into sales-driven roles. I wanted to focus more on strategy—helping companies grow through culture and high-performance teams. 82% of entrepreneurs report that passion drives their business decisions. If you’re not passionate about what you’re doing, it’s tough to keep going. (Small Business Trends)
- Influence: Take a good look at the market and find where you can have the biggest influence. It might not be the most lucrative spot at first, but it’s where you can start adding value immediately. When you align your strengths with market needs, that’s where your real impact will be. If you’re looking for guidance, I highly recommend Harvard Online’s “Disruptive Strategy” class by Professor Clayton Christensen. He introduces the concept of “Jobs to Be Done”, a powerful framework for identifying market gaps and launching successful ventures.
The Side Hustle Trap 💼
While side hustles are great for earning extra cash, they rarely evolve into full-fledged businesses. 90% of side hustles stay small and never transition into significant business ventures. Unless you’re just in it for the extra income, most side projects end up being another gig. (CNBC)
Now Is the Time—Don’t Let Regret Be Your Guide 🔑
My son’s favorite saying of mine is:
“If I was your age and had my money….” – Ken Stasiak
It’s a truth that resonates deeply: the young wish they had the capital to make their dreams a reality, and those with money wish they were young again to take more risks. Whether you’re in your 20s or 50s, now is the time to start your own business. One thing I can guarantee: If you don’t take the chance, you’ll feel regret.
Final Thoughts 💭
Entrepreneurship isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding journeys you can take. If you wait for the “perfect” moment, it may never come. But when you decide to jump in, you’ll learn and grow in ways you never imagined. Embrace the journey, even if it feels uncertain. The world is waiting for your unique contribution.
