The Strategy of a Serial Entrepreneur

Some think I’m crazy, others know it.

I was raised to always have a full life.  In my professional life, I run my CPA firm; Author business blogs, videos and newsletters; Write as a novelist (now trying to secure an agent); Compose, record and distribute my music on I-tunes;  And participate in a little e-bay antique business with my wife called Manhattan Beach California Antiques.  These tasks are in addition to teaching Sunday school and riding my horse as a volunteer mounted park ranger on a weekly basis.

The question remains, though, can this professional lifestyle be done effectively or do people like me cut off  more than they can chew?  If you gravitate to this professional lifestyle, may I make a few suggestions:

1. Take stock of your time: A Pastor did a great demonstration with a tall glass vase.  He fill it first with large rocks, smaller rocks, sand, and then water.  His point was to prioritize important things in your life first.  (That would be the rocks.)  Then fill in the gaps with the least important things like watching TV. (That would be the water.)  If you pour all water in, there would not be any room for the rocks.  The same is in business.  Don’t participate in activities that are not driving you toward your vision.  Develop a refined strategy that propels you toward, not away from your vision.
2. Cross-collateralize the function of your businesses: Look for common ground between your businesses.  How do they compliment each other?  For example, my social networking and search engine optimization skills will transfer nicely when I publish my novel.
3. Do not procrastinate with any of the businesses: It is easy to fall into the trap of putting one of more businesses on the back-burner.  If you find yourself doing that, drop that business because you are not passionate about it.  Passion must drive all the businesses like the cylinders of a car.  They all pump in unison driving the car forward.
4. Solicit help from those with expertise: Try to focus on what you do best and hire out other tasks to specialized professionals.  Make sure they are in step with your vision.

This type of planning is not for everyone, but if you find yourself in this life, work it efficiently or you may find yourself in a midlife crises without accomplishing anything.  A strategy is always the place to start.