The Dip can happen to anyone.

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It starts with massive success. You pick up a hobby, new skill, or start a business, and you’re crushing it. Everything you touch just seems to work.

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But it’s short lived.

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Beginner’s luck dries up. It gets hard to nail even the basics. You feel like you’ve somehow gotten worse the harder you try. Effort no longer translates to results.

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And worst of all, you’re not sure why. Something feels off, and you have no clue how to fix it.

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Welcome to the Dip. This dark valley is when MOST quit. It’s the boneyard of business. It’s where you’re faced with a choice…

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Quit. Or don’t quit. That’s it.

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This is the premise of Seth Godin’s classic The Dip. It’s fast and uplifting, and every aspiring entrepreneur should read it.

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Godin shares two critical ideas…

1. Winners quit all the time. The idea that only blind determination will carry you through is foolish. Instead, winning is about knowing when to quit.
2. The Dip creates scarcity, which can bring massive opportunity. The more people quit, the greater potential you have to dominate your industry.

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His advice? DO NOT quit when you first encounter the Dip. In fact, you must embrace the Dip for what it is—the opportunity to become a leader. As your competitors collapse under the pressure, you’ll become one of the few options in your market. It’s a powerful—and potentially lucrative—position.

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But that’s not all. The Dip can also be an opportunity to strategically quit. Why? Because it gives you critical information about whether you’re on the right path. Godin gives some criteria on how to tell if you should push through, or quit and invest in another opportunity…

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1. You’re not positioned to become world-class. Almost all the rewards go to the greatest. It’s an exponential drop-off after. If you can’t become world-class in the business you’ve chosen, then it may be wise to quit now and invest in something else.
2. You’ve made no measurable progress. The Dip causes panic. It makes everything seem like complete and utter failure. But there are often signs of progress. You just can’t see them because the Dip has blinded you. If you’re just panicking, stay the course. Keep pushing. Payoff may be just a few steps ahead. But if you’ve hit a dead end, quit now. You’ll be glad you did instead of sinking more money and energy into a failing venture.

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The Dip is something every entrepreneur wishes they had known about before they started. It could potentially have saved them time, energy, and heartache.

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But now you know about it! And that means you can prepare. How? Here are a few ideas…

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Get mentorship. Seasoned entrepreneurs have experienced the Dip before. Their insight and wisdom can help you decide if the Dip is worth fighting through. So before you start your business, seek a mentor. Shadow them, ask them questions, share your ups and downs with them. It may be the best investment you make!

Make a plan. The more detailed your plan to become an entrepreneur, the better prepared you’ll be for the Dip. Why? Because a plan short circuits panic. It gives you objective benchmarks for success that can help restore your confidence when progress seems slow.

Build mental toughness. It’s a fact—the Dip will test your fortitude. Tapping out too early could prevent you from reaching your true potential. The greater your mental toughness, the more likely you become to reach the rewards on the other side.

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The Dip is a challenge that many entrepreneurs face. It’s when the work gets hard, the rewards dry up, but it’s when most of your competition collapses. The Dip won’t last forever. Once you push past this difficult phase, rewards are ripe for the taking if you can exploit it to your advantage!

The facts are in—entrepreneurs are happier and healthier than employees.

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Seems counterintuitive, right? Business owners can work long hours, face complex problems, and carry a heavy load of stress—with no guarantee of success.

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At least, that’s what you get told. And it couldn’t be more wrong.

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Two new studies reveal the truth.

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The first, from Baylor University, found that entrepreneurs are subjectively happier.¹ In other words, they feel better. Why? Because they…

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• Have a greater sense of autonomy
• Feel a closer connection to their purpose
• Apply their skills and passions to their work
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The second study, from the University of Pennsylvania in 2012, showed that entrepreneurs are far happier than employees.² Even the high number of unsuccessful entrepreneurs didn’t change the results. Entrepreneurs, regardless of income, were happier than even highly paid corporate officers.

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And it wasn’t just the entrepreneurs. The study from Baylor proved that the presence of small businesses improved the health of surrounding communities.³ The more entrepreneurs, the greater the health of the neighborhood.

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The takeaway?

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Start a business. It doesn’t have to be a stressful, high-stakes tech startup. Just an outlet for your skills that also pays you.

¹ “The Good Business of Thriving Entrepreneurs,” Justin Walker, Baylor University Hankamer School of Business, Mar 30, 2020, https://www.baylor.edu/business/news/news.php?action=story&story=218228

² “Rich or Not, Entrepreneurs Are Happiest in Study,” Elizabeth Blackwell, TheStreet, Sep 28, 2012, https://www.thestreet.com/investing/rich-or-not-entrepreneurs-are-happiest-in-study-11721398

³ “Entrepreneurs Are Happier And Healthier Than Employees According To University Research Studies,” Bernhard Schroeder, Forbes, Apr 1, 2022, https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernhardschroeder/2022/04/01/entrepreneurs-are-happier-and-healthier-than-employees-according-to-university-research-studies/?sh=340a1cc73ee6

It’s simple—successful entrepreneurs don’t multitask. At least, not in the traditional sense.

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But we all know entrepreneurs wear many, many hats. At times, they’ll juggle acting as CEO, the marketing department, sales, support, HR, and accounting. Even thinking about that level of multitasking makes many peoples’ brains shut off!

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But the science is clear—multitasking doesn’t work. Hopping back and forth from task to task takes a massive toll on your brain’s efficiency. One study showed it lowers IQ 15 points, putting most people in the intelligence range of the average 8 year old.¹

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Trying to successfully multitask is one of the greatest barriers to becoming an entrepreneur.

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So entrepreneurs, being the problem solvers they are, have developed a simple solution—don’t multitask. Period.

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Instead, they’ve learned two workarounds…

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Leveraging flow. That means turning off the phone, going on do-not-disturb mode, and giving their entire attention to the task at hand. They work on one priority at a time for a sustained period to maximize their focus and efficiency. Then, they move on to the next task.

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Delegating the small stuff. Remember, the super power of entrepreneurs is their team. Once they can hire employees, this frees up their time to focus on the important tasks that require their full attention.

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So if you’re afraid of starting a business because you don’t think you can handle all the multitasking, don’t be. Just remember to focus on one task at a time, and delegate the rest.

¹ “To Multitask or Not to Multitask,” USC Dornsife

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Is entrepreneurship a surefire guard against the impact of inflation? No. But there’s a reason Warren Buffett thinks “a brand is a wonderful thing to own during inflation.”

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It’s because the right kind of business can provide income that scales with inflation. Here’s how it works…

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Inflation is the steady rise of prices over time. The only way for a salaried employee to keep up with those price increases is for their paychecks to grow at the same rate, which may not always happen.

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Entrepreneurs have an option—they can increase prices. As the cost of living increases, so does the revenue from their business.

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Here’s the catch—it only works if you’re selling a solution that’s in demand. Otherwise, customers may decide that they really don’t need your services after all and stop buying.

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So if you’re looking to inflation-proof your income, a business may be just what you need. But make no mistake—the industry and mentorship you choose to start that business will mean the difference between inflation-proof, and inflation-vulnerable.

“Warren Buffett says these businesses do the best during periods of high inflation,” Nicolas Vega, CNBC, Aug 19 2021, https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/19/warren-buffett-inflation-best-businesses.html

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Let’s get this out of the way—a promotion is almost always a really good thing.

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It often comes with a pay raise, which is always good. It can represent a boost in responsibility, pushing your career forward.

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But here’s a question few have asked—is a promotion the best way to boost your income?

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Let’s do the math.

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The average income boost from a raise is 3%.¹ If you earn $60,000 per year, then you can expect a raise to give you an annual boost of $1,800. That’s $150 per month.

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Depending on your situation, that could make a huge difference for your financial picture. But it pales in comparison to other income-boosting strategies. For instance, changing jobs can boost your salary by 14.8%.² The average annual income boost from starting a business is $14,705.³

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Suddenly, 3% doesn’t seem all that impressive!

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Again, this isn’t to detract from getting a promotion. It’s a testament to your work ethic and grit.

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But if your entire career arc hinges on landing one promotion after another, you may need a better strategy.

¹ “What to Expect from an Average Promotion Raise,” Indeed.com, Feb 22, 2021, https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/pay-salary/average-promotion-raise

² “Average Salary Increase When Changing Jobs Statistics [2022],” Chris Kolmar, Zippia, Dec 28, 2021, https://www.zippia.com/advice/average-salary-increase-when-changing-jobs/

³ “STUDY: Millions of Americans have a ‘side hustle’ to boost their incomes and pursue their passions,” Vista Newsroom, Aug 1, 2019, https://news.vistaprint.com/side-hustle-study-us

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Independent business owners succeed when they depend on each other.

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They fail when they try to go it alone.

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And it’s no wonder why. Unless you’re a hermit, you need other people.

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• You need encouragement.
• You need mentorship.
• You need camaraderie.

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And that’s normal—it’s what it means to be human.

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But entrepreneurs? Too often, they go it alone.

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It’s no wonder why. Make the leap from employee to entrepreneur, and you may find yourself alone on the other side.

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Everyone else is working their 9-to-5s, while you’re spending 16 hours each day making your dream a reality. Unless you find a community of collaborators, it’s a lonely existence.

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Loneliness makes it far more difficult to jump-start a successful business. It literally kills.¹

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And that’s why e2E is so critical.

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I believe that entrepreneurs succeed when they work together. The e2E model leverages teamwork and experienced mentorship so anyone can start a business with greater support and less risk.

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It’s the least I can do—my journey to entrepreneurship was marked by constant support and encouragement by fellow entrepreneurs.

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So if you’re considering entrepreneurship but are afraid to make the move, let’s chat. We can explore the support systems available to you if you fire up your own business.

¹ “Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions,” CDC, Apr 29, 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html

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When you punch the clock for someone else, they’re the one getting closer to freedom—not you.

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That’s because you’re making a trade with your boss.

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You give your time and effort. They give you a paycheck.

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They help you pay your bills. You help them build their business.

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Make no mistake—paying your bills is a good thing.

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But building a business is better.

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Why? Because freedom, true freedom to build something, requires both the time to do what you want, and the money to make it happen.

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A paycheck gives you little of either.

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A business gives you limitless potential for both.

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When you’re an employee, you work for someone else’s time, earning their money, building their dream.

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When you’re an entrepreneur, you work on your own time, scaling your own income, and creating your own freedom.

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If being an entrepreneur sounds better, that’s because it can be… IF you can find the right system AND leadership.

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Together, they can help you mitigate risk and spare you the wasted time and mounting stress of trying to build a business from scratch.

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So if you’re ready to make the move from employee to entrepreneur, let’s talk. We can explore what it would look like for you to start a business that can help create the time and money you need to achieve the freedom you desire.

Losing benefits like health insurance and retirement accounts can be a massive hurdle with entrepreneurship.

For many, employer benefits are non-negotiable. They help mitigate the costs of healthcare—which can be extreme—and can offer extra firepower for building wealth with 401(k) contribution matching.

You lose those direct benefits when you quit your day job to make the move to full-time entrepreneurship. So sacrificing them rashly could set your finances—and future—up for disaster.

Fortunately, a catastrophe is easy to sidestep. But how?

Simple—start part-time.

If you don’t have the resources to fully replace your benefits, don’t make the commitment to full-time entrepreneurship.

Instead, keep your full-time job and work your business part-time.

You keep your benefits, and you learn the ropes of entrepreneurship. Once it’s clear that your business has the potential to replace your 9-to-5 income, you can transition to full-time entrepreneurship with more confidence. It’s a win-win strategy.

The downside? You may find yourself strapped for time and energy during the transition.

But it may be a small price to pay for what you get—the opportunity to start a business without sacrificing your stability.

Few are better positioned to survive—and even thrive—during an economic downturn than entrepreneurs.

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Why? Because of the very nature of entrepreneurship.

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Here’s how it works…

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Entrepreneurs solve problems for consumers or businesses. The greater the problem, the greater the potential reward.

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Recessions present massive problems to everyone—unemployment, restricted cash flow, businesses shutting down, and an atmosphere of tension and dread, to name just a few.

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Step up to the plate and solve those problems, and you stand to reap significant benefits.

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But having more problems to solve isn’t your only advantage.

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Afraid of a saturated market? Recessions can thin out competitors and free up market niches.

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Intimidated by startup costs? Recessions can lower the price tag on the goods and services you need to get your business into gear.

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Unsure about going it alone? Recessions can increase the availability of talent looking for new, fresh opportunities.

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So if a faltering economy has you skittish about starting a business, it may be wise to reconsider. Research the market you seek to enter, speak with a seasoned entrepreneur, and start taking steps towards starting a part-time business. You might find that the downturn is the start of your next opportunity.

Emotions are what drive the entrepreneur to make their dreams into reality.

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Yes, logic steers the business—entrepreneurship requires a full embrace of data, metrics, and brutal honesty.

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But raw reasoning doesn’t sustain you through seasons of hardship and doubt. Far from it—the numbers may actually lead you to quit prematurely.

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Instead what sustains them is emotion.

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Think about what’s sustained you through your most difficult challenges. Was it a spreadsheet full of formulas predicting your odds of success? Or was it clinging to the things that matter?

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That’s what creates uncommon success—emotion based tenacity to hold on, comeback, and win, regardless of the odds.

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And note this well—starting a business that doesn’t inspire you, one without a mission or vision, simply won’t generate that emotion.

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Far better to commit yourself to an outfield idea you believe in than a safe idea that bores you.

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What inspires you? What do you want to change? What’s a skill that gets you in the zone? Those are all signposts pointing you towards a business that you can sustain through whatever life throws your way.

Every successful business starts with an idea. But let’s be clear—a good idea alone isn’t enough.

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Successful businesses begin with answers to questions like…

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• What are the startup costs and can you afford them?
• Have you found a proven system to follow that creates predictable results?
• Will you create your own market assets or outsource to others?
• What technology will you need? Is it already in place or will you have to assemble it?
• Are you prepared for having too few—or too many—customers?

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These are the questions you need to answer before you can transform your idea into a business. If your answers are less than satisfactory, then it’s time to go back to the drawing board.

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Why? Because you may find yourself with a business, but no customers. That’s because you have an idea, but not a solution. And people will pay you for solutions, not ideas.

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You may discover that your idea is good, but needs refinement.

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Or you may discover that you need a new idea!

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Either way, it’s better to vet your ideas fully at the start than realize you’ve built an entire business on an unstable foundation.

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So take your idea, and put it through the ringer. If it’s good, it will survive. If not, you’ll have saved yourself a serious headache, a lot of time, and possibly a significant amount of money.

The best way to face adversity is to willingly choose it.

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Consider two scenarios…

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Imagine you’re walking around your house when, suddenly, a 135-pound weight appears across your shoulders.

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It came from out of nowhere. You stagger. Every muscle in your body fires in a desperate struggle to keep you upright. Your mind goes blank. Your heart races.

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It’s an intense, potentially dangerous situation that you had no control over. It’s terrifying.

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But now imagine you’re in a gym. You’ve been working out consistently for months, and it’s time to test your limits.

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You place 135 pounds on your shoulders. You squat down, then start pushing. Every muscle fires. Your mind goes blank. Your heart races.

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It’s an intense, potentially dangerous situation. But it’s thrilling. You celebrate when you’re done.

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Both scenarios are almost identical, with one critical difference.

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In the first scenario, you didn’t choose the challenge. In the second scenario, you did.

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That’s the difference between terror and triumph.

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So if you want to be an entrepreneur, make a habit of facing challenges head-on, rather than waiting for problems to drop in your lap. See if you start having more triumphant days than terrifying ones.

For entrepreneurs, failure isn’t an option—it’s a requirement.

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Some will be small. You’ll try a marketing campaign that flops. You’ll launch a product that fizzles.

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Others will be bigger. You’ll lose a key team member. You’ll make a strategic misstep. You’ll feel like you’re about to drown and not know which way is up.

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Those failures suck. They hurt. But they’re absolutely critical.

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Why? Because there’s no better teacher than failure.

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That awful feeling you get when something goes wrong? That’s your brain telling you that you need to change what you’re doing.

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In order to succeed, you have to be willing to fail. You have to be okay with making mistakes and learning from them.

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So the next time you experience a failure (and you will), don’t beat yourself up. Embrace it. Learn from it. And keep moving forward.

You’re never too old to become an entrepreneur.

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The 21st-century image of the 25-year-old tech wizard creating a disruptive startup and becoming a billionaire is largely a fiction.

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The data is clear—entrepreneurs find their greatest success at age 45.¹

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Some entrepreneurs start even later. Ray Kroc was a 52-year-old salesman for milkshake makers when he discovered a local restaurant. The owners? Richard and Maurice McDonald. He was almost 60 years old by the time he bought the restaurant chain outright.

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If Kroc wasn’t too old to become an entrepreneur, neither are you.

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So no matter your age, your previous career, or your current circumstances, it’s never too late to make the move.

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Only one question remains—what’s holding you back?

¹ “Research: The Average Age of a Successful Startup Founder Is 45,” Pierre Azoulay, Benjamin F. Jones, J. Daniel Kim, and Javier Miranda, Harvard Business Review, Jul 11, 2018, https://hbr.org/2018/07/research-the-average-age-of-a-successful-startup-founder-is-45
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² “How a Late-Blooming Entrepreneur Made McDonald’s the World’s Largest Burger Chain,” Jennifer Latson, TIME, Apr 15, 2015, https://time.com/3774670/mcdonalds-ray-kroc-history/

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It’s simple—the things you actually want are painful to earn. The things you settle for, don’t.

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That doesn’t mean settling is easy. There’s a price for apathy. It just comes further down the road. And often, it’s unbearable.

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The alternative? Striving for the things that are worthwhile.

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If you’re reading this article, that likely means taking the plunge and starting a business.

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Why? Because it’s the only way you’ll create the freedom you actually want. No other path gives absolute responsibility over your destiny.

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And yeah, it’ll be hard.

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Your business often comes before family.

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Your comfort zone becomes a thing of the past.

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Fun gets indefinitely paused.

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It will be worth it—if you endure it.

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And the only way you’ll endure it is if you embrace reality from the start. Recognize that the most rewarding success will be the most painful to earn right now. Own it. Then, start building your future.

There is no single path to entrepreneurship.

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Entrepreneurs come from every country, background, skillset, and career you can think of.

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They’re an assortment of dropouts, dreamers, stay-at-home moms, restless executives, blue collar workers, the young, the old, and everyone in between.

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What they all have in common is boldness—they see an opportunity, and they seize it.

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Will they become successful entrepreneurs? That depends. If they find the right opportunity, the right business plan, and the right support, it becomes far more likely.

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That’s the entire purpose of e2E—it’s a movement of entrepreneurs dedicated to mentoring anyone seeking to make the move from employee to entrepreneur.

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So if you have the ambition to start a business, but feel overwhelmed by the prospect of entrepreneurship, let’s talk. We can discover what it would look like for you to transform your path into a path towards entrepreneurship.

The research seems to show that yes, entrepreneurs are born.

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This excellent article from Entrepreneur breaks down the data. And both a survey of twins and exploration of data suggest that entrepreneurial tendencies are inheritable.

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In other words, some people are just born entrepreneurs.

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But there’s an important caveat that the article wisely includes.

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Having entrepreneurial tendencies doesn’t guarantee you’ll be successful.

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That’s because success is determined by experience. Research shows that age and industry knowledge play a crucial role in determining entrepreneur success.¹

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Think of it like this…

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That urge you have to create and accomplish and seize opportunities? You’re born with that.

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Converting that drive into a successful business? That’s made.

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Entrepreneurs are born. Successful entrepreneurs are made.

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So if you’re driven to own your own business, what steps have you taken to become a successful entrepreneur?

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Have you started a side hustle? Have you found a support network of aspiring entrepreneurs? What about a mentor who’s started a successful business?

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Find those, and you might be on the path towards turning your entrepreneurial potential into successful business reality.

There are two ways to think about failure. One leads to unrealized potential. The other leads to overcoming obstacles.

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But they don’t start where you might think. They’re actually both rooted in how you think about your ability.

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The first mindset thinks ability is inherent.

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When you accomplish something, you’re proving that you have innate talent, and maybe even superiority over your peers.

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The second mindset thinks ability can be developed.

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They see accomplishment as the result of problem-solving, practice, and effort.

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See where this is going?

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Adopt the first mindset, and you’ll see failure as an indicator that you are not enough. You failed because, on a fundamental level, you don’t have what it takes.

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And those thoughts are the enemy of success. Why put in the effort if you believe you’ll fail just because of who you are?

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Adopt the second mindset, and you’ll see failure as an indicator that you’re not quite there yet. Tweak this and hone that, and you’ll overcome your obstacles in now time.

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That’s the mindset of success. Once you see your effort transform failure into triumph, you may find yourself almost addicted to developing your skills.

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Which mindset have you adopted?

As other doors close, the one to entrepreneurship remains wide open.

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It’s no secret that there’s an uprising among employees. It’s called the Great Resignation. The cause? The fact that workers…

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- Want to earn more money
- Feel burned out and unsupported
- Lack leadership and mentorship¹

And so they’ve quit in the millions.

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Can you relate to that? Do you feel like your boss doesn’t really care about your well-being or career? Is your gut telling you that your talents could be earning you more?

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Perhaps you’ve worked hard for a raise, only to get passed over in favor of someone less qualified.

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Or maybe you’ve explored new opportunities, only to find employers are requiring outrageous qualifications for little pay.

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Plan A was getting a promotion. Plan B was getting a new job. And now, both seem impossible.

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So what’s next? “Plan E”, the path to entrepreneurship.

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Your Plan E leads to the entrepreneur lifestyle—owning your day, working when you want, collaborating with whomever you like.

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It’s your escape plan for making a smooth transition from where you are now to the business and lifestyle you want. This plan gives you an easier way by lowering risks and removing obstacles. And most importantly, your ‘Plan E’ can put you in the helping hands of experienced mentors who can guide you on your journey.

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Make no mistake—there will always be stumbling blocks along the road to building a business.

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But a solid plan can keep you moving forward in spite of those hiccups so you’re not forced to retreat back to employment. It’s the difference between hitting a dead end or hitting the mark.

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Any successful “Plan E” must assess…

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• The Risks that can end an entrepreneur’s dreams
• The Reality that the most rewarding success will also be the most painful to earn
• The Mindset that you’re either growing or dying
• The Answers about which industry and market you’ll serve—and how.
• The People you go into business with who are critical to success
• The Options of going into business spare-time, part-time, or full-time
• The “E-Factor” of becoming a digitally-enabled entrepreneur

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You don’t need permission. Once you’ve made your “Plan E”, you’re free to begin your mission. You’re ready to make the move.

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If you have any questions about entrepreneurship, let me know. As part of the e2E movement, it’d be my privilege to help guide you from employee to entrepreneur.

¹ “The Real Reasons Workers Are Leaving in Droves? (Burnout Is on the List, but Not at the Top)” Melissa Angell, Inc., https://www.inc.com/melissa-angell/great-resignation-burnout-workers-upskilling-career-development.html

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Student entrepreneurs have defined the last two decades.

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Google, Facebook, Reddit, and Snapchat were all founded by students, ranging from undergraduates to Ph.D. candidates.

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It’s an intimidating list! But here’s the good news—you don’t have to attend Stanford or develop an app to become a student entrepreneur.

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All you need is a skill that you can leverage as a solution for your peers and the time to make it happen.

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It could be tutoring your favorite subject. It could be leveraging your writing skills to make money. It could even be creating an app for your fellow students.

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And if your business takes off, you may find your eyes glazing over in class as you dream up new ways to move your business forward.