Marty had been in the publishing business always working as a sales person. When he envisioned his own print product, he figured he needed $1.2 million dollars, then, spent years looking for investors. Finally, he used his own savings to do a test and it revealed he had a viable product. By keeping his job and working on the publication at night, Marty got the business off the ground.

Topic for Discussion: Do you think Marty's strategy is typical or atypical?

Answer: What Marty did is very common. Banks do not make startup business loans and so he went looking for private funds. After exhausting all of the prospects among his friends and business associates, he did the only thing he could do: Marty used his savings of $30,000 to jump start his business. By doing everything himself and working so many hours that many times he slept at his office, he set the stage for what has become a triple digit million dollar business.

Marty found himself working into the night because he had to do his regular job from 8-5. This is run-of-the-mill for most small business owners. Long hours go hand-in-hand with owning a business. Even when there are employees, the responsibility for hundreds of details fall on the shoulders of the owner.

Topic for Discussion: Why do so many people start a business knowing it will take a tremendous time commitment, especially at the beginning?

Answer: Many reasons, including: 1) Many find it impossible to work in a job and be satisfied. In fact, most people who start a business don't do it for the money, they do it because they feel their talents have never been used in a single job. 2) Many simply want to be in charge. 3) Some see that no one is filling an obvious need. 4) Many people start a business because they can't find a job. Immigrants face language and cultural problems and often start a business because that's their only choice. 5) Some even start a business, knowing it will take huge amounts of time, because they would rather work than do anything else. Work should bring pleasure and there's nothing wrong with doing what you prefer to do. The newspapers reported that prior to joining the Clinton Administration, Janet Reno kept a sleeping bag in her office for those times when she preferred to work nearly all night. 6) In today's work environment, most key employees of large organizations work long hours. So, if you're going to work 60 hours a week, why not invest your time in your own business?

You think about it: Can you start a business or develop and test a new product idea without raising money? Are you willing to work day and night to explore your ideas?