How to Earn Money?
You’ll never know this from those that are successful. And even if they say how they do it, the information can be incomplete or misleading. Not even if they tell the truth, the information may not be very useful. The conditions are different for every individual, and we can’t replicate the same path. Even with the same conditions, personal experience and reactions to various problems make a big difference.
The Reality of Starting a Business
If strong companies already exist in a particular domain and are in direct competition, it’s too late to begin and expect success unless you have something new or better. Businesses don’t have immediate success starting from zero. Successful businesses often go through a testing phase while being supported by other businesses from the investor’s portfolio, which allows them to test from existing profits. This is why we are often surprised by their success and say, "money draws money."
The Truth About Starting Without Capital
When I hear magnates telling stories about how they started their businesses without money or help, I want to speak up. Nobody can be absurd enough to believe such stories. You need capital—whether it’s financial, intellectual, relationships, or public image. But everyone forgets that transforming any form of capital into commercial value requires a relational juncture or a specific social position. This is where the real secret of success lies. Money is the easiest to transform into capital; other forms of capital take more time.
The Myth of Starting in a Garage
Don’t tell me you started something in a garage and became successful! For sure, you had other resources backing you up that opened the market for you. It’s not enough to have a good idea or product, and it’s not enough to work hard. Throughout history, the market has been ruled by those with power or political influence. It's not enough to have a business plan and execute it. Once you start spreading the word about your success, you’ll get two options: “You’re with us, or you’ll vanish from the market!”
Making Compromises in Business
If you don’t want to be part of their network for influence and traffic, it might be better to sell your business. You’ll be glad to have some money to start fresh and move forward. Big companies either buy or destroy (through their influence or various scenarios) anything moving under their domain.
The Challenges of Starting with Only Ideas
Starting a business with only ideas and the desire to work is extremely difficult. You need money to establish the company, pay for space, utilities, and an accountant. Many small expenses add up, and where will you get the funds without profit? You either need reserves for maintenance and investments, or someone to help you quickly sell your products. You must have something, especially money. You can’t get a loan from the bank without offering guarantees, and if you have guarantees, it means you're not starting from zero.
The Role of Connections and Luck in Business
I believe companies with rapid growth were established due to a solid connection or a sure order from a network. There are two ways: either they had good products to sell for a commission, or they succeeded in obtaining a guaranteed order and then bought the necessary resources. In these cases, we could say it’s about luck. Luck has many forms: you can build it yourself, which is very difficult, or you can catch it if you’re willing to make compromises.
How Groups Control Market Profits
Many profitable inventions gather dust. Why? Specialized individuals in different domains form official or unofficial organizations to keep the profits within their circle. Even if goods have a good price and quality, members of a certain group will not buy from outsiders, but from their partners, even at a higher price. This way, they protect each other and try to influence the market to their advantage.
The Harsh Reality of Business Ideas
Those who cannot afford to test their business ideas have to wait or hope that someone will take them on as partners simply because they are honest, imaginative, and hard-working. In business, ideas are often stolen rather than paid for, and the work of employees is often more about exploitation. Employers rarely admit they need employees; instead, they tolerate them.
Employee Struggles and Business Realities
As an employee, you will never accumulate enough money because everything is designed to keep you from detaching from them. If you’re lucky enough to be in a managerial position, you’ll likely have to cover various expenses out of your pocket and make compromises, all while risking your position.
Starting a Business with Minimal Capital
If you have a little drive, a solid project, and a minimum amount of capital to start, it might be a good idea to begin a business or an attempt that can eventually turn into a successful venture.
The Internet: A Promising Market
I believe the Internet will be a good market, and the chances of being noticed are higher. Once the basic necessities are covered, creativity will have the highest value.