A few years ago I posted a series on reasons I hear all the time that discourage would-be entrepreneurs from behaving entrepreneurially—starting business ventures, non-profits, or just projects they enjoy. This series helps you overcome the top ones I hear.

I compiled them into easy-to-read series format. Click here and take a look at the series!

To whet your appetite, the four discouraging myths in this series:

1. You need a great idea to start a business.
2. Working for an established company helps prepare you for starting a venture.
3. I should make some more money before starting my venture.
4. Starting a venture is riskier than working at an established firm.

The four productive beliefs:

1. Better than a great idea is a decent idea, the ability to listen to your market, and flexibility.
2. Starting a venture prepares you best for starting a venture.
3. You can venture with other people’s money if money is an issue and you can make money while you start your venture.
4. The risk to the entrepreneur of starting a venture can be as small as he or she wants.

Retry later

• ← My Q&A with a Nobel Prize winner
• Four myths that discourage you from entrepreneurship and how to overcome them →