I’ve often noticed that, instead of identifying and solving real problems, many entrepreneurs focus on solutions for imaginary needs. For example, I remember launching my first product and assuming people wanted a solution I personally considered necessary. However, after conducting surveys and interviews, I discovered the real problem was different from what I had originally imagined.

From I Want to Start a Business, but I Don't Know How, chapter 8

I’ve been a serial entrepreneur for almost 12 years and I’m close to turning 30. Being an entrepreneur isn’t easier than being an employee. It may look like you have more freedom, but I’ve worked many more hours than friends my age. Employees can relax after work, but entrepreneurs often work longer with no set hours and sometimes no salary at first.

From I Want to Start a Business, but I Don't Know How, chapter 1

More than seven hundred years ago, the philosopher Thomas Aquinas argued that fear becomes a fault when it drives you away from something that reason says you should face. Most people remember the first half of that idea and forget the second. If reason tells you to run, running isn't cowardice. It's sense. That matters more than it sounds.

From I Want to Start a Business but I'm a Coward, introduction

These passages come straight from the books. So, if one of them speaks to you, read the full chapter. It goes further, and it ends with a practical exercise.

In addition, these titles look at how to become an entrepreneur from different angles. Each one opens with a passage from the book. Then, pick the one closest to your situation.

• The Employed Entrepreneur: How to Test a Business Without Losing Your Job
• I Don't Have Money: Get Paid Before You Spend a Cent
• The Service to Product Pivot: Get Paid Before You Spend a Cent
• How Many Days You Have Left: Get Paid Before You Spend a Cent
• The Data That Destroys the "Need Money" Myth: I Want to Start a Business but I Don't Have Money
• Keep Your Salary, Build Your Business: The Employed Person's Guide to Testing a Startup Before You Quit
• The Data That Destroys the "Need Money" Myth: Get Paid Before You Spend a Cent
• I Want to Start a Business but I Don't Have Money

Pick the fear that stops you, then answer three quick questions. The result tells you whether this fear is giving you facts or just noise.

The fear that stops me

Losing my savingsFailing in front of people I knowLosing the security of my jobNot being good enoughGetting into debtLetting my family down

Honestly, how likely is it to happen?

50%

If it happened, could you recover within two years?

YesNo

Could you test it this month without spending much?

YesNo

Check my fear.

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Finally, I Want to Start a Business, but I Don't Know How goes deeper into how to become an entrepreneur. Therefore, it is the natural next step. You can read it or listen to it in the stores below. It is also available in 13 languages.

Go to the book page. All topics.

• How to start a business.Diego Segura's books begin somewhere else: with a small test you can run this week, a first paying customer, and costs kept close to zero.
• Business ideas.Lists of business ideas are everywhere, but a list can't tell you which idea fits you.
• Online business ideas.Online business ideas look easy because the tools are cheap.
• Low risk business ideas.These passages show how to limit the downside, so that fear doesn't decide for you.