Today’s guest is not your usual suspect. I brought Nathan Chan on the show to share with us how you don’t have to dive off the cliff to start your entrepreneurial venture or passion project. Nathan talks candidly about fear as he currently juggles a 9-to-5 job in IT while running a budding digital magazine. In this episode Nathan helps us uncover the importance of having fun with your projects, finding a good team of people to support you, and gradually making things happen. You can start small, just start at all.
Share Some Shut Up Love –> Feel the fear and do it anyways. @NathanHChan #shutupshow (click to tweet)
Fun Facts:
- Nathan was a wantreprenuer for many years. In March 2013, he took the first step of starting a REAL business which is Foundr Magazine.
- Nathan works a 9-to-5 job while running Foundr Magazine and working on other projects to help other people set up magazines.
- Nathan was sued by one of the biggest business magazines in the states for trademark infringement. The magazine has since been changed from Key to Success to Foundr Magazine.
Defining Shut Up Moment:
I dealt with a lawsuit and had to change the name of my magazine. That’s all behind me now. I launched Foundr Magazine in March 2013. It’s in Apple newsstand for iPad and iPhone targeted and aimed at young and inspiring entrepreneurs. I wanted to find out what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur because I wanted to learn myself. With this passion project, I get to share it with the world.
This whole journey of starting the magazine, I’ve had fun all the way. I’ve felt apprehension I’m not good enough, especially in the early days. I read business books for years but never started. The only thing that made me start was because there was a significant financial investmtnt involved. Because the magazine is monthly, I have to show up. I have to ship every month because I have a commitment to others.
Shut Up Tips:
The responsibility and duty of showing up goes beyond the fear of not being good enough because now you’re accountable to other people. – Berni
If it wasn’t for the people I surround myself with, I wouldn’t be here today. No way. – Nathan
It’s like I’m a father and it’s my baby. I’m watching it grow and grow until it takes care of itself. – Nathan
Find key people who are masters of their craft so you can be the master of what you’re amazing at. – Berni
We all fundamentally crave security, I think that’s why the 9 to 5 works for most of the world. It’s a routine. You go to school. You get a job. You pay the bills. – Nathan
I’m a risk-averse entrepreneur and I’m not leaving my job until I replace my income. Whatever you want to start or if there is something you’re afraid of, you can always start small. It doesn’t always have to make this massive impact in your life. – Nathan
Feel the fear and do it anyways. – Nathan
Nathan Recommends:
Download a FREE issue of Foundr Magazine featuring Richard Branson – From Idea to Empire at www.FoundrMag.com/itunes (or search “Foundr” in the iTunes app store)
Find Nathan:
www.FoundrMag.com