whiten

Yes - I did. What was your Google query? - assuming you used Google.

The reason I ask, and the reason behind the post, was that it is actually quite difficult for people to ask real questions of a search engine and get decent results. I know, I tried. Yes I hit the Uk Gov site - but to say it is vague is being kind.

....."Well, it's like when people ask medical questions online or write into newspapers - most of the time the correct answer is 'go and see your doctor'."

In the UK going to see the doctor is free....Not so for legal advice.

I hear what you are saying. It is starting to happen in the UK as well.

What frustrates me is not advice, but actual facts.

e.g. If my employer wants to change my job title and description, what are the standard rules/laws regarding this sort of change?

Does that mean you still tell lies and sometimes do things you hate? :)

One of the few people I have respect for in my career had a phase for this regarding the progress of projects, and I think it applies to start-ups in the sense that sometimes people are blinkered about what they are doing and that is this:

"Disappoint early"

In other words, as soon as you are aware of a problem - Raise it. And then discuss it and work it out.

Why? - surely it's more efficient, and should therefore be encouraged!

And what did you do?

Thank-you.

Forget the silly ageist remark above - I know what you were trying to say - and you did it well.

Thank-you and good luck.

My father also started a business (furniture manufacturer!), way back in 1977, when I was only 9.

What I have noticed is that the phrase over here (in England - maybe applies in the US), 'You only get out what you put in'.

Thanks for the comments. I hope to be at that ball soon, perhaps in a nice new tux!

I am not.

Just trying to get people thinking.

Thanks anyway.

'I believe the single biggest differentiator between success and failure is not giving up. Removing the words "can't" and "fail" from your vocabulary is a very simple illustration of this philosophy.'

I agree totally - sorry if I seemed uptight! (it's late here in the UK!)

You don't go along with the age thing then?

A fair point!

Actually what I was attempting here was to try and question the thinking behind when we can and can't do things that we wish to do.

I don't need anyone to convince me, I was trying to challenge the general perceptions of when you can start a start-up.

I never think a question is a 'stupid question', and I also don't think asking a question is a failure.

Are 'fail' and 'can't' words in your vocabulary?

I assume so, as you clearly understand my comments.

Something more thoughtful would help! ;)

I appreciate the response.

Can I ask what you are doing about it?

Yes - I believe I am!

Could you expand/clarify a little?

Are you suggesting that the 'fear of failure' is a major reason why people don't make the leap?

I have to say, I think you are correct.

Fear of failure is HUGE.

Imagine if I had a fear of failure.... what could be the outcome?

1) Leave current job (it pays the bills etc.) 2) Start new venture 3) Fail! (I have deliberately shortcut the possible reasons - so bear with me!) 4) No money comes in.... 5) Can't pay bills..... 6) Lose home etc etc

I believe the people who study this type of thought process would call it the Domesday scenario!

I guess success would be called the 'Google scenario'!?

I can't remove the word fail from my vocabulary - just try and make succeed more likely - how?

I think I understand the underlying reasoning behind the question. If like me, you have read a lot of the posts on this site, and the essays of Mr Graham, and have a desire to somehow start a start-up, or become your own boss etc., you search for ways to achieve this/these goals.

Most of the advice is fairly general, and I was often left with the feeling that many people just repeat the mantra: 'learn how to hack', 'do something you want, and users will like' etc etc. All good advice I may say, but nothing too concrete on how you actually start!

As hackers, most people will say: "you need to code, and business people, although relevant aren't required straight away."

I sort of agree and disagree. What does not work though is doing nothing, or procrastinating(in the wrong areas).

For me, I decided to at least do SOMETHING. I came from a systems engineering background (read:good Microsoft/Cisco techie, and reasonable sales/presentation sort of guy) - not a hacker though.

So, I decided to attempt to learn Java about a year or two ago. I have done OK with this, but unless you use a language in anger most days, you don't get very far. My latest attempt is Python. I like Core Python Programming 2nd edition by Wesley J. Chun.

What I guess I am trying to say is, you need to work out where you want to be (successful business), and take small steps towards it. That maybe learning business stuff, and it maybe learning to hack. Whatever. Just do something that is a step towards where you want to be, and continually re-evaluate how it's going.

Good luck.