HELP: Would you choose a practical business or a risky dream business?

Question

Suppose you're starting a business and your product is high-risk because it takes capital and time to create and has little certainty of success (eg: documentaries).

So you build a version of that which is high certainty of success but is not your long term vision (eg: video marketing).

I'm building a video marketing service as my Verson 1 of my real documentary business as one of the final iterations, but I'm wondering if this is a distraction from the "main thing", i.e., the documentary films.

What would you do? Aim for this practical decision to level up to those risky bets eventually or not waste time and gun straight toward your dreams? I appreciate your help.

Business Marketing with Nika · Accepted Answer

I feel the same... I have my plans but am "too distracted" by work that pays my bills. If you have enough funds to nurture your dream, go for it. BUT if you like your current work and still like the process, I wouldn't let it go completely. If there is a possibility to work with people in your current work, it also can be valuable – at least they can support you, give you feedback, contacts etc.

I think that most people build their dream as "a side project" besides their job. When they felt that it was profitable enough, they slowly quit their official work. 🙂

Joep van den Bogaert · Answer

I think it really depends on your situation and preferences. If going for the high risk high reward stresses you out or you're not in the (financial) position to give it a shot, then stair stepping your way there makes a lot of sense.

If you are in the position to do it and you feel like that's what you want to work on, then why not make a good plan (+ a back-up plan) and just go for it?

Sean Ward · Answer

Very much depends on your responsibilities outside of the business you’re trying to start.

If you’ve got very little to lose, or if you don’t mind struggling a bit to try things out, then absolutely take the risk.

“No risk, no ‘Rari”

Alternatively, if you want to take a more conservative approach and expose yourself to less risk, I’d go the route you’re going which serves as a bit of a litmus test to test your skills, biz proposition, market fit, etc.

Sandra Djajic · Answer

Working on your dream business is definitely a bumpy ride, but it is also an interesting and exciting journey. I would work on exploring the opportunities of the dream business direction :)

Jon Wesselink · Answer

@sandradjajic Thank you Sandra! Any risky business done the right way can at least lower the risk a bit with planning and execution. I think I can synthesize approaches. Ugh my worst trait is not choosing one thing and going for it lol.

This discussion and your comment has brought me clarity thank you :D

Jon Wesselink · Answer

@busmark_w_nika Yes that healthy transition seems to be the best from all the advice I've heard. You're right, I am still learning lots and get paid to improve my skills 10fold at Fedica so I am very blessed and I know that the dividends it will pay in my future business will be grand. And maybe I'll make them us a branded commercial in the future.

Thank you Nika!

Jon Wesselink · Answer

@jopie Yesss the stepping is most risk adverse. I think I am young and risk is fine, but then we must consider our family and who we'd fall back on. If they are risk takers too, that has to enter the equation LOL.

For now, milestone transitioning seems to be the play. Especially since my job trains me for free for some of the value I can add to my future business. Thank you!

Hussein Hashish · Answer

risky dream practical business

Max Avery · Answer

both - use the video marketing service to build your network, accumulate some more resources and hone your own skillset - work on the documentary in the background and build it up

Anastasia Klyykina · Answer

@jonwesselink That is a very interesting quote, never heard it before, but it made me think deeply now :D

That is why I love ph discussions, never know when new thoughts and ideas hit you!

But I wish you never stop loving what you do, tho not too much, right hahah :)

Anastasia Klyykina · Answer

If we stop talking strategies for a bit, and take a look at it from another angle, I really think it is hard to maintain a business, which does not make you passionate about it. Making money for the sake of money never truly pays off.

If you put time and effort on minimising the risks for your dream business, looking for optimised solutions, you will win eventually.

Answer

Thanks you so much SARAH JEFFREY FX ON FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM, with just a try am convince to invest more, I can't just believe this is real and genuine, trust me am doing again with you with my little capital of £2500 I got £18,900 payback directly to my wallet

Jon Wesselink · Answer

@weansard True true.. We gotta risk it for the buiscut.

At the same time, I think the value is waiting for now in my position could slingshot me 10x further with more skills than making the jump now.

In my mind phase 1 will create systems, contacts and fundamentals that could mitigate the final phase should I go for the big jump asap. Thank you!

Jon Wesselink · Answer

@max_avery That does make sense, all these responses are amazing. Thank you. The docs I want to make now will take a long time to produce so no reason to rush them. This makes me consider content topics now that the time horizon expands..

Thanks!

Jon Wesselink · Answer

@anastasia_klyykina Amazing advice thank you :)

Just for fun, I heard the quote: "You should love your business, but you can't be IN LOVE with your business, because then you don't do what it takes to grow it"

Maybe I can love business and enjoy that video marketing structure! So far at least with how I'm tackling it is truly unique.

Either way, I agree. I have to stay on the side of loving it, but not soo much so that I never actually make it a business.

But never money first, that's facts. Thank you!

HELP: Would you choose a practical business or a risky dream business?

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