The Crazy Business Adventures Of Soggy Dave

I was cleaning out some old file boxes and came across some old receipts and stuff of some of the failed attempts of entrepreneurship of mine. Let me start by saying like most of you, I have always been obsessed about making my own money. I was cutting lawns for 3 dollars at the age of 7 and collecting coke bottles to return for deposit even earlier. I loved to collect baseball cards and the only way I could do it was to earn my own money. I grew up very poor, so poor I thought Government cheese was a name brand until I was 14 or so. I loved making my own money, but not every venture I delved into was a success. Below are some of my dubious efforts and a few successful ones:

Amateur Pot Dealer: Teenage years and bright ideas usually do not end well. Let's just say I was not selling for medicinal purposes back in the early 80's. Evidently there are laws against this sort of thing. Luckily I got out of the business with mostly just a slap on the wrist and a night in County hotel. FAIL

Selling Recipes In the National Enquirer: I took out a 3 month classified ad in the back of the National Enquirer to sell my mothers pretzel salad recipe. This was my first attempt at mail order way back when. I sold a grand total of zero. The only success I had was I still have the recipe. FAIL

Trading Card Sales: This was hot as well in 80's put the bottom fell out of the market when the hobby went crazy. I made some money, but failed to reinvest it back in the inventory. the only good thing is I still have an extensive card collection that has gained a little value over the years. FAIL

Mobile Car Wash: I bought a contraption out of Entrepreneur Magazine for about $2800.00. It was a self contained mobile car wash system that worked off of a pump that connected to the cigarette lighter. I did OK, for a little while, mostly from word of mouth, but realized quickly I did not enjoy washing cars. FAIL

Window Tinting: In the 80's this was a hot business, I made a little money, but lack of advertising funds combined with everyone in Florida was getting into it, made it tough. On top of that, sitting inside a car in 90 degree heat in the south is not very enjoyable. FAIL

Amway Distributor: No explanation really needed here. Admit it, most of you reading this blog have this on your resume. FAIL

Coffee Company: Finally nailed one. I had this business for about 10 years and started from scratch. I sold the business about 4 or 5 years ago when the market was right. Lots of blood, sweat and tears over those years, but learned a ton about business and made a pretty penny. SUCCESS

Real Estate Rentals: Another good one thus far. Before the housing market rose and fail about 5 years ago, I built 7 new town homes. Quickly figured out that 7 was too many to manage myself rental wise and sold 4 off at the top of the market here locally. Bought low, sold high. I still have 3 left to this day. all paid for. Being a landlord is not easy though, you learn a ton as you go. SUCCESS

The successful businesses I did have all had a one common factor. They all had solid business plans. Much like building niche sites, you need a solid plan. If you are not thinking about buying the upcoming Build A Niche Store Guide, you better already have an established business plan in place. This guide will be the best $25.00 you every spent. Now if you excuse me, I have a ton of those documents to destroy.

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