Rules of the Game...

So; it's a brand new year, and I'd love to say I've kicked into gear and I'm ready to go on this incredible personal challenge I've set for myself. Unfortunately; the weather here in Scotland has meant everything has ground to a halt and all the bloody public holidays has meant that today was the first day that everything and everyone who can help you start a business (lawyers, accountants, bankers etc.) went back to work.

I haven't had much to write about over the last week. All I've been doing is waiting, and thinking. Unfortunately, all I managed to achieve was to almost melt a hole right through my £700 Macbook with a 3 pence tealight (don't ask!).

This entire project will be henceforth known, as 'The Challenge'. 'The Challenge' is to be defined as; me starting 5, brand-new, actual trading businesses by the 31st December 2010. But what is defined by me starting a business? Well, it would be impossible for me to actually start and run 5 separate enterprises all by myself in just 12 months. Obviously you can take on employees, but this would still be a big stretch for one person. So I plan on having business partners; maybe not for every business, but certainly some. Obviously; I could just take small equity stakes in many small startups to achieve this, but this would be cheating. I want to do this properly, so I've come up with a few rules to stick by. so; Rule 1. The original idea for each business must have come from me. Secondly; I must have a large part to play in each business, therefore Rule 2. I must own at least 50% equity of each business when it starts to trade. Finally; I obviously want each business to be a distinct entity, and not just businesses that supply other ones in the chain, therefore Rule 3. Each of the 5 businesses must be in distinctly different industries from one another.

These are the only rules of 'The Challenge', and I believe it's important to set them now so I know exactly how much wiggle room I have. As of tomorrow, I'll start writing small case studies about each of the businesses I intend to start. I have 1 specific and 2 vague ideas at the moment, so hopefully within the next few months I can come up with a few concrete ideas.

Tune in tomorrow for 'Business no.1's Case Study'; the one I've actually started to flesh out fully, and I'll tell you all about it.