10 Things that Change When You're an Entrepreneur

Next week, Greenhorn Connect celebrates its 4 month anniversary. It feels like it was just last week I was totally new to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and was just trying to figure it all out and see if people really needed all these resources. Since the start, Greenhorn Connect has changed a lot and I have with it. I've done a lot of reflection on how my life changed and when talking with other entrepreneurs, I've noticed they have similar experiences, so I'd like to share some of the things that change when you take the plunge into becoming a full-on entrepreneur:

10 Things that Change When You're an Entrepreneur

1) You Forget About TV

We all have favorite television shows and movies that we've watched over the years.  One thing I've quickly noticed is that the amount of time spent watching TV goes down massively when you really start a project you're into. Whether you're out at networking events when the show is on or just hard at work burning the "midnight oil," don't expect to have much time for that anymore. Don't worry, you won't miss it and with Hulu, Comcast OnDemand, etc, if there's one or two guilty pleasures, you can catch them when you need that break at 2:30am.

2) You Have Fewer Hobbies

When I was in college, I played on an average of 4 intramural sports teams per semester and was in 5 student groups.  It was nice being busy back then and I loved doing it, but now that time is filled with other things.  I used to be huge into fantasy sports, and now I still participate in leagues, but the time I once spent on reading blogs and scanning statistics is now reserved for other interests. In the end, you still need to keep a hobby or two, as they'll be a great outlet for you to relax and take your mind of things.

3) You'll Need a Few Outlets

Many entrepreneurs, myself included, are workaholics. We think that we need to constantly be making progress and getting things done to make our startups succeed.  In the end, you cannot work every minute of every day. You'll burn out really fast that way. Having a few favorite outlets can really help. I find nothing says "mental break" quite like watching an old episode of "How I Met Your Mother" and I'm sure you have your own favorites. I also play soccer and I especially love that as for 1 hour a week I literally don't think about any of my startups at all.  It's also a great alternative place to be competitive as channeling my competitive fire just into business can be somewhat less satisfying than crushing a soccer ball into the back of the net.

4) You're Close Non-Entrepreneur Friends will be More Important

I have two roommates who are not really into the entrepreneurial scene. One is a business major, the other an electrical engineer.  While I spend way too much time working in my room, it's really great to be able to step out and have a beer with one of them and be reminded how the rest of the world operates; it's so easy to get lost in this alternate reality of startups, where everyone is pushing so hard to create new things and the only topics of discussion are startups.  As great as it is to be around all the energized people in the community, it's very important to stay grounded in reality and be reminded that there are other parts to life.

5) You'll Become Good Friends with Mr. Peanut Butter & Mrs. Jelly

If you're a first time entrepreneur, your most likely bootstrapping your business.  If that's the case, your biggest burn rate is likely to be your own living expenses. Unfortunately, your rent, utilities, student loans and monthly T pass are fixed costs you can't skimp on.  That means things like your "discretionary entertainment fund" (aka- beer money) and food budget are likely to take the hit.  You'll end up finding a few items that are a staple of your diet because they're A) Cheap, B) Quick to make and C) You generally like the taste.  And don't worry about the beer money. With all the work and professional events you'll be at, it's easy to get used to only have a beer or two when you're out.

6) Explaining to Grandma What You Do Will Be Hard

When I was home for the holidays, I tried to tell my family what I was doing with Greenhorn Connect. My parents got it, but my Grandma, who has never used the internet or computers, was basically at a loss. She was just happy to hear that it was going well and I guess that will have to do.  Most people, especially those used to the standard family structure and corporate ladder lifestyle will not likely easily understand your career choice. Don't worry. Understanding is not a prerequisite for supporting and believing in you.

7) 9 to 5 Will Lose its Meaning

If you are serious about your startup, you'll soon realize what a "full time" job really is.  You cannot launch a business treating it as a 40 hour a week job and that structure of a corporate work style won't apply. You'll grab lunch when you have time, have late night work sessions and find yourself endlessly thinking about work.  Don't worry though, if you're doing your startup right, your corporate friends will be "working" more than you; as Harvey MacKay said, "Find something you love to do and you'll never have to work a day in your life."

8) Sleep Becomes Scarce

Everyone wishes there were more hours in the day. This is especially true for entrepreneurs. Generally, sleep is the first thing people sacrifice. It's not because it's easy, but you know you have to.  You might have to get a document out by the morning and so you just end up working on it until 4am, but you have to get up at 7am for an 8am breakfast. That's how it goes. Caffeine and naps are your best friend for keeping it going. Exercise and eating healthy can help you get by on less sleep.  In the end though, if you're exhausted, the best thing you can do is get some sleep and tackle it in the morning.

9) You'll Learn More than You Could Imagine

In these four months, I've met many amazing people and learned so much I can't believe it.  Everyone always says it and when you're in school you don't believe it, but it's true: Just go out and do it and you'll learn more than you can in any class.  This doesn't mean school doesn't matter, but it's the application of the ideas that matters.

10) You'll Have No Regrets; It Will All Be Worth It

I'm loving every minute of this. Have there been some "stomach punch" moments along the way? Yes. You don't win every battle, but you can win the war if you stick with it and make sure you really are pursuing your passion. And the best thing is, the entrepreneurial community is filled with people pursuing their passions and we all want to help.  Share your passion and show your excitement and you'll get other excited too.  I believe Greenhorn's success is as much about anything we've built at this site as it is me sharing my passion and enthusiasm for what I believe we can accomplish together.

What's changed for you since you launched your business?