Dorian Ciavarella’s Post

Hello, I have an idea spinning in my head that has me excited. It's a new idea, so please bear with me. Since starting my entrepreneurial journey, I've had the privilege of connecting with super passionate individuals, all driven to carve their own path. These connections sparked this idea and I would love to have you involved!   Talking to other new entrepreneurs, I've heard the same sentiments; creating in us a state of anxiety, confusion and overwhelm. Things like:   I'm overwhelmed I'm afraid of stuff falling through the cracks I'm not sure where to start I know I need processes but don't know where to start I'm not sure how to balance doing what I started the business for and working on the business (you know, because now we own it 😉) And so much more…   I'm picturing a community, a haven for new entrepreneurs like us, united in our pursuit of sustainable success. A place that helps us move to a state of confidence, organization and efficiency.    It's a vision of a community where we support each other, navigating the twists and turns of entrepreneurship together. From the early steps of getting started, to becoming organized with processes and systems designed for efficiency and automation, all the way up to realizing the dreams that ignited our passions – this community will be there every step of the way, providing a roadmap that helps us organize and prioritize everything we need to do.   A place where every milestone, no matter how small, is celebrated. An environment filled with passionate individuals, all new to the scary but oh so exciting world of business ownership.   Like I said, this is still a new idea…   But if the idea resonates with you, if the thought of embarking on this journey with a supportive like minded community excites you like it does me, then I would love to work together to make this a reality. I invite you to be a founding member where you'll have a hand in determining the direction by sharing your challenges, insights and feedback.   If you want to become a founding member, you will be locked in at the price of $15 per month for as long as you remain a member. Once we launch to the public, the price will increase.   As I mentioned, I have an idea and a vision but the details have not been worked out yet. Nothing has officially been created. And I expect some of the best ideas will come from you and others who join me as a founding member.   So, if you're as eager as I am to tap into a network of support, to lend a hand to fellow entrepreneurs, and be part of something truly special, I would love to embark on this adventure together – because together we are stronger and have boundless potential.   Join me. Become a founding member.   All you need to do is DM me… By 4/17 when the founding member launch ends.

"Have you always known that you would be an entrepreneur?" It's a fun question because it's only recently that I've started to confidently say, "I'm just an entrepreneur," when asked about my career. Generally, it has been hard for people to pin down what makes me good because my career has been a mix of so many different avenues and paths. But it's simple to me now thinking it's just about being an entrepreneur. An entrepreneur, to me, isn't just a business founder. It's someone who starts things, creates something out of nothing, and builds momentum—whether it's in art, business, writing or other new initiatives. And that is definitely me, but I didn't always know that. For a long time, I just saw myself as this creative person with wild ideas and probably ADHD, moving in all directions without formal education or actual sense of "proper" direction. But I had direction - creation. I've always been creating, whether it was ideas, stories, music, weird innovations, or later on, business growth. My first venture into creation I can remember, was writing a song at 9 years old - and no you're never gonna hear that - it was horrendous 😂 Growing up in a musical family, it's all been about creation and reflective curiosity. Understanding business mechanics came much later, and that's when I eventually realized I could actually translate my knowledge into business and create my own path in life. But for me, the core of entrepreneurship is about the art of creation, transformation, growth, and building. Whether or not you start a specific company is secondary to that. My first business in the traditional sense was 2013 with Aftercloud, but before and after that I've had a long track record of being a leading part of many successful startups across different sectors. Definitely something I am proud of, but also put into perspective: My very first time feeling that I was building and creating, was creating a song in 1992 - and that taught me just as much. Funny how life goes. Over the years I've learned never to let conventional thinking and status quo dictate what you can and can't do, and it's led me to create Continuum X Group, once again building it my own way, taking a different spin on traditional setups. Future is bright. Never stop creating out there, fellow entrepreneurs! ❤️ 🚀 #esports #gaming #entrepreneurship #creativity

**Entrepreneurship: The Ugly, Unfiltered Truth** Let's cut the crap. Entrepreneurship is glorified beyond recognition, and it’s about time someone stripped away the fluffy nonsense. ⚠️ Here’s the real deal: • **Endless Hustle:** Forget the fantasy of lounging by a pool while your business grows itself. Entrepreneurship is a relentless grind. You’ll work 60-, 80-, even 100-hour weeks. Holidays? What are those? • **Loneliness Factor:** You’re on your own. Can't handle making decisions in isolation? Rethink that entrepreneur LinkedIn status you’re so proud of. It’s lonely at the top, but it’s excruciating in the middle where you’ll likely spend most of your time. • **Failure is Imminent:** Brace yourself—most startups fail. No, scratch that—*almost all startups fail.* You’ll face setbacks, loss, and disappointment. Romanticize that. 👎 **NOT EVERYONE IS CUT OUT FOR THIS** Stop buying into the lie that anyone can be an entrepreneur. That’s just BS marketing from people selling you courses, books, and secrets that’ll never make you a millionaire. • **Sacrifice:** Ready to sacrifice your social life, family time, and mental health? • **Financial Risk:** Comfortable with the idea of burning through savings, maxing out credit cards, and surviving on ramen noodles? • **Sleepless Nights:** Can you handle sleepless nights fueled by anxiety and uncertainty? Exactly. 🌪️ **THE TRUE GUTS OF SUCCESS** Entrepreneurship is not about having a cool idea—it’s about execution, persistence, and a willingness to shove your ego in the trash compactor. • **Focus over Fancy:** Screw the fancy business cards and flashy presentations. Double down on execution: deliver results and meet deadlines. • **Adapt and Evolve:** Your initial idea will likely suck. Accept it now. Be ready to pivot, change, and reinvent. • **Build Grit:** The capacity to endure is more important than being the smartest person in the room. 📊 **BOTTOM LINE PLAYS** The bottom line is this: entrepreneurship isn’t sexy. It’s brutal, exhausting, and devastating. But for those crazed enough to push through the mess, the rewards—albeit rare—can dwarf anything else. Just go in with eyes wide open and prepare for war. Entrepreneurship is the grind that turns miners into diamonds, or chews them up and spits them out as rubble. Reality check served. 🔥 Are you still in? _comments appreciated below if you have the guts_

“Entrepreneurship”, Is it for everyone?? If we could, most of us would probably choose to be an entrepreneur. Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos… They’re the risk-taking, rebellious “disrupters” we all wanna be. After all, who doesn’t want to change the world, be their own boss and sh*t-post on Twitter? Yes. Society in 2024 worships the entrepreneur. But should we all aim to be one? I’d argue “*NO*”. IMO, entrepreneur-worship has many us trying to cram our skillsets & temperaments into a hole that downright doesn’t fit… just to get a bite at fortune, fame & “freedom.” The irony? I think for - gasp! - most of us, we can achieve more success, satisfaction, impact, freedom and money pursuing something slightly different instead. What is this “something different”? ❌ Dispel the myth: I'll make more money as an entrepreneur Funny enough, if money is your primary goal (no judgement if it is), you can make incredible amounts of money within the right company, without even having started the company. With less risk. Entrepreneurship gets hyped as the golden ticket to wealth. But the interesting reality is: The median employee salary is higher than the median business owner salary. That's because most businesses either fail or just break even. Yes, the Musks and Zuckerbergs get the headlines. But they're the exceptions, not the rule. The takeaway? Don't assume entrepreneurship is your best path to money. ✋ But don’t get me wrong Now, I'm not trying to discourage entrepreneurship. If you have something you're passionate about, and you want to do it – then please go for it! For some, entrepreneurship is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. But if you simply want to be an entrepreneur for the sake of being an entrepreneur, or just because you want the supposed ‘freedom’ and flexibility, then becoming an intrapreneur is the smarter path. It really comes down to your preferences and your risk tolerance. It’s your life. I just wanted to offer another vantage point. 🚨 A key point: ‘Intrapreneurs’ vs employees One last thing: Notice how I've said "intrapreneurs" and not just "employees"? That's because there's a big difference between the two. Intrapreneurs don't just clock in and out. They're the ones who actively seek out ownership of projects and take initiative. They're always on the lookout for opportunities to create value for their company. And they're not afraid to take calculated risks to drive innovation. In a sense, they're the entrepreneurs within the organization. And that’s who you need to strive to become.

Believe it or not, entrepreneurship is not a magical doorway leading to overnight success. If you thought it was, I’m sorry for the shattered illusions, but someone had to say it. Honestly now, entrepreneurship is a journey that resembles a rollercoaster ride. One of the gnarliest, rockiest rollercoasters you could imagine. It’s filled with dizzying highs and soul-crushing lows. It’s not for the faint-hearted. Here's the deal: ✅ Entrepreneurship requires you to forgo a 9-5 job for an 18-hour workday. You'll eat, sleep, and breathe your venture, finding yourself constantly managing risks you can't possibly predict. ✅ It calls for inherent passion. You’ve got to truly love what you're doing, or else when the going gets tough, you’re going to find an exit sign mighty appealing. Don’t commit if you're not prepared to run a marathon while juggling flaming torches, figuratively speaking. ✅ You must develop a relationship with failure – yes, you heard that right. No successful entrepreneur has gotten to where they are without tasting the bitter sting of failure. It's like eating your vegetables. No one loves it, but it's necessary for growth. ✅ You've got to create your own map. Yes, 'tried and true' paths exist, but aren’t we entrepreneurs all about 'disruptive' and 'innovative'? If we walk in someone else's path, are we not merely followers? Ah, the irony. Wait, hold on. Is this too much? Too brutal? Some may argue, 'Where is the optimism, the fairy tale?' To which I respond: entrepreneurship isn’t a fairy tale. Still interested? Good. Because despite the sleepless nights, the stress, the uncertainty, the heartache, there’s an indescribable feeling that comes with building something from scratch. Bringing a simple idea to life, making a tangible difference in the world, and having the freedom and flexibility to pursue your own path, your way – that’s the gold at the end of the rainbow, my friends. Yes, entrepreneurship is a tough master, but it promises rewards that no typical job can ever offer. Buckle up, brace for impact. I told you, it's not a smooth ride. But boy, is it worth it. Only if you're stubborn enough to stick around to reap the rewards though. Here’s to the crazy ones.

Transitioning from a corporate executive to an entrepreneur was one of the most pivotal decisions of my life. For years, I thrived in the corporate world, holding key leadership roles, leading successful teams, and achieving remarkable milestones. Yet, despite all my professional successes, I felt a persistent, inner nudge towards something more personal and fulfilling. Evaluating my readiness for this entrepreneurial journey was both an exciting and daunting process. It wasn't just about leaving behind the security of a steady paycheck; it was about truly understanding if I had what it took to build something from the ground up. Here are three simple indicators I discovered along the way that assured me entrepreneurship was in my DNA: 1) Passion for Problem-Solving: In my corporate roles, I always found myself drawn to challenges that required innovative solutions. Whether it was streamlining a process, launching a new initiative, or turning around a struggling team, I thrived on solving problems. This passion was a clear sign that I had the mindset of an entrepreneur, someone who sees obstacles as opportunities. 2) Desire for Autonomy: Despite the perks of corporate life—generous bonuses, stock options, and executive perks—I often craved more control over my work and decisions. I wanted to create and implement ideas without the constraints of corporate bureaucracy. This longing for autonomy was a strong indicator that I was ready to take charge of my own destiny. 3) Drive to Make a Lasting Impact: My corporate achievements were gratifying, but I yearned to create something that reflected my values and could leave a lasting impact. I wanted to build a legacy that went beyond quarterly profits and performance reviews. This deep-seated drive to make a meaningful difference was the final affirmation that I was ready to embark on my entrepreneurial journey. With these indicators in mind, I took a leap of faith. I meticulously planned my transition, seeking advice from mentors, conducting thorough market research, and ensuring I had a solid financial foundation. The journey wasn't easy—there were moments of doubt and fear—but the alignment of my passions, desire for autonomy, and drive to make an impact kept me motivated and focused. Today, as the CEO and founder of my own venture, I can confidently say that evaluating my readiness was the most crucial step in my journey. It allowed me to enter entrepreneurship with clarity, confidence, and a sense of purpose. If you're feeling that same nudge and wondering if entrepreneurship is your path, I invite you to join our masterclass, "From Corporate to First-Time Entrepreneur." We'll explore these indicators in-depth and help you determine if you're ready to take the leap towards crafting your own legacy. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eCA2V8Aj

Transitioning from a corporate executive to an entrepreneur was one of the most pivotal decisions of my life. For years, I thrived in the corporate world, holding key leadership roles, leading successful teams, and achieving remarkable milestones. Yet, despite all my professional successes, I felt a persistent, inner nudge towards something more personal and fulfilling. Evaluating my readiness for this entrepreneurial journey was both an exciting and daunting process. It wasn't just about leaving behind the security of a steady paycheck; it was about truly understanding if I had what it took to build something from the ground up. Here are three simple indicators I discovered along the way that assured me entrepreneurship was in my DNA: 1) Passion for Problem-Solving: In my corporate roles, I always found myself drawn to challenges that required innovative solutions. Whether it was streamlining a process, launching a new initiative, or turning around a struggling team, I thrived on solving problems. This passion was a clear sign that I had the mindset of an entrepreneur, someone who sees obstacles as opportunities. 2) Desire for Autonomy: Despite the perks of corporate life—generous bonuses, stock options, and executive perks—I often craved more control over my work and decisions. I wanted to create and implement ideas without the constraints of corporate bureaucracy. This longing for autonomy was a strong indicator that I was ready to take charge of my own destiny. 3) Drive to Make a Lasting Impact: My corporate achievements were gratifying, but I yearned to create something that reflected my values and could leave a lasting impact. I wanted to build a legacy that went beyond quarterly profits and performance reviews. This deep-seated drive to make a meaningful difference was the final affirmation that I was ready to embark on my entrepreneurial journey. With these indicators in mind, I took a leap of faith. I meticulously planned my transition, seeking advice from mentors, conducting thorough market research, and ensuring I had a solid financial foundation. The journey wasn't easy—there were moments of doubt and fear—but the alignment of my passions, desire for autonomy, and drive to make an impact kept me motivated and focused. Today, as the CEO and founder of my own venture, I can confidently say that evaluating my readiness was the most crucial step in my journey. It allowed me to enter entrepreneurship with clarity, confidence, and a sense of purpose. If you're feeling that same nudge and wondering if entrepreneurship is your path, I invite you to join our masterclass, "From Corporate to First-Time Entrepreneur." We'll explore these indicators in-depth and help you determine if you're ready to take the leap towards crafting your own legacy. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eCv2Zfsh

Lately, I’ve been seeing some anti-entrepreneurship posts pop in my feed here, sharing the “hard truths” about starting a business.  Yes, entrepreneurship can mean long hours, juggling tasks you may not enjoy, and dealing with constant unknowns. But here’s the thing: not every entrepreneurial path looks the same. And success doesn’t have to mean raising venture capital or building the next unicorn. It can look like anything from achieving financial independence to launching a small, values-driven business with the freedom to define your own success metrics. Here’s what I’ve learned from my own journey and from working with other entrepreneurs: • 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗺: Freedom in entrepreneurship isn’t about having zero obligations; it’s about having the power to decide what commitments align with your goals and values. Not every founder seeks explosive growth, just as not every business needs investors. Entrepreneurship can allow you to design a work-life balance that truly fits you. • 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆: While venture-backed businesses may require hyper-growth and significant sacrifices, other models allow you to stay in control and scale thoughtfully. Many founders are finding purpose and fulfillment in creating lean, sustainable businesses with small teams and meaningful impact. • 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁: It’s less about “escaping” employee life and more about embracing a new mindset. Entrepreneurship often starts with a mindset shift, requiring you to step outside comfort zones, face uncertainties, and take full responsibility for the journey. With this mindset, entrepreneurship becomes a personal growth path as much as a career choice. To anyone on the fence about starting a business, I’d suggest asking yourself why you want to do this and what success looks like for YOU. With self-reflection, support, and clarity, entrepreneurship can be a powerful journey of self-discovery and purpose, not just a path to financial success or external validation. If you’re at a crossroads or feeling that pull, I’d be happy to share what I’ve learned along the way. Real, sustainable entrepreneurship is about creating something meaningful on your terms, with a life you actually want to live. #Purpose #MindsetShift #SelfDiscovery #BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurLife -- If this resonates with you, feel free to share and repost! Follow me for more insights into making a successful transition into #Entrepreneurship and learn about #UnblockedInTenWeeks, my signature coaching program for conscious entrepreneurs, here: unblockedintenweeks.com

Okay, now we get to the point in the story where I do the crazy thing. Where I take the leap of faith into "entrepreneurship". For those of you that have had this thought cross your mind, that you want to do something like this, let me just say that there will never be a good time. Never. If you're going to take that leap, you'll have to be fully dedicated to it because it is brutal. There is no stability. You have to develop a new way of seeing the world, your finances, your relationships, etc. It's hard. In Nov 2019, with my wife's permission of course, I finally decided to take the leap into doing my own thing. Being my own boss. Creating something. Me and my great business partner and lifelong friend Cory Rich decided it was time to quit our jobs and be a little (or a lot) crazy. We built a leadership development app (at least that's what we thought we'd use it for), started marketing it.....then March 2020 happened. Literally within two weeks of our app being done, the world is getting shut down and downsized, and the last thing people need is an extra expense. We tried to make it work for a while but eventually realized it wasn't going to happen. I still to this day have no idea if the product was any good. Of course WE thought it was amazing, but the market was so bad we never really got to find out. But that's how it goes. Life just happens. It failed. (But I still use it personally because I think it was awesome) Most of the next couple of years after that has been documented here already so I won't go into it too much. In summary, I spent some time doing operations work for a digital marketing company, a video production company, and a mobile vision clinic. I learned SO MUCH with each of those opportunities. Being responsible for streamlining the processes and procedures of businesses, especially startups, was how I found my gift. What I'm really good at in the business world. And being associated with some incredibly talented people along the way was icing on the cake. The professional and personal growth I've experienced in the last 4+ years has been incredible. And I can attribute that to doing the hard thing. The hard thing is where the growth is. I'm not going to say that self-employment/entrepreneurship is the right way for everyone. It isn't. It's right for the people that it's right for. BUT, I will say that growth only happens when doing the hard thing, or facing the adversity, or fighting the opposition. So whatever that hard thing is that you've been avoiding...do it. Take it on. Give it everything you have. There is still a little bit left to this story that I want to get documented, so I'll pick that up tomorrow.

🚀 Powerful Questions for Successful Entrepreneurs The journey of an entrepreneur is paved with challenges and triumphs. . Here are some powerful questions to spark insightful conversations that will propel you on your own entrepreneurial path: 1. Unveiling the Spark: What ignited your passion for this venture? Understanding the driving force behind their business can reveal the core values and motivations that fueled their success. 2. Navigating the Unknown: What was the biggest challenge you faced in the early stages, and how did you overcome it? Entrepreneurship is rarely smooth sailing. Hearing about their struggles and triumphs equips you with strategies to anticipate and overcome challenges you might face. 3. Lessons Learned: What surprised you most about your entrepreneurial journey?. Their answer might shed light on things you might not have considered and help you prepare for the unforeseen. 4. Building a Dream Team: How did you assemble your founding team, and what qualities did you look for? A strong team is the backbone of any successful venture. Understanding how they built their team can give you valuable insights into recruiting and fostering a collaborative environment. 5. The Power of Focus: How did you identify your ideal customer and tailor your approach to resonate with them? Understanding their target market strategy can help you refine your own approach to identify and attract your ideal customer base. 6. Beyond the Business Plan: Did your initial business plan perfectly map out your journey, or did you need to adapt significantly? The business landscape is constantly evolving. Knowing how they navigated change and adapted their plan can help you stay flexible and embrace necessary pivots. 7. Funding Strategies: What financing route did you choose and why was it the right fit for your venture? Understanding their funding strategy can help you make informed decisions about financing your own startup, considering your specific goals and needs. 8. Marketing Magic: What marketing strategies have been most effective in driving customer acquisition and brand awareness? Learning from their marketing successes and failures can help you develop a targeted marketing strategy for your own venture. 9. Building Relationships: How do you cultivate strong relationships with mentors, investors, and partners? Building a strong network is crucial for any entrepreneur. 10. The Vision Beyond: What does long-term success look like for you and your venture? Understanding their vision for the future can inspire you to define your own long-term goals and build a business that goes beyond just generating profit. 👉 Remember: Successful entrepreneurs are often eager to mentor aspiring founders. By asking thoughtful questions and actively listening to their experiences, you'll gain a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to navigate your own entrepreneurial journey. 🚀 #EntreprenuerQuestions #AskLikeABoss #StartupInsights #FoundersJourney #Xzoona