My last few years.....until today

Day 1
I have dreamed about starting my own travel business over the years ever since I started serious travel back in 2001.  I have given up my career as an engineer and am moving towards my dream.  This blog will chronicle my days leading up to finally getting some clients on the road.

So far to date I have given up my job as an engineer and have worked as a travel guide for G Adventures both in Canada and SE Asia.  This was a test to see if I enjoyed the work, and I did.  In fact it was more than that.  I loved sharing the world with other people and showing them the wonders that travel can offer.  I found my stimulus in the smiles I saw everyday, especially when my travelers were testing their limits and doing something that maybe scared them.  I enjoyed the social aspect and felt I was a friend to my travelers, not only a guide.  I enjoyed them, and where we were.

The only problems with being a guide for somebody else is that firstly, you are on somebody else' schedule which kept me away from home and fiance too much.  Secondly, the pay of a guide is not something you are going to be able to retire on!!  So, something on my own will solve both of these issues hopefully, allowing me to also keep working in the industry that I love.

Since guiding, I worked with a friend in Calgary in home construction.  He needed help badly initially, but this was not a step backward.  In fact, we worked together on streamlining his business and taking business coaching workshops along the way.  His business is now running smoothly, and with much less stress than before.  He is creating a good lifestyle for himself.

I have since moved on from this temporary job and stewed more about how to bring something to life.  I took a business plan development workshop, but during that time I felt myself still floundering about which direction to go.  Then a fellow classmate brought me an idea that really hit home.  THIS IS IT, I thought.  And thinking all the way home brought more and more excitement.  I discussed it with my fiance and some friends, and all agreed that this idea had some traction and I started to proceed.

Now armed with a good direction, it was much easier to complete my business plan.  A good first pass at the plan, and a thumbs up from my instructor.  I have passed my business plan by friends with positive results and plenty of offers to help.  One good friend in particular expressed a serious eagerness to work together and partner up.  A bit glossy eyed, I agreed, but have since had to retract.  This was the hardest part yet, because I knew I was letting down a friend.  He was a true professional though, and took the news in stride which makes me think working with him will be an even better experience.  I hope we can work together on the project to some extent, whatever that might be.   He will be fantastic to work with.

So, as of today, I have a mentor walking me through some steps that I felt were a bit formidable.  He is keen on the idea, and wants to help.  We are planning to incorporate this week, and then do some proper financials, and profit and losses next week.  Then and advisory board to help with marketing.

I am on the right track.  Getting lots of help and support from friends and especially my fiance (who will be 50% of the company too).  So, just learning all the nuances of what it takes to incorporate, how to issue shares, and many other issues I had no idea about until this date.  I've got a massive to-do list, and just prioritizing that in hopes of getting some help in the near future