Alert
Close

Help those devastated by the Oklahoma tornadoes. Click here to donate today and AARP will match your gift

AARP Membership: Just $16 a Year

Highlights

Open

Dunkin' Donuts

Members receive a Donut with purchase of a L or XL beverage

AARP Salutes Our Heroes

Thanks to the veterans who served our country

Savings Icon

Tanger Outlets

Access to a free coupon book

Technical Icon

Black Community

How to live your best life

Tell Us Your Story

Let us know how the new health care law helps you

Contests and
Sweeps

You Could Win $50,000!

Plus you’ll get free tips and tools to help you find your perfect path to retirement
See official rules.

Happiness
poll

most popular
articles

Viewed

Recommended

Commented

You Can Do It!

Can I Really Start My Own Business?

A dispatcher hopes to own her own company

  • Text
  • Print
  • Comments
  • Recommend

Dear Chris,

I worked as a dispatcher for 30 years and dreamed of owning my own transit company. Now I want to build the greatest one ever! But how can someone with no education and no backing start a company? I can see it in my head and feel it in my heart, but I don't know if it is my reality.

— Anna B., 55, New York, New York

Chris Gardner

Entrepreneur and best-selling author Chris Gardner — Art Streiber

Dear Anna,

It sounds to me as if you already have all the elements to make a successful plan. I call them the C-5 complex: A plan must be clear, concise, compelling, consistent, and committed to. These five things have been crucial to anything I've accomplished, and I see them in your vision and your energy. Your 30 years of experience in the industry are invaluable! Just apply your talent and expertise to endeavors you feel passionate about.

I understand your worry about what you don't have. But you have what you really need — a goal you can see and feel. Many have forged a path to greatness lit only by a vision in their minds.

Entrepreneur and author Chris Gardner is AARP's Pursuit and Happyness ambassador. Got a question? Ask Chris.

Topic Alerts

You can get weekly email alerts on the topics below. Just click “Follow.”

Manage Alerts

Processing

Please wait...

progress bar, please wait

Tell Us WhatYou Think

Please leave your comment below.

You must be signed in to comment.

Sign In | Register

More comments »

Discounts & Benefits

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Norwegian Cruise Line offers 5% off on select cruises, plus other special offers.

Tanger Outlets

Members receive a free Tanger Coupon Book including up to 20% discount offers.

Life insurance: you are covered rain or shine

Members can convert their assets into guaranteed income for life with AARP Lifetime Income Program from New York Life.

Member Benefits

Members receive exclusive member benefits & affect social change. Join Today

Being Social

Featured
Groups

5 Weeks to a New Life

How do you resolve differences in a relationship — without fighting? Share your tips in our online community and be eligible to win prizes. Discuss

The Reinvention Group

The Reinvention Group

Ask questions, find support and share information about changing gears in your 50+ years. Discuss

coffeeshop

The Coffee Shop

Kick back and enjoy lighthearted conversation among Online Community locals. Discuss