I noticed while viewing my profile that someone who might be going over my credentials, might want to pick it apart starting with the date that I entered for the “start” of Inforenz|it – my IT consulting and information research business.
The idea to start my business began back in the mid-90′s, as I recall … I’m not exactly sure if I picked up a copy of Inc. magazine while on a trip, or just on a visit to one of my favorite bookstores, but … they had an article in the magazine that dealt with “new” home-based business ideas? At the time, I considered myself somewhat of a computer buff, albeit I was a “hacker” going through school at a local community college to obtain my Associates Degree in Computer Engineering Technology. I was fascinated by all facets of computing at the time, but my main interests lied in the hardware that powered the machines. Reading the article in Inc., however, changed my perspective on things …
The title of one of the home-based business ideas was simply stated – Information Broker. Hmmmmm, sounded interesting … ? I quickly dove into reading what an Information Broker was, and what it was all about. After reading the article from start-to-finish, I was hooked on the idea of becoming an Information Broker!!! At the end of the article, there was an offer to buy a “start-up” kit that included more information about becoming an Information Broker – I quickly “sent off” my money, as I new this was going to be a sound investment for me … ?!!!
At the same time I sent off for the start-up kit, I was headed to the library to find out more about becoming an information broker. After my search at the local library turned up little information, I changed directions and headed to the nearest Barnes & Noble … Much to my amazement (after receiving a little help from an associate) B & N was selling a copy of the The Information Broker’s Handbook!!! I quickly snatched up the book (they were only carrying one copy of it) and headed to the checkout … !
The first year or two, after reading the article in the magazine and poring through the information in the Handbook, I knew I had much preparation ahead of me if I were to become a successful entrepreneur … ? I tried gathering as much information on the subject I could, attending training sessions on the specialized databases that were being used by information professionals, looking up more information on the internet (it was slow back then – a 56K modem was what I used to “tap into” CompuServe and Prodigy), and soliciting advice from anyone that could help … ? I knew this career was what I wanted to pursue, but the search for information – any information! – was daunting at times!
Where would my search take me … ? We’ll have to find out in my next post … Stay Tuned!!!