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I discovered an article on USAToday.com this evening (I think it first appeared on the site a few days ago, though) encouraging recent college grads to pursue a life of entrepreneurship and, as you’ve probably gathered from the other things I’ve written here, I couldn’t agree more. In fact, making the career change out of the rat race and into the world of start-ups is something I contemplate almost daily, it seems.

The article’s author, USA Today columnist Rhonda Abrams, explains why just after college really is the perfect time to strike out on you own,

As a young person, you’re at the forefront of entrepreneurship. Your tastes drive decisions in new businesses, new products. Successes like Yahoo, Google, and Facebook means venture capitalists and investors will actually take you seriously.

And most importantly,

After all, graduate, this is probably the best time in your life to take a risk. You’re used to living on the cheap, surviving on pizza, and no, you don’t really need a new car or that Coach purse. So, move back in with the parentals, get a few friends together and start something in your garage or den.

She then went on to a half-dozen or so pointers to help recent grads get started in entrepreneurship. They included,

• Do something cool... you’re young, so do something fun, challenging, interesting.
• Choose a business that will make a difference. Go ahead, start a business that will save the planet, people or animals. The hottest thing in business today is “social entrepreneurship“.
• Develop a business plan — at least a very simple one. Sit down and think through what you’re going to do, how you’re going to do it, and how much money it will take.
• Choose a concept with low start-up costs. After all, you’re broke. And remember, Internet-based companies can be dirt-cheap.
• Start with a friend, or friends (but remember to draw up a simple agreement to clarify who owns what, who does what, and what happens if someone drops out).
• Make a sale. Nothing teaches you more — and emboldens you more — than having a real customer.
• Get some good business advice books. And lastly,
• Work hard. You thought you worked hard in school? You’re going to have to work even harder to make your business a success.

To see the rest of Abrams’ article, complete with tons of advice and tips for starting your own business, check out “Strategies: Grads, think about starting your own business” from USAToday.com. Then get out there and get started (but feel free to invite me along for the ride!).

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