Some people believe you can "How-To" your way to influencer success.

Many videos, reels, and tweets promise an easy path to success in the creator economy. Many people find the way popular YouTubers live appealing instead of regular jobs. All you have to do is watch a few YouTube videos to achieve that lifestyle. Right?

The lifestyle of the "YouTube and Famous," though, is anything but easy. Being an entrepreneur is hard work. Starting a company, no matter the size, requires hard work.

We live during a time when our attention spans are short. If we keep it real, we know that many people are looking for quick solutions without putting in the work.

Technology and innovation are supposed to make our lives easier, right?! I lean heavily into tech in some areas of my life. For instance, I use GPS everywhere. I use my spare brain power to ponder other things rather than remember my way around.

There are tons of advantages to tech innovation. Gaining knowledge through learned experiences is invaluable. Formal education is a proven path to pack in condensed learning to teach you "how to learn."

Is college the right choice, though? Is it necessary for entrepreneurs?

I recently listened in on a discussion of over 50 participants on "How to Quit College For The Creator Economy." Much of the debate centered on not following the path of the generation prior. This included:

• Not going into massive debt for college
• Working long hours for a job, only to be laid off
• Challenges that entrepreneurship bring
• How much there is to learn starting as an entrepreneur
• The mental strains of entrepreneurship
• How college doesn't teach you how to be an entrepreneur

This rich discussion opened my eyes to the challenges ahead for young adults with rising college costs. Tough choices have to be made to create the future you want.

One sure thing is that "Adulting" and "Understanding business" are no easy tasks.

Entrepreneurial success is earned, learned, and experienced.

My story is riddled with entrepreneurial lessons that have shaped my career. I believe in the lifestyle and invest in people who want to pursue it.

I am passionate about helping 1 million people create wealth pathways that allow them to achieve their life goals. This movement is about investing in entrepreneurs. I write about methods and systems to "bend success in their favor" by reducing the risk of setbacks.

A college education is optional to be a successful entrepreneur. There are a few ground rules that will help you be successful:

1. Resiliency to persevere through adversity
2. Ability to respond by acting after a failed attempt
3. Communicating by building and maintaining relationships
4. Mastery of cash flow, satisfying customers, and moneymaking
5. Must be able to "learn on your own" and trust in your abilities to win

College isn't for everyone. If you can afford it, you should consider how it helps future entrepreneurs.

• Mature faster as an adult
• Improve your ability to communicate
• Build a network with other entrepreneurs
• Provide a base of knowledge for continuous learning

College is costly. It is not a guarantee of success as an entrepreneur or a "good job." It is an investment in yourself. Pursuing a college degree will be a fast track for entrepreneurial growth if used appropriately.

Let’s get into how with a few tips:

Why College 01: Mature faster as an adult

Lived experiences give you the tools to mature. It can be difficult for young adults to find experiences that promote rapid growth.

College offers a supportive environment for growth with classmates, professors, and unique opportunities.

How you were raised and where you grew up will shape your experiences differently. College is like a miniature version of the real world. College teaches many important lessons that must be experienced vs. in class. It is tough to replicate these experiences in a condensed timeframe.

You can step away from your childhood and make decisions as an adult in a safe space. Participate in all the university offers to gain the most from college.

As an entrepreneur, you'll need the confidence to compete and win in the marketplace. This is one way to build your confidence.

Why College 02: Improve your ability to communicate

Communicating well is an essential skill that sets winners apart from others. Most people wing it or, worse, are scared of practicing.

We all communicate in one form or the other every single day.

If you want to improve at writing, speaking, or negotiating in preparation for a massive career or entrepreneurial growth, you must practice. Getting a college degree makes you communicate in different ways.

These degrees can help you become a better communicator and succeed as an entrepreneur.

• Business
• Communications
• Marketing
• Finance
• Information Technology

Source: Forbes

The importance of communication is evident in competitive environments. A college campus is one of those environments. Where can college help you build your communication skills?

1. Writing the hundreds of papers required for graduation
2. Joining or leading a student organization on campus
3. Participating in a political action group to advocate for an issue
4. Defending a position in a class with a peer or professor
5. Negotiating your way out of a parking ticket without your parent's help

The opportunities are endless.

Why College 03: Build a network with other entrepreneurs

You are or become the average of the top 10 people you hang out with most often. If you want to be a successful entrepreneur, it only makes sense to spend time with them.

87% of entrepreneurs in the United States have at least an associate's degree. 62% of those entrepreneurs have a Bachelor's degree.

Source: LegalZoom - Entrepreneurial Statistics

There is no better place to make a solid base of friendships or future entrepreneurs than in college. Making friends with college-bound students is a savvy business move for aspiring entrepreneurs.

"All business is personal... Make your friends before you need them." - Robert L. Johnson

As you mature as an entrepreneur, you will learn that it is a lonely space to play. Other entrepreneurs will likely provide the most inspiration, knowledge, and strength.

Why College 04: Provide a base of knowledge for continuous learning

You must realize a hard truth if you want to succeed as an entrepreneur: no one will rescue you.

You must figure out how to get yourself out of trouble, over an obstacle, or learn new skills. In some areas of your business, there must be a proven path. You must figure it out.

Even if you don’t attend college, there is no substitute for learning business basics. If you heed this advice and do indeed get your college degree, you will obtain a valuable ability. You will learn how to learn.

College is one of the best teachers for learning a new skill. It’s the process and problem-solving. It’s the people all learning around you. It’s the research and optimism of others. The successes and failures of those around you provide lessons to which you will respond.

A successful entrepreneur will take many risks and make many decisions. When things go awry, having a base of knowledge with the aptitude to learn new skills continually can power you through.

Why College 0.5: Backup plan to get back on your feet

Ask every entrepreneur, solopreneur, or creator you know: did they experience failure? I will guarantee that the answer is 100% yes across the board for everyone.

Sometimes, the journey is all you get because only some are living a wealthy life as a business owner. With this knowledge, having a college degree that may help provide you with a job as a backup plan is an asset. You should fund your passion projects or entrepreneurial pursuits. So, get some skills that can help you pay all your bills.

With a solid backup plan, you can increase your number of at-bats even if you fail. It only takes one major win to change your life.

Pro Tip: Seek advice from various perspectives to help you make decisions. Here is another resource from Business News Daily - Should you Skip College for Entrepreneurship?

Your Homework: Get feedback on these points from an entrepreneur you know. Get smart and then make the best decision for you.

The Recap - TL;DR

• Mature faster as an adult
• Improve your ability to communicate
• Build a network with other entrepreneurs
• Provide a base of knowledge for continuous learning

Until next Saturday!