I apologize for the lack of updates this week. I got too carried away with trying to monetize this blog during the first few weeks of winter break and decided it would be healthy to take some sort of break for the last week of break. Today was the first day of classes for the spring semester at Rutgers so it’s only a matter of time before we’re back in the swing of things.
The first day of classes also means tons of students looking to buy/sell textbooks. Walamu’s popularity here at Rutgers is skyrocketing mostly as a result of word-of-mouth. Hits are going up and people are posting their books everyday. Competition is stiff, no doubt, with the bookstores using their megafunds to plaster huge ads in the university newspaper. There is also competition from other much more established websites such as half.com and bigwords.com. The longer I’m in this business, however, the more I realize that my target market isn’t even college students–it’s a certain type of college student–and I think realizing that makes a significant difference.
Speaking of college, I’m finding myself at a sort of crossroads as to what I want to do in regards to my eduction. The question- “Is college really worth it?” tends to keep coming up. Here are some routes I’m currently considering:
- Study abroad for the fall semester next year at City University in London.
- Take a semester off (not likely, as business school starts next semester) If I were to take a semester off it would have been this semester, but I was not in a position to withdraw.
- Take a leave of absence, work on Walamu, and build multiple streams of income.
- Work on Walamu, other businesses, and go to college at the same time (again, is it really worth it?)
Popularity: 1% [?]
I was just up at Rutgers this weekend. Man, some muggy weather up there! Florida has great sunshine
Glad to hear that traffic to Walamu is growing and that you’re focusing your target market. As for school, we all ask ourselves that question at some point I think (especially as entrepreneurs). I chose to go through with my title and I’m happy I did. There are also many famous examples of people who didn’t
Dennis: Yeah I know, the weather has been really weird lately. Hope you still managed to have a little fun at Rutgers while you were here. Let me know if you’re ever around next time, we should chill and talk some business.
Flee The Cube: You’re right…this is something that I think most entrepreneurs go through. I guess it’s just a question of where I see myself in the next couple of years (job vs. on my own). I’m glad to hear that you were able to go through with your title and focus on entrepreneurship as well. That would be ideal.
Like you, I am an entrepreneur, but “older”, with a son going through college now. I think college is important, and if you can do both at the same time, you should.
You never know when your diploma will come in handy.
Best wishes, whatever your decide to do.
Adriana
That’s awesome news about Walamu….just keep going at it.
Btw, if you can participate in some blog carnivals, it will help you in getting to know like minded people…and a lot more people with discover your blog. There are hundreds of blog carnivals out there and some of them are outstanding. Check out blogcarnival.com for carnivals that you might be interested in. You might find a good channel to spread the word about your new venture. If you need any help, feel free to buzz me.
Adriana,
I am so sorry for not moderating your comment earlier. For some reason, WordPress didn’t send your any of your comments directly to my inbox for approval. I think that doing both at the same time is the most secure way to go as well. However, there is always that question of lost time and lost passion for school. I will, nonetheless, attempt to finish the remaining two years as I’ll probably learn how to run a business better doing that anyway.
Golbguru,
Sorry for the late reply as well. I recently participated in my first blog carnival and that proved to be pretty helpful in terms of unique visitors as well as new contacts. I will continue to participate in them as much as possible. Best of luck on your blog, I’ll be following it as much as possible.
- Rohail