Take a huge risk? Advice?

[MrG]



I am not sure really. I have always been raised with the "don't be stupid and be responsible mentality". I guess risk aversion is a part of that. For example my father is very successful, business owner, works hard, took risks and he always says if he could do it all over he would have been a cop in a small town and have been retired a long time ago.
...

I was raised the same way, and I can tell you that, if someone presented me with an opportunity I liked, I wouldn't hesitate. In fact, one of my medium-term goal is to be self-employed. That doesn't mean I'm just going to take any opportunity that comes along, and it doesn't mean I'm just going to find some way to be an entrepreneur for the sake of it. My plan is to take a measured approach to a major risk, but I'm strongly driven to take that risk. The thing is, that's not what you're presenting here. You seem to be conflating risk aversion and responsibility, and they're two different things. Risk aversion is passing up an opportunity because you're not the type to trade the possibility of a big payoff for stability; responsibility is making sure you set yourself up as well as you possibly can before you take the risk. You're exhibiting more of the former than the latter here.

I think it warrants keeping in mind that there's nothing inherently wrong with risk aversion. You have to do what makes you happy.

 

[jrd617]



Well in honesty the niche market isn't even for me, but I am not one of those "believe in the product" guys, I just want to get paid, son.

If you take this job, never tell your friend/boss this.

 

[Bhowie]

Patrick, I work for a small alcohol company in a small category. My company was founded by 2 former GS bankers. This industry has been a tough transition for them. There are a million new products every year. It is going to take time for you guys to build your brand. Flash in the pan products are few and far between. It takes grinding to get the product there. This is a business built on relationships, loyalty, and trust. I've got a friend that works for a small **** startup brand, I would never work for him. You are going to need a LOT of money. I don't want to use the word bribery, but it takes a lot of side cash to get things going.


That said I took this job because I saw the potential of working for a small "startup" company. I'd say do it. If you have any questions I'd love to talk in PM. I'd love to hear about the category. I'm too small of a fish to steal ideas.

There is a lot of money to be made. Pinnacle was just bought for $600 million.

http://www.latimes.com/business/mon...acle-vodka-20120423,0,4541415.story?track=rss

 

[Reevolving]

How much funding are they getting and what is the burn rate?
Is it actually a beverage startup? Give us a vague idea of the sector.

 

[Hampton]

You know if you fail, you will get experience and be a wiser guy. If you don't fail you don't learn.
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I would take the job if it is as you explained, try it out. Is there no way you can work with your job and the new one at the same time, it's full-time? And even if you quit your job and it didn't go so well and your boss like you, I don't see any problem why you can't work in the same place again

Good luck!