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Is Making The Leap Really That Scary?

Becoming an entrepreneur is perceived to be one of the hardest things most people do in their lives.

I say perceived to be because it really isn’t as harrowing as most people make it out to be.

When I was in the Navy, our boat was designed to sink


I was a submariner after all.

But on one occasion our boat was actually sinking when we didn’t want it to! Systems were going haywire and someone had messed up
big time!

The lives of 130 crewmen were at stake, and it was up to our team to fix the situation fast!

We managed to get propulsion back and force the boat back to the surface where we all breathed in a huge sigh of relief, but there were a few moments when we weren’t sure if we’d make it.

Now, that’s a truly scary thought
sinking in the middle of the ocean in a giant black steel tube filled with a nuclear reactor an missiles


But the thought of becoming an entrepreneur was even scarier to me!

At least in the Navy they had trained us to handle situations like that.

In the “civilian” world, there is no real training for becoming an entrepreneur. Everyone’s journey is a little different, but no less scary.

When I first attempted to make that leap, I was still in the Navy.

It didn’t turn out as expected


In fact, it bruised my ego so bad that it took years to recover and try again. That’s a story for another day.

But here’s the thing


You’ve probably been through some tough times in your life.

Maybe you’ve had a few near misses or close calls, or even a dance with death


Whatever the case is, you’re still here. You survived!

And the fact is that making that leap to becoming an entrepreneur isn’t going to hold a candle to the challenges you’ve faced in your life.

More than anything, it’s the idea of becoming an entrepreneur that is scary


Not the day to day act of starting or running a business.

That parts actually pretty boring


Just like life on a submarine. Boring most of the time with some incredibly exciting moments scattered throughout!

If you’re just getting started or you’ve been around for a while, you’re in the right place.

Our goal at Angel Investors Network is to help you get from where you are to where you want to be faster.

Just stick around, and keep sticking your neck out there


Good things are bound to happen as long as you keep at it!

To Your Freedom!

Jeff Barnes

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John Reighard, Partner & EVP

John Reighard is a Partner at Angel Investors Network, where he leverages his expertise in business development, networking, and investor relations to help entrepreneurs secure funding and scale their businesses. With a passion for connecting people and ideas, John plays a pivotal role in fostering strategic partnerships and guiding business owners toward sustainable success. In addition to his work with Angel Investors Network, he also owns and operates two other small businesses.

 

A Connector and Networking Extraordinaire, Business Coach/Consultant, and Inspirational Speaker, John is deeply committed to helping individuals and businesses achieve meaningful results. His mission is to empower entrepreneurs and leaders to create lasting impact through strategic growth, financial acumen, and powerful relationship-building.

 

John has trained with, been mentored by, and provided consulting services to some of the world’s top thought leaders in personal development and business transformation, including Jack Canfield (America’s #1 Success Coach and Founder of Chicken Soup for the Soul), Stephen Covey, T. Harv Eker, Bob Proctor, Blair Singer, Robert Kiyosaki, Neil Rackham, Marcia Wieder, and Roger (Bud) Seith. These experiences have shaped his ability to guide clients through personal and professional growth, helping them unlock their full potential.

 

Before joining Angel Investors Network, John took a sabbatical in 2002, living with his family in Norway, Portugal, and France—an enriching experience that followed 15 award-winning years in Silicon Valley. During his time in the tech industry, he worked for leading companies such as Lucent Technologies, Exodus Communications, Octel Communications, and Brady Corporation.

Meet Jeff Barnes

Jeff Barnes is a former US Navy Nuclear power plant operator on a Submarine, Navy diver, risk management director, technology enthusiast, business growth expert, advisor and management consultant. Mr. Barnes sits on the boards of startup companies, runs a venture fund, supports non-profits supporting military vets, and spends most of his time helping CEOs and founders of growing companies automate, systemize, and scale to 8 and 9-figure valuations.

 

With over 20 years of technology, systems, operations, and marketing experience, Mr. Barnes has advised over 1,000 companies, invested tens of millions in advertising campaigns, and helped companies generate over $1 billion in investment capital.

 

As the chairman of Angel Investors Network and founder of Digital Evolution Marketing Group, Mr. Barnes has worked with founders, entrepreneurs, and CEOs around the world to accelerate the growth of their businesses and achieve substantial exits. He’s a father, husband, veteran, business owner, advisor, and mentor, and his true passion in life his helping others achieve success, freedom, and autonomy in theirs.