Earning an MBA Without a Degree

Someone recently said to me: what you have learned in the last two years can be equivalent to earning your MBA.  As I moved through the ups and downs of starting a business, I couldn’t agree more.  Thinking back to what I have learned somewhat hurts my head, but in a good way.  I mean, do you need a degree to teach you how to deal with difficult business partners?  Do you need a degree to network and try to raise money for your company?  While in some instances, it can help, I believe that the real-world experience of building a business, and surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than you (and learning from them), is truly the catalyst for success as an entrepreneur.

I actually thought about going back to get my MBA, but then thought, nah, what I want is obtainable without a degree.  In fact, entry to market is critical to my market, so if I spent two more years in school, opportunities may be lost.  Point is, making the choice to start a business will teach you more than you could ever imagine about a few things: 1- business itself, 2- yourself, and 3- who your allies are in the never-ending rollercoaster ride.