Turning ideas into income: Professor Saurav Pathak shares his perspective
When people hear the phrase “starting a business,” it often brings to mind images of fast funding rounds, polished pitches, and overnight success stories. However, a recent CNBC article, “Own your income: America’s ‘solopreneur’ business model is booming, from Florida to California,” from September 22, reveals that the path to entrepreneurship is far more approachable and incremental than many might think. The story highlights practical ways people can begin shaping business ideas and creating income opportunities, even when they do not have a fully formed plan.
Among the experts interviewed is Saurav Pathak, Clinical Associate Professor at William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business. Known for blending research insights with real-world application, Professor Pathak offers a grounded perspective on how aspiring entrepreneurs can move forward when their ideas feel uncertain or out of reach.
The CNBC article emphasizes that many successful ventures do not begin with a dramatic launch. Instead, they often grow from side projects, consulting work, or modest experiments that allow individuals to test the waters without heavy financial risk. It also cautions that not every idea will succeed and that flexibility is just as important as ambition.
Professor Pathak expands on this idea by pointing out that the best place to start is often close to home. He encourages entrepreneurs to build on what they already know, such as their skills, networks, and personal context, rather than chasing unfamiliar opportunities. From there, he advises experimenting in small, low-risk ways that generate insights and momentum. Even setbacks, he notes, can serve as valuable feedback that helps refine and redirect the process.
His perspective reframes entrepreneurship as an evolving journey rather than a single defining moment. This approach is particularly resonant for students and alumni of the Mason School. It provides a roadmap for those hesitant to begin because they lack resources or worry about failure. They can turn ideas into sustainable ventures over time by starting small, learning continuously, and remaining open to change.
In this way, Pathak’s insights help translate the entrepreneurial process and make it accessible to a broader community. For the Mason School of Business, it is a reminder that innovation is not reserved for a select few. It is a discipline anyone can cultivate with persistence, creativity, and the willingness to take that first step.
This article references reporting published initially by CNBC on September 22, 2025. Read the full story “Own your income: America’s ‘solopreneur’ business model is booming, from Florida to California” by Kevin Williams.