Ready, Set, Go!

Sharing a reflection on my experience is not to discourage you in any way. Instead, it is meant to prepare and encourage you in preparation for the challenges of your journey. Is running a business fun and exciting? Yes. Is it rewarding and self-fulfilling? Yes. Does it give you the freedom to be your boss? Yes. Can it bring you great financial success? Yes. I believe that if you know the reality of what lies ahead, it will help you make it through the hard times. I started my first business with nothing, less than 100 dollars, and I was in a wheelchair after a terrible accident with severe injuries caused by a drunk driver. Challenges galore! All of us will face challenges, and how we respond will make a difference. Fear and doubt will cast a shadow. Your perseverance and determination will provide a shield on your journey to make those dreams come true.  

 You could say the odds were stacked against me on my journey, but I had to believe in myself no matter the obstacles. It just wasn’t an option for me to sit in a wheelchair and give up! I had no experience in actually running a business, just a dream. I weighed my skills and knowledge. I knew I had several skills I could utilize in marketing and organizational expertise. I also knew I was good at making things happen. I made a list list of my strengths and moved forward. I was determined to succeed, and failure was not an option.

 During my first three years in a wheelchair, I received a master’s degree in business administration and became an Entrepreneur. Although I genuinely believe in education, I found that much of my “know-how” came from what I already knew through other jobs and experience. The credentials did not hurt, of course. In short, do not use not having a degree to stop you. There are certificates you can obtain in certain areas if you need them.

 There are numerous ways these days to gain the necessary information. Just make sure whatever you offer, you are qualified in those skills to help others with integrity.  You always hear, “Find something you love,” so find something you love and have excellent skills! You can only have a passion for that which you love to do. I am here to tell you it is not easy, even without my challenges. Smooth sailing is highly unlikely. I have coached many new, overwhelmed business owners, and the issues are usually the same. Entrepreneurs ask themselves. Questions like, “How do I start?” “What is my strategy?” ” Where do I get enough money?” ” How do I market it?” Where can I find support and productive feedback? Often, we put the cart before the horse, if you know what I mean. Have a plan, know where to start, and how to get there. 

There are many examples where the panel on Shark Tank told entrepreneurs to give up, and the presenter proved them wrong and soared to success. You wonder if it is an easy journey, heck no, not for most of us. Are there times you will want to quit? Tears come and go. You may scream a few obscenities; I can just about guarantee that. Will there be moments you feel you have no idea what you are doing? Heck yes. These times, you reach out and find that support, gain as much knowledge as you can about each area that you find difficult, and remember your passion and dreams. Even better, find that help and support BEFORE you reach that stage. When perseverance steps in, you take time to see your idea and envision the picture of success. You push back the tears, remove the doubts, and replace them with motivational thoughts. Your level of discipline and perseverance determines your level of success. My best advice is that tomorrow is another day. REMEMBER, you are smart; you can do this. Believe in yourself and set your mind to persevere and never. Never give up!