Entre Lessons

I am passionate about all things entrepreneurial!  My favorite TV show is Shark Tank.  I love reading articles about individuals who create their own business based on their passions.  I’m always thinking of ways to help my friends start their own businesses (apparently not everyone wants their own business, but in case they change their minds, I’m here to help!)  Both my parents are entrepreneurs as well as my late grandfather.  My major at Baylor was entrepreneurship and my first entrepreneurial endeavor out of college was starting a private cheer, coaching business and then I went on to sell real estate.  As I am embarking on this new entrepreneurial phase of my life, I’ve been thinking about what makes a great entrepreneur.  I found my answer by meeting two incredible women!

A couple of weekends ago, I was a bridesmaid in a dear college friend’s wedding.  One bridesmaid, named Regan, and I went to college together, we were both business majors, and were in the same sorority.  We had not touched base in a while, but she has always been someone I have respected and admired.  Immediately after college, Regan started her own wedding/event planning business. (www.detailsdesignsevents.com)

Regan has mastered the skill of proactively solving problem‘s.  Shortly before the wedding, the bride’s mom misplaced a platter she wanted to use at the reception.  The platter had sentimental value and she was upset about misplacing it.  I watched as Regan proactively went to find a creative solution.  She found a platter which put the bride’s mom at ease.  I realized that what makes Regan so successful in her business is her ability to creatively and efficiently solve problems.  At times I’ve gotten comfortable waiting for someone to tell me what to do or thinking someone else will come along and solve the problem for me.  The truth is someone is always waiting on someone else to get the job done, so why not be the change you want to see by finding a solution to the problem?

Another sweet friend I made was a girl named Savannah.  Savannah is an amazing stylist, closet organizer, personal shopper, etc (www.heartsofstyle.com).  Savannah was the Matron of honor and upon meeting Savannah, I got to ask her questions about how she started her business.  Through the conversation I realized that she fearlessly jumped into the business and decided she would figure out the details as she went.  I love that attitude! My personality is to read every book on the topic before I try something because I am so afraid of trying and failing. The problem with my strategy is that it’s always ready aim aim aim aim aim instead of ready aim fire.  If you never fire you never get anywhere.  This has been one of my biggest challenges along the way.  I want to appear to have everything together but some things you just have to jump in and learn as you go.  After spending time with Savannah I decided I wanted to adopt her philosophy.  It isn’t easy for me because all of my fears are still present, but I realize I will never accomplish my dreams if I don’t get started.

Are there some areas in your life that you need to stop analyzing and just do?  Do you have a dream career you have been dying to start but like me you don’t feel as prepared as you think you should be?  I completely understand and trust me I’ve been there (I am there).  I heard a quote once that says “If you always do what you’ve always done you will always get what you’ve always got.”  In my case, doing what I’ve always done wasn’t getting me any closer to my dream career, so I needed to change my strategy.  I’m thankful God put these amazing girls in my life to teach me how to be a better entrepreneur.  I believe when the student is ready the master will appear.  I’ve already seen so many positive results in my life from being a problem solver and a doer.  The momentum is building and it’s an exciting place to be.  Trust me when I say if you want to see results in your life just jump on in!! Blessings.