I never wanted to be an entrepreneur. If fact, I resisted the idea for some time. I’ll admit I was in a transition and open to new opportunities. Who isn’t, after all? I was just not open to that one. Running a business seemed really complicated. There’s the client acquisition, the process development, the accounting, the billing and the list goes on.
It’s National Entrepreneurship Week!
On February 20 – 27, 2010, the Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education will sponsor the 4th annual National Entrepreneurship Week. In 2006 the US Congress established the need for celebration of National Entrepreneurship Week as a celebration of American entrepreneurs and the lifelong learning educational opportunities that prepare the NEW business leaders of the future. www.nationaleweek.org
However, for several weeks there were signs that kept presenting themselves, and if you believe that things happen for a reason, then you have to eventually stop and look at where life is pointing you.
I was lucky. Life knew better than I did that running a business would be a good thing for me. And, I definitely have the skill set that help an entrepreneur succeed. I am passionate, willing to work as long and hard as it takes to make things happen and, above all, I’m a risk taker.
I’m always open to trying new things and I never get worked up at the thought of failing. It is a great way to learn. I also like having the flexibility to dream. There are so many ideas that I have. It never stops. I wake up in the middle of the night and process the next thought. Not everything works out, but it is fun to know that I can process an idea, do the research and make a decision to move forward — or not.
There are days that I want to walk away from the pressure, responsibility and heartache. But, more than anything, I wake up and can’t wait to get after it. I arrive at work and the day flies by. I love every minute of it. I love the idea generation, the team that I work with and what we do to make businesses grow. It makes me happy.
There are two types of entrepreneurs: those who are driven by the type of work they do and those who just like to lead and it doesn’t matter what the business is. I’m a passion-driven entrepreneur. I don’t think I could run any business that I wasn’t personally connected to. If you’re interested in being an entrepreneur, I highly recommend it. It won’t be easy. In fact, it will be the toughest thing you’ve ever done.
Assess your skill set, do the research, decide to take the risk and go for it. Even if it doesn’t work out, it will be worth it.
Here’s a list of resources for entrepreneurs in Lansing:
Great Lakes Entrepreneur’s Quest
Center for New Enterprise Opportunity
Entrepreneur Institute of Mid-Michigan
East Lansing Technology Innovation Center
Lansing Economic Area Partnership
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