Is Entrepreneurship For You? Two Steps to Consider
Latina entrepreneurship- review these two steps for insights on what it takes to be an entrepreneur.
Just add water. Can entrepreneurship really be that easy?
Can the seeds of entrepreneurship grow for us if we just add water? Yes, I believe they can flourish beyond our imagination! The question now is: How do I get my hands on these magical seeds, and how much? Well, I can guarantee you won’t find them on Amazon.com or at your local nursery. These seeds can be found only by digging deep in the depths of Self. However, unlike belly buttons, not everyone has them. Ultimately, entrepreneurship doesn’t sprout for everyone, nor do those seed always take root.
In just two simple steps, you’ll know if you have the coveted green thumb.
Step 1: Digging Deep
Do I have what it takes to start my own business? This can be the moment of truth for most. Questions and concerns like Do I have what it takes to start my own business? or What if the business fails and I lose everything? These questions quickly become real conversations. This is the digging deep required internally that will eventually reveal your answer. Recently, I reached for my shovel and began my own excavation! I always believed I would eventually branch out of employee and elevate to employer status, but I never envisioned the transition process. I began to dig. Remember: Entrepreneurship is not like belly buttons. So, I dug deeper. Finally, I put the shovel down and surveyed the land. What’s this? Are these the seeds I’ve been seeking? Perhaps. Let’s examine more closely. I’m a well-educated Latina with reputable credentials, but I didn’t have money in the bank saved for a rainy day, nor did I have a clue about the first step in starting my own business.
How could I be sure the seeds were real and not an illusion? It came down to one word for me: value. What did I value most at this point in my life? I valued myself. The transition was in motion. I began to value my skills, talents and passion more than I believed any employer could ever match or surpass. Around the same time frame, I was presented with a career opportunity to earn a higher salary with the possibility for advancement in the department. I wrestled with the decision for a few days, but my strong Mexican roots kicked in and reminded me of the importance of staying true to one’s self. Therefore, I respectfully declined the position and set my focus on entrepreneurship.
Determining value is an absolute necessity in business. If you don’t determine the value of your goods and services, then how can you expect to be compensated accordingly? I felt my seeds taking root.
So now you know you have the seeds; what’s next?
Step 2: Nourishment- Isn’t water the foundation for growth and an essential element for life? Nourishment can include just about anything from sound business plans to thorough market analysis to branding and social media. Where to begin, and does it ever end? Our entrepreneurial seeds simply need water. After all, isn’t water the foundation for growth and an essential element for life? It’s readily available and relatively inexpensive. Our seeds will only rely on the water we supply to ensure they are firmly planted. Too much or too little water could cause an imbalance in the soil. Therefore, we must take the time to determine how to cultivate our own seeds. World-renowned entrepreneurs like Oprah Winfrey and Walt Disney discovered their own water sources through perseverance, trusting relationships and belief in Self. Be advised: This step can be tricky, so proceed with caution.
One afternoon while attending a class sponsored by a local small-business mentoring association, I engaged in conversation with one of the highly esteemed mentors. In less than five minutes, the so-called respected mentor managed to inform me my business plan was a bad idea and how he would have directed me to another path. Really? He just met me. How could he possibly know which business path was right for me? I’ve frequently encountered similar scenarios in business. I acknowledge there are individuals who have brilliant business insight and financial success. However, no one will know your vision or business better than yourself. Your seeds are delicate and can be destroyed before they ever break soil, if you’re not attentive to external conditions. So, I smiled and kindly ejected myself from the conversation almost like a pilot before the jet spins out of control. The cultivation process continued. I attended more business classes, identified vital financial resources, engaged trusted advisers and conducted extensive market research. They all served as essential sources of nourishment for my seeds.
Then I discovered my own personal water well. I can access it anytime, it’s absolutely free and the water is always so fresh and invigorating. This 24-hour, all-access water well for me is meditation. Stress release, enhanced creativity and increased focus are just a few of the profound effects I experience through this daily practice as a budding entrepreneur.
My water well is constantly flowing and ready to give, as long as I continue to go to the well.
The Big Question
So back to the initial question: Can the seeds of entrepreneurship grow for us if we just add water? You be the judge. Meditation helped enlighten my awareness of the self-confidence and value I would require for entrepreneurship. I’ve never seen my thumbs so green in my life!
One last gardening tip I’d like to share. Just like in nature, seasons change and can impact the growth of your seeds. You’ll see your seeds flourish with financial growth in optimal conditions or suffer economic drought under harsh conditions. Regardless of the season, remember your seeds still need water to keep them alive and ready to thrive again in due time. Still thinking of starting the next virtual dog walking business? Well, before you stock up on doggie treats, you may want to grab for the nearest shovel and start digging!
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