Dream the Work

You're not always going to be successful, but if you're scared to fail, you don't deserve to be successful" -- Charles Barkley

For many, the idea of running their own business never enters their mind; they are happy and content working in a good paying job where they have benefits and know what will happen every day when they clock in. But for others, the dream of being their own boss is uppermost in their thoughts. Whatever the reason, they have the goal of being a success at something that has their hand print on it. Like me, many have known from childhood that they wanted to control their own lives based on being their own boss. Each day would be a new day with different challenges and excitements.

But what really comes with being the boss is a lot more than excitement: it's hard work, long hours, persistence in the wake of adversity and a never give up attitude. Anyone thinking that they're going to find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is probably going to be out of luck. Nothing worthwhile ever happens without hard work, planning and time. But even then, there are other issues that need to be taken into consideration.

One of the biggest challenges, I believe, that people run into when they're starting out (and even later in the cycle) is fear. The fear of failure is that irrational fear that we will not succeed, and unfortunately, it is often something that we all experience. It's human nature. And with that fear comes an inability to more forward. There's the dream, and then there's the fear of not being able to succeed. What happens if no one wants what you're selling? What if you can't make a living at your desired business? Will you lose your home? What about the benefits you may be giving up by quitting a job? These are all fears that may crop up to stop you from moving forward.

In order to get past these fears one needs to figuratively "bite the bullet." Success or failure is in your hands -- you just need to do your homework, set goals, figure out what your customers want, and work towards creating the perceived need for your product or service. Most of all, you need to understand that it is going to take time, effort and money to get where you want to be. How to do this? There are lots of people and books out there that show you maps to accomplish this work; it's up to you to find what resonates with you -- what makes sense to you and what seems doable for you.

Don't try to do it on your own, but search out those that believe in you and your product/service; those that are willing to help mentor you and guide you along the path. Keep an open mind -- listen with your ears, your mind and your heart. But be wise; listen to your gut as well, making sure that what you're being told makes sense to you. Don't try to be everything to everybody. Stay true to your goals and your vision. It will see you through.

Small Business Coach & Mentor

Once in awhile I get to recommend a really special person ..... not just a great business or resource. This is one of those pleasurable times .....

Debra A. Woog, president of Connect2 Coaching, partners with her clients to address questions of identity, vision, and conflict. She specializes in coaching and mentoring entrepreneurs to accelerate their individual development and enterprise growth.

Debra founded her coaching and consulting practice in 1999, after more than a decade of researching and managing successful organizations. She has since guided hundreds of clients through admission to top MBA programs, transitions to satisfying careers, and leading with both profit and heart.

Prior to Connect2, Debra advised nine technology start-ups as Director of People Strategy for Cambridge Incubator. The Boston Globe profiled Debra for her outstanding abilities to select talented candidates, grow and motivate employees, and resolve conflicts between people as well as between organizations. Previously, as a researcher at Harvard Business School, Debra published four cases depicting career development theory in action and contributed to the award-winning book Breaking Through: The Making of Minority Executives in Corporate America (HBS Press, 1999). She has authored six articles for Inc.

Debra is trained as a mediator and an ombudsperson. She earned her B.A. in Psychology and American Studies from Wellesley College in 1989 and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management in 1997. MIT Sloan awarded her the Miriam Sherburne Scholarship for leadership and community service.

To get to know Debra better .... and benefit from her wisdom and advice .... go to ConnectTwo