The Confident Entrepreneur
It has been a challenging couple of months for all of us. It has tested our sense of normalcy and our sense of community. What we have taken for granted for our lifetimes was changed in a sweeping manner. But, as Entrepreneurs, one thing that cannot be taken is our sense of pride, our determination, our passion, and most of all, our confidence in our product or service.
Last week, Illuminate celebrated its six (6) month anniversary. While we anticipated a rocky road ahead where challenges would be met, we clearly could not have foreseen a pandemic. But, we adjusted. We will be announcing some very exciting projects where we will be providing strategic advisory, project management, and financial services. We are awaiting Press Releases from the client and/or Prime. However, some of this is just timing and frankly, a little bit of luck. What we brought to the table though is confidence.
For some, confidence is innate. You just know you can do it and set out a course that allows you to do it. For others, that same chartered course may be met with more anxiety and unsure feelings about their capabilities to see something through to the resolution they seek. And, certainly, this Pandemic and its corresponding Life Pause have set many on the path of wondering, not only what the future holds, but can their business sustain the losses such a Pause may cause.
We are happy to report that many of our colleagues who provided quotes to us for our Blog “Can You Hear Me Now” have finally received their PPP funds or are very close. Several of those had to apply to multiple financing sources and the ultimate loan was secured NOT from their primary bank but from other financial providers like PayPal and Square. A clear example of perseverance achieving an accomplishment!
Our friends at the SBA have been overwhelmed with the sheer volume - Billions in applications and Billions in Dollars, simply unprecedented. We heard stories of the big banks being shut out initially in more funding in round two (2) and small banks refusing to accept any new applications because they just could not handle any more. Sheer determination, predicated upon an abundance of confidence to see their business through these bumps, allowed many business owners to persevere and finally achieve a positive outcome.
In these last six (6) months, we have been asked such questions as “Where did you find the confidence to leave your cushy job and embark upon this journey?” and “How do you find the confidence to succeed?”.
Success comes from many things, but confidence is surely a foundation trait needed. If it is not innate, there are ways to get there.
Reading up on the latest Leadership Books, hiring a Business Coach aka Leadership Trainer are but two paths to that end. We are familiar with one Buffalo based firm and one Rochester based, WBE, firm that provide just that tutelage to help Entrepreneurs find the inner strength and confidence to move through the cycles of their business. Just like public speaking, it comes easy to some and, yet, it can be paralyzing to many others. But, with the right support network and individual coach, anyone can master it.
In these unsettling times, dig deep, and find that confidence that propelled you to start your business in the first place. Or, if you have been contemplating starting a new venture and have not quite yet found that confidence to forge forward, read up on what it takes to be a leader and consider engaging a Leadership Firm. It likely will be some of your best money spent. And, if your confidence and drive is innate, do not let it be questioned in these strange times. Adapt to our new normal, determine how best your company can succeed in this and do not be afraid to embrace technology and, most of all, social media. They are your businesses current first line of defense in a non face to face environment.
Strategic alignments with your Circle of Trust Business Advisors, reading up on the latest Leadership writings, and engaging a Personal Business Coach are but a few ways to keep your passion and determination for your business thriving. We look forward to not only better weather here locally but soon a change of seasons and a bright new normal in which to forge our successful path.
Be like Blue in our photo, exude confidence and a no bones about it attitude, and you will find your path to excel.
Stay well.
