For individuals that constantly view financial statements or business plans each business looks eerily the similar. Even sometimes the brands, logos and names make consumers scream for the days of uniqueness. Peeling back the skin of business, it is often the entrepreneur and business owner that makes a business unique. Each and every business has an entrepreneur and unique story for launching his or her business, and it is that story which make each business special.
Because It Seemed Selfish to Limit My Ability
I started my business because it seemed selfish to limit my ability to inspire and motivate a group to a single organization. There were so many people that would say, “Wow! I wish I had known that.; I would have…”. Watching people lose their jobs, become depressed, and be lost in a state of confusion made me feel selfish. Especially when all they needed was a quick answer, a little motivation or a way to make the complex simple. I knew that I could do that.
Thanks to Dawnna St. Louis!
Because I Had An Idea to Pursue
For me, I just had an idea I decided to pursue. What I found that was thoroughly amazing to me was the difference between working on something you came up with yourself as opposed to working for Corporate America. Sixteen hour days happened on a regular basis but I was so committed to getting this up and running that the hours flew by and the massive amount of time put into sweat equity never seemed to slow me down. My advice to those contemplating this? Do not for a moment underestimate the value of thorough planning. The more time you spend getting your ducks in a row the easier this will be for you. It is almost a certainty that you will miss something or not be aware of elements that will impact your plan. The game is in a state of continual change and you will never be able to anticipate everything. Also, pay very close attention to how you will capitalize your business. Most start-ups have way too little capital to work with and that's why the failure rate is so high. Don't be a statistic.
Thanks to Greg Gottsacker, North Star Business Systems, Inc.!
As A Positive Way to Send Students into the Summer
I started teaching etiquette lessons to my middle school students at the end of the school year as a positive way to send them out into summer. A majority of my students had never heard of cotillion though it was a definitely part of my youth. As I started researching cotillion classes, I connected the fact that there were many “boot camp” one hour classes around, and many mobile services, including a friend's fitness studio. I put two and two together and decided, “Why not a mobile etiquette school with bootcamp-type classes?” It has been an enormous success since.
Thanks to Anthonette Klinkerman, Courtesy Bootcamp!
Because Workplaces Are Mandating Clear Bags
I am the founder and CEO of Clear Handbags & More, a fashion handbag website dedicated to the those who are required by their employers to bring clear bags to work. An increasing number of workplaces are mandating the use of clear bags in their facilities, a policy aimed at reducing employee theft and improving workplace security. To address this need, we provide a range of fashionable and functional clear bags. My idea for Clear Handbags & More came about because my employer required us to carry clear bags. I noticed there there was a lack of fashionable clear bag options available so I launched our eCommerce site in 2010 and we've experienced great success over the past two years.
Thanks to Laura Rottmann, Clear Handbags & More!
Because of Inefficiencies & Ineffectiveness
As a Chief of Police I recognized the inefficiencies and ineffectiveness of our business and that of government in general, so built a management model that combines the best aspects of proven business principles to address it. The model counteracts diminishing revenue and loss of staff and resources to provide faster service, higher quality, and it's all done at lower cost – optimizing existing resources.
Thanks to Bill Cooper, Leading Beyond Tradition!