As told by Alyssa Gregory
My story is not extraordinary. It’s not traumatic or suspenseful. It’s not one that will make you cry, scream or laugh hysterically. In fact, my story is not that different from other entrepreneurs I know.
The Small Business Bonfire was created from the cumulative impact of five events in my normal, ordinary life. Let me explain.
It All Started at Birth…
Like many entrepreneurs, I had my first exposure to starting a business from my parents.
My parents have always had entrepreneurial aspirations. From my earliest memories, I can remember my Mom and Dad seeming to always have dreams of ditching their day jobs to run a business of their own.
Unfortunately, that has not happened for them (yet), but their tireless pursuit of doing something on their own has always inspired me.
The Best Gift Ever
This may be one area where I’m not normal, but the absolute best present that I ever received as a child was a toy cash register.
Maybe it was the cha-ching sound it made.
Maybe it was because I controlled all of the money.
I don’t know the exact reason, but I do know that this simple toy cash register had a profound effect on me during my childhood.
After I received that cash register, I was driven toward success. Through my young adult years, I was determined to be the best baby sitter, CVS clerk and super market cashier. I was competitive. I was focused.
I even got my black belt in Shorin-Ryu Karate by the age of 12.
I didn’t know it at the time, but the drive and determination that everyone kept telling me I had in spades — and my brothers made fun of me for — would impact my entire entrepreneurial journey.
(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
Not only did 1999 bring an end to the 20th Century but it ended my naivety about the “real” world…
The 20th Century ended my naivety about the “real” world…
I graduated from college and started my first J.O.B at a major non-profit organization. I was in charge of the website, training of the staff on various technical matters, as well as general public relations.
All of that responsibility at the tender age of 23.
I thought to myself, “Jeez, with all of this responsibility and such little pay, I might as well work for myself.” So, I started my first business on the side.
I Failed
That first business lasted until the end of 2001 when the Internet bubble burst and the economic effects of September 11 were too much to withstand.
But there were so many mistakes that I made in that two-year span that I don’t think I could ever pinpoint one or two or 12 reasons for my failure.
It was my first big failure…and, boy, was I devastated.
I just failed. It was my first big failure…and, boy, was I devastated. After some time had passed, I realized I had the benefit of looking back and seeing where I went wrong. (That’s when the planning for my next venture started; I just didn’t know it at the time).
I spent most of 2002 trying to land another corporate job, and I eventually wound up at a Fortune 500 company.
Here’s what I remember about my return to the corporate world:
- Once back, I realized I didn’t miss it.
- The bigger the company, the slower it moved.
- Keep your opinions to yourself or your boss will get very insecure.
- 20% of the employees do 80% of the work.
- My desire to run my own show reached new heights.
- I was miserable.
With my entrepreneurial drive at an all time high, and my dissatisfaction with my current situation quite noticeable to my family, I decided to work with a career coach.
This was one of the best decision’s I ever made.
My coach helped bring out all of those thoughts and feelings that had been flying around my head. Within four months of working with her, I was giving my resignation and saying good-bye to corporate America forever.
He Told Me I Would Fail Again
The look of disbelief on my manager’s face when I told him I was resigning is etched in my memory.I’ll never forget the day I gave my notice.
The look of disbelief on my manager’s face when I told him WHY I was resigning is etched in my memory.
He didn’t think I would succeed.
He said most small businesses fail (he wasn’t lying) and that my chances weren’t good (he really didn’t know me well), and that I could always come back once I did fail (ummmm…no thanks).
I was now fully committed to my first full-time business. No more side gigs…this was going to work and I was NOT going back to corporate hell.
The Road Was Bumpy and Full of Twists and Turns
In the years that followed, I built a very successful small business that now drives itself without my hands on the wheel.
But it wasn’t always easy. It’s still not always easy.
Anyone who tells you that starting your own business is easy if you do exactly what they say is lying to you. There is no easy way. There is no cookie cutter, “create your own business” template. It’s hard. It takes a lot of work that only YOU can do.
Not to be too cliché but the road to entrepreneurial success is so long, bumpy and full of twists and turns that even a double dose of Dramamine couldn’t stop your stomach from knotting up and asking for the windows to be opened.
So What Does All This Mean?
My life experience got me to this point, but the support, guidance and advice that I receive today from other “in-the-trenches” small business owners, inspires me to roll up my sleeves and sweat more than I think I can to get the job done.
My perspective is that all small business owners and entrepreneurs need this support net.
We all can benefit by surrounding ourselves with a diverse group of people who can act as our sounding boards, mentors, idea generators and partners. It’s one of the most effective ways to solve problems, push yourself past your limits, and achieve (and exceed) your goals.
Through my life experiences, I was nurtured into an independent and self-sufficient entrepreneur who has a true passion for paying it forward. When I see a need for something, especially something many people can benefit from, I can’t help but devise a plan and create a solution to the problem.
And that’s why I created the Bonfire.
The Small Business Bonfire is here so you — a stuck-in-a-rut entrepreneur, a small business owner who needs specific help, or someone who thrives on learning and growing — won’t need to go hunting for a core group of like-minded entrepreneurs to get you through the rough patches.
They are here waiting for you.
In fact, so am I.
I will not be a silent owner, the woman behind the curtain passing out “expert” advice and expecting the community to accept it, no questions asked.
I will be active. I will be sharing my experiences if I think it can benefit the group. I will give advice when I feel it’s appropriate. I will answer questions, share resources, and help find solutions to challenges.
I will be asking questions, too. I may have a successful business, but I am certainly not finished with my entrepreneurial journey. So I expect to learn and grow from my interaction with you.
There are so many other benefits of being a member of the Small Business Bonfire. Read all about them, then, take a minute and create your account.
It’s easy. It’s free. And it has the potential to spark something laying dormant in you and your business that can change everything for you and what you believe you’re capable of.
I’ll be waiting for you at the Bonfire so we can continue to write Our Story together. See you there.
About Alyssa Gregory
Alyssa Gregory is a small business collaborator. She consults small business owners, writes about small business topics, brings entrepreneurs together, and speaks to groups about starting, managing and growing small businesses. She has a passion for creating opportunities for collaboration and sharing knowledge.
Want to hear more? You can find Alyssa sharing business tips, advice and resources on About.com, Small Business Bonfire Blog, Twitter and Facebook. A full listing of her credentials can be found on AlyssaGregory.com.
