The Good Student
My folks recently came down for a visit (yes, just in time to see the new pad - and to buy us a Weber for a housewarming gift!) and I had a great talk with my Mom about what she's going to do next, since she has just retired. She spent the last 28 years in public education - a job that I consider one of the toughest out there. Unfortunately, it is a job that doesn't get near the recognition and appreciation that it deserves. I wholeheartedly applaud all those who dare to venture into the field and even more so those who do it with the utmost care and passion; the ones who inspire and remind us to never stop learning.
I don't believe that I am biased when I make the claim that my mother was/is one of those great teachers. I have heard from many of her students and peers about just how profound of an impact she has had on many, many lives. She taught everything from elementary to high school, subjects ranging from special education to computers, German, and even video production and web design. Every time she was asked to take on a new subject, she accepted without hesitation, knowing that if she didn't know everything about the subject at that point, she soon would. She is not only a great teacher, but a wonderful student.
Those are two of the qualities I believe are essential when considering taking the plunge to owning your own business. You have to know a fair amount about the field you are interested in, but you also have to be able to continue to learn about it and be willing to test out that knowledge constantly. There are many times when, as an entrepreneur, you may be asked to take on a task that you have little expertise or background in. What I've learned is that if you take the initiative and show no hesitation, you can usually make your way through the project with just a few minor cuts and bruises, figuritively speaking.
When I first began this business, I had a fairly clear image in my mind of what I would be doing: custom invitations for weddings and baby showers, plus a few birth announcements and thankyous here and there. Within my first few months, however, that plan was altered as I was asked to create and maintain birthday gifts and custom cards for a corporation. It was not on my original road map, but I knew that I could do it. That client is now my largest client and continues to grow. I have also taken on other projects, such as designing enamel pins, developing personalized, inspirational posters, designing a few bags and totes, creating party favors, etc. By listening to the client and playing the part of the good student, I have been able to hear what they want and need. The products and services originally created for just one client have been echoed by others with the same need - a need that I might not have been aware of had I initially turned down the project.
My mother is currently seriously considering starting her own business. I for one know she would do quite well. The advice I gave to her was to write down what sorts of things she would be interested in doing and plug those into a business plan. I think it is a good idea to start off somewhat small, to see what interest exists for your product or service, but also to remain open to hearing about those other opportunities you hadn't considered. Being a good student always pays off.
I don't believe that I am biased when I make the claim that my mother was/is one of those great teachers. I have heard from many of her students and peers about just how profound of an impact she has had on many, many lives. She taught everything from elementary to high school, subjects ranging from special education to computers, German, and even video production and web design. Every time she was asked to take on a new subject, she accepted without hesitation, knowing that if she didn't know everything about the subject at that point, she soon would. She is not only a great teacher, but a wonderful student.
Those are two of the qualities I believe are essential when considering taking the plunge to owning your own business. You have to know a fair amount about the field you are interested in, but you also have to be able to continue to learn about it and be willing to test out that knowledge constantly. There are many times when, as an entrepreneur, you may be asked to take on a task that you have little expertise or background in. What I've learned is that if you take the initiative and show no hesitation, you can usually make your way through the project with just a few minor cuts and bruises, figuritively speaking.
When I first began this business, I had a fairly clear image in my mind of what I would be doing: custom invitations for weddings and baby showers, plus a few birth announcements and thankyous here and there. Within my first few months, however, that plan was altered as I was asked to create and maintain birthday gifts and custom cards for a corporation. It was not on my original road map, but I knew that I could do it. That client is now my largest client and continues to grow. I have also taken on other projects, such as designing enamel pins, developing personalized, inspirational posters, designing a few bags and totes, creating party favors, etc. By listening to the client and playing the part of the good student, I have been able to hear what they want and need. The products and services originally created for just one client have been echoed by others with the same need - a need that I might not have been aware of had I initially turned down the project.
My mother is currently seriously considering starting her own business. I for one know she would do quite well. The advice I gave to her was to write down what sorts of things she would be interested in doing and plug those into a business plan. I think it is a good idea to start off somewhat small, to see what interest exists for your product or service, but also to remain open to hearing about those other opportunities you hadn't considered. Being a good student always pays off.
posted by Kathy at 10:22 PM
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