I find that it does not get easier. Emotionally at least. The nuts and bolts part: knowing what to do and in what order, that is the easy part.
Leaving a company that I’ve grown up (with). Crystallizing a new idea. Getting myself out there. Honing the pitch, building up the energy to launch, dealing with cash-flow craziness. Again. Kinda sounds like dating, eh?
I am so pleased to have found out about the Small Business Administration SCORE program — an excellent resource for entrepreneurs in the US. How did I not know about this before?
SCORE has been around for over 50 years. During that time, it has developed an excellent mentoring training program, affiliates all over the country, and a team of volunteers on call to assist small business start-ups.
True to spirit, I have signed on as a SCORE volunteer. So this might look like I am procrastinating instead of launching my new venture, but volunteering has turned into a great learning experience.
I moved from a city to a rural location recently, and SCORE has become a great way to get to know the small-business community around my new home. I am learning about financing opportunities in the region, everything from microloans to community revolving loan funds to signature loans and lines of credit. Coming most recently out of the non-profit space, I have found the variety of options and sponsoring organizations close to mind boggling. Who needs a VC when you can get started with a small loan from the Womens Rotary Club?
Working with the local SCORE chapter, I am sharing and discussing versions of business plans with experienced mentors. What works in what situation. What most entrepreneurs need help with (financial planning), and where people try to cut corners (financial planning and systems automation).
..and also what people forget: what are the core values that drive their venture, and how are they measuring success — other than the financial spreadsheet. This is what got ME started again. Making ends meet plus a little more to have fun, that is all fine, but affecting positive social change, helping to build community, that is why I start-up over and over again.
