If I only knew then, what I know now …

Twenty three years ago, I had this crazy idea while sitting at my corporate desk, that if I was going to work this hard for them, I might as well work that hard for myself.  I also thought, “Julie, how can you even think of this?  You must be off your rocker to consider leaving the reliability of a paycheck and benefits.”  Like a lightning bolt from the sky, an intense thought grabbed hold of this young woman at the exuberant age of 27 and it never let go.  People say this is the first sign you are an entrepreneur.

From that day to now, I feel compelled to share with every person who is reading this: if I had the chance to do it all again, I wouldn’t change a thing.  It was the right decision, made me wise beyond my years, and honestly comes with zero regret.  However, it was not an easy road.  In fact, there was no road at all in my chosen field.  I found myself at an instant crossroad before I took my first step.  Do I move forward into the abyss not knowing what I am doing and make a road for others to follow one day? Or should I turn around and stay in a job I didn’t care for but had a steady paycheck.  As it turned out, I discovered I am an excellent bulldozer and I paved the way to what I was meant to do.  The really great news: if I can do it, you can too.

One of the first lessons you learn as an entrepreneur is that while a multitude of resources are available to you, ultimately you are on your own.  What an isolating feeling.  You learn quickly what you are made of.  It takes great strength and stamina to fulfill your dream, not to mention the patience and support of those closest to you.  More than that, it takes tenacity of spirit, a positive mindset when you feel like crumbling and crying (and yes, that will happen), and the ability to get back up when you were just knocked down.

As a mother, when my daughter was learning to walk and she stumbled and fell, I would encourage her to get right back up immediately, brush herself off, and go on to her next adventure.  So too, is the unpredictable life of an entrepreneur.  Get right back up, and no matter what, keep moving forward.  Throughout the years, there nave been many times I felt like the hamster that runs on that wheel with lots of vigor, but never really gets anywhere.  Looking back I actually was going somewhere, but the holding patterns and plateaus are very frustrating.  Yet they are part of our growth.

People venture out as entrepreneurs for many different reason.  Some receive a strong calling, perhaps an invention in their mind or a service which will bring relief to the consumer.  Others feel they are better off building their own business; still others thrive on the satisfaction they receive on the road to success.  For me, it was all of the above.

What I wouldn’t have given back then to have the experience and valuable knowledge I possess today!  Next week, I’ll share the most important lessons I have learned in building a successful business.  Please don’t miss this knowledge for yourself or someone you know.

©2013 The Estate Lady®

Julie Hall, The Estate Lady®, is the foremost national expert on personal property in estates, including liquidating, advising, and appraising. http://www.TheEstateLady.com  She is also the Director of American Society of Estate Liquidators®, the national educational and resource organization for estate liquidation. http://www.aselonline.com