So How Did I End Up Here?

Ah, the joys of talking about myself. You'd think I'd like it as much as I end up going on and on about it...it's a little embarrassing to be honest. But I do tell a good story...or so I'm told...and it seems to help people. And that's actually why I ended up here doing this in the first place. I found that I have a knack for getting other people unstuck. I have a hard time doing that for myself, but apparently I give pretty good advice. Maybe I'll eventually learn how to listen to my SELF! But I digress...

So here we are, and I’m about to share my career backstory with whoever has the time to read it. It's not all sunshine and rainbows, but it’s definitely been a journey. So, grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine, if you please), and join me on a stroll down memory lane...

The Reluctant Temp

Let’s rewind to the early days - a wanna-be rockstar - relocated from NYC to the booming metropolis of Charlotte, NC after surviving 9/11 (which is a whole 'nutha story).

I had been a corporate tech-training consultant for a few years, but that wasn't a thing in my new hometown...yet. So I took a temporary job as a technical writer, a role I had never heard of before. I was simply grateful for a steady paycheck and a roof over my head at that point.

After a few months of masquerading as a tech writer, I was promoted to project manager of my team. Within a year, I was asked by the owner of the firm to start up a new learning division. Suddenly I was in charge of something significant - something I actually knew a thing or 2 about! I quickly realized that I enjoyed building the business more than the day-to-day PM work.

Trial by Fire

I spent the next 7 years at that firm focused on building the practice and learning everything I could about running a consulting business. I dove into hiring processes, contract negotiations, and finance management. It was like a crash course in business, and I soaked up every bit of it.

In fact, I became known as the firm's secret weapon - "the Fixer" was my nickname - reminiscent of old time mob thumb breakers (at the time, I had a very Italian last name and being from NY, well, IYKYK). Whenever there was any client-related issue, the boss would call me and I'd resolve it (without breaking any thumbs, btw).

Ultimately, the practice that I built out became the cornerstone of the business. Within just two years after I left, the owner sold the firm for an impressive $5 million. Talk about a mic drop moment! My efforts not only contributed to its operations but also added tangible value to the company.

The Confidence Boost

When the owner personally told me that the practice I had built was instrumental in that lucrative deal, it totally blew my mind! She had been trying to sell and retire for a few years but wasn't getting any reasonable offers. I realized that I had actually done - albeit for someone else - what I'd been trying to do for myself for years! I personally created something that helped her support her goals. This realization was a game-changer.

However, let’s be real for a second. Even after achieving notable success, I faced setbacks. I experienced the cycle of starting and stopping projects more times than I could count. Each failed attempt raised questions like “What am I doing with my life?” But my stubbornness overcame the failures and I simply refused to throw in the towel.

Finding My Fire

Eventually, I found my groove, but not without several detours and pitfalls. I learned a lot along the way but I finally honed in on the thing that I excel at, the thing that lights me up, and the thing that people actually pay me to do - help them create and build a business that let's them live their life on their terms. If I got this figured out while working full-time contract projects, raising a kid on my own, with a houseful of rescue pets, and running a real estate firm on top of that, I'm pretty confident anyone can do it. It's just a lot easier when you have someone who's been there/done that as your guide. And that's what I became - the Guide.

After 10 years of this insanity, I launched my own consulting business, and now more than 10 years later, I can honestly say for all the ups and downs, it's been worth it.

Building a business isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about creating a life you love. If I can help others do that, then I’m living my dream. I'm proud to say that one of my first clients, who started with just a simple idea, now runs a business that's pulling in six-figures a month—all automated (with a little help from yours truly)—proof that dreams can turn into reality with the right support.

So What's the Moral of the Story

Every good story has a moral, right? It's simple: don’t be afraid to take risks and go after your dreams. Life is too short to be stuck in a job that doesn’t fulfill you. If you’re an aspiring business owner, it’s okay to stumble as you find your way. I’ve been there, and I’m still learning every day.

My own path wasn’t a straight line - more like a twisting, windy roller coaster with the added bonus of sleepless nights, self-doubt and a serious coffee addiction. Each step helped me further develop skills that I would later add to my repertoire in my own business.

It's a Wrap

So, there you have it—my not-so-glamorous journey from disillusioned temp to successful entrepreneur. While my journey isn't really that dramatic; not quite a Cinderella-tale, if it inspires someone to at least take their best shot, it's a story worth telling.

Remember, you don’t have to have it all figured out to start. Just take that first step, and who knows where it might lead you? If you need a little guidance along the way, I’m just a message away.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to brew another pot of coffee (did I mention I also own a coffee business? No? I'm sure I'll get to that in another post!) and start noodling on my next big idea.

Cheers to all of you aspiring business owners—let’s make your dreams a reality!