A weekly look at Wyoming business questions from the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (WSBDC), part of WyomingEntrepreneur.Biz, a collection of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming.
By Mark Atkinson, WSBDC regional director
"Knowing that starting a new small business is hard, and owning one is even more difficult, why are people doing this?" Alexis, Lovell
A couple of years ago, I went to a conference in Orlando and was introduced to a pretty amazing person, Kim Ima.
Her story is no longer a new one, although some or most of you may not have heard it. It's worth re-visiting because the message is timeless, no matter how technologically advanced we become. First, watch this video and hear Kim tell her story at http://ask.officelive.com/smallbusiness/media/p/44667.aspx.
Now try and remember a few things Kim said. What is Kim's favorite part of business? "Interacting with customers."
How about what her individual days are like? "Every day is the biggest adventure in the world."
What is her real, overall experience like in business? Her business is harder than "anything I've ever done in my life."
And finally, about getting things done in a business -- whatever needs to be done, "often, I'm the one doing it."
Remember the image of Kim pushing open that huge gate to a commercial vehicle parking lot? Iconic in my mind, and telling to the experience of a small business owner.
I don't know how wealthy Kim is, but I hope she does very well in that regard. I do know she is set to open (or has already done so) a storefront in New York City to diversify her sales channels. Kim always is on the move.
Entrepreneurs go into business because it is an expression and outlet for doing something they love. Trying business ownership because someone is mad at their boss or wants to live the so-called "good life" is rarely sufficient motivation for success in business, and almost never gets funded.
The most successful entrepreneurs go through all of the heartache because they love it. Kim's defining words of advice in the video are, "When I think about success, is this living the life I want to live? It is."
A blog version of this article and an opportunity to post comments is available at http://www.wyomingentrepreneur.typepad.com/blog/.
The WSBDC is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Wyoming Business Council and the University of Wyoming. To ask a question, call 1-800-348-5194, email wsbdc@uwyo.edu or write 1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3922, Laramie, WY, 82071-3922.
