Every Entrepreneur Has A Story . . . What’s Yours?

Kudos to Carolynn Duncan for her efforts with her Hundred Dollar Business ideas. One of the recent ideas was to publish stories from entrepreneurs from every U.S. state and continent. The project resulted in stories from 70 entrepreneurs from across the globe. I’m thrilled to be part of the book (that’s me above the “Y” in “Story”). I encourage you to purchase and read it. Thanks, Carolynn, for letting me take part.

I originally wrote my story for the book in February 2007. My entrepreneurial experience has been quite the ride since. At the time I wrote my story, I was a full-time employee. In my spare time (nights and weekends), I was assisting a start-up medical device company.

Soon after submitting my story to Carolynn, my entrepreneur adventure changed. By mid March 2007, I had quit my full-time job to provide consulting services to medical device clients. In my story, I offered three pointers:

1. Find people to help you. Identify friends, mentors, and support. There are always people available to help.
2. Do as much as you can without compromising current sources of income. Moonlight if you can.
3. Do what you can to make money without spending money.

I followed my own advice before, during, and since making the leap.

Before March 2007, I had one client. I gained a second in March, a third in May, and a fourth in September. I was extremely fortunate to land a couple of long-term client relationships. In fact, I’m still working with client #1 and have been for over one year.

I’m excited about 2008. Creo Quality is blazing new territory. As previously mentioned, I added a business partner a couple months back. Together, we are pursuing exciting opportunities by providing strategic services to companies with life science opportunities.

I expect my entrepreneur story to have many more chapters. It’s already had quite a few. I originally started Creo Quality, LLC in November 2005. At that time, I planned to develop risk management software. As some market research, that idea was shelved and entrepreneurship was placed on hold. Since then, my business has changed four times. My first entrepreneur client involved establishing quality systems. I then shifted to providing product development project management. I then toyed with establishing a turn key product development organization. And most recently, I plan to provide strategic services.

Most entrepreneurs are full of advice. I’m no exception. Here are a few more words of wisdom:

1. I always heard about companies that were started around a certain product or service only to shift to other products / services. Often times your idea is great. But sometimes, it is a tough proposition for potential clients. Be flexible; adapt to your environment.
2. Network like crazy–enough said.
3. Stop talking and listen. Listen to your [potential] customers. Determine what their needs are.
4. Be happy. If you are doing something you don’t enjoy, it’s not worth it!

I’d like to “tag” a few other entrepreneurs to share their stories here:

• Jill Harding - Boundless Design
• Scott Durlacher - Eos Research & now Creo Quality
• Larry O’Cull - Priio