Filled with Passion & Possibilities? I want to interview you!

Sue, dear fellow explorer of the wild and often wacky entrepreneurial world:

I took the “plunge” into the unknown about 23 years ago. 25 years ago, I was hired to be the graduate schools admissions coordinator for Seattle University. I was hired to market SU’s graduate programs, and I must say, I did a pretty good job of it, having saved a couple of programs from extinction. This all before the internet granted us the power to market anywhere, anytime.

Anyway, about a year into my tenure there, I noticed a trend: Potential graduate students were increasingly “sneaking” into my office to ask me questions other than of the admissions kind. In fact, the questions were so personal, I had to state the in-appropriateness of using my office to vent them, and had a regular “coffee” time with a few of them after hours. People would come and talk with me, and share their dreams and concerns as they ventured into new lives, and I began to wonder if my psychology degree was actually meant for something more than just college admissions.

So I took a chance, resigned from SU, and started Growth Through Transitions, my first business as an entrepreneurial guidance counselor. I had 25 clients right off the bat!

To end this story, I would like to say that I never looked back—but that is not true. In times of dips in my client base, in times when there were medical emergencies in my family of four and I didn’t have money or health coverage, in times of lots and lots of doubt, I would peruse the newspaper, and later the internet for admissions jobs. I even applied for a few. After one such interview, there was a turning point: The dean of this particular college called me to state; ”I would love to, but I cannot hire you for this job.” Stunned by her actual phone call, rather than just a rejection letter, I asked her, “Why?”

“Because,” she said emphatically, “You are already doing your work, and I do not want to take you away from the people who need you. Go to it!”

Progress report: I rarely look back now.

Sue,

Well, I wouldn't say that my life prior to starting my own graphic design firm was "mediocre", per se, but it was certainly not fulfilling. So, in 2003, after much waffling, and trepidation, I left a solid job as the senior art director with the number one agency in Phoenix and struck out on my own (well, in the interest of full disclosure, "on my own" means me and my wife), and launched Nocturnal Graphic Design Studio.

Owning my own business was a long time dream much delayed by fear and uncertainty. Nearly six years later I can honestly say that it was the best decision we ever made. It's been quite an adventure, and has changed our lives for the better.

Additionally, in 2006, our infant son inspired me to write and self publish a children's picture book. That too was a risk that has turned into a wonderful experience. I posted an article about it here on biznik. You can check it out at: http://biznik.com/articles/a-cowboy-philosophy-for-life-and-success.

I would be honored to contribute to you project, if you think that my story would be helpful to you.

All the best.

Hello Sue, This project sounds great. As one mentor of mine would say, I have "faced my giants" and now am pursuing a life of significance rather than mediocrity.

I'm not sure this post is the place for me to tell long stories, but please contact me if you'd like to hear about my interesting journey.

Hope you get a lot of inspiring stories! Krista Dunk KBWomen.com

NWweddingplace.com

Sue, This sound pretty interesting and I would share my story with you on the phone or in person. Not quite ready for primetime sharing.

Hello Sue, I went on my own after 12+ years of building a customer base when my former employer sold out to a big corp. had no income for 8+ momths while I had to rebuild and could not take any of my old customers due to a no compete. And I had been the only one working so no additional income. 2.5 years down now with me running my own show and I'm just getting back on my feet. If this sounds likes something you are looking for feel free to email me.

Sue... I'm filled with passion for entrepreneurial ism. I have overcame almost every business challenge you can imagine and each time came out with a better business operation than before. This has been my life for over 40 years so far.

I can share minor and major personal stories of overcoming adversity and pursuing your dreams. This is my new life passion to share and to help others and inspire them to "Hire Yourself Today."

Hopefully, we can meet in person some day. ...Howard

Hi Sue, I have a couple of suggestions for people to talk to.

First off - sort of a "forest-for-the-trees" idea - talk to Dan McComb and Lara Feltin, owners/inventors of this here Biznik thang. Their story is a really compelling one.

Also, check out fellow Biznik Sierra Kennedy. She s doing what she loves, but she is doing it with such deep integrity and intention that she might be a great story for you. Rather than just pursuing a career that she wants, she has crafted a life that she loves and is fully invested in.

Best of luck on your project! - Christian

Visit www.unchainedworld.com follow a link to the three teas tour blog.

You will be able to follow how my adventures unfolded and continue to do so.

Great project!

Well, let's see... 28 years ago I left an exciting (?) position as Training Director for a local savings and loan to launch my private practice as a therapist. Talk about a scary dive off into the who knows?! But a little word of mouth brought one client, and then another, and another, and well, it's 28 happy years later.

Then another leap of faith: in 1996 I was introduced to the then just beginning field of Energy Psychology - you know, EFT, TFT, etc. - a way far out experiment at the time. But I immediately saw more rapid and easy progress in my clients' well being. I couldn't, wouldn't practice any more without it, even if it was, and maybe still is according to some, "woo-woo". Now my fellow energy therapist, Stephanie Eldringhoff, and I are sharing our knowledge via our new blog (http://www.efaenergyhealing.com) and our Emotional First-Aid (EFA) Kit is available online.

And one more thing: a few years ago I started learning to sing from the bottom up. Now I'm a performing jazz singer. (Who, me?!)

Carve it out and do it, I say.

Hey Sue,

This sounds like a great project, its great hearing sucess stories. 3 years ago when I moved out here and took on my hangar project. I didnt know if I would be sleeping on a park bench in a few months, but made the move anyway. It would be greate to participate.

www.painefieldhangars.com

Tim

As a small business owner I bring it every day. When working for "the man" it's easier to take it easy once in a while.

I think you'll find it pretty fun to meet and interview people that also have a high level of energy. Good luck with your project.

Hi Sue,

A compelling subject. I've often thought there's a book waiting to be written on this topic. When I was a manager at World Vision, we used to play the "how did you get here?" game. The stories were amazing.

I was a teacher of intellectually gifted students. Up and quit at the end of one school year, not knowing what was out there, but knowing that there was something else for me, something besides teaching, as noble a profession as it is.

I moved to southern California with Bob (without a job!). I answered an ad in the Los Angeles Times (yes, a classified ad!) for a manager of writing services for World Vision, an international relief and development nonprofit with 6,000 projects in 125 countries. I knew nothing about third world development. Had only written one grant in my life. I went through a series of interviews ending with the vice president and was hired!

Traveled to sub-Sahara Africa to evaluate water, health and agriculture projects and film a TV documentary. Truly a life-changing experience, and all because I took a risk. That paved the way for my grants consulting business, which I had for 14 years. And now I am co-owner and lead copywriter for our marketing business. Funny how one decision can change your whole career trajectory.

I'm enjoying hearing other people's stories. I love this stuff.

Ok by me, Sue.

Hi Sue, It's a long story of funeral homes, spinal surgeries and laundromats.

Wanna talk?

Sue, just reading your post and all these replies is inspiring. Good luck!