Have you ever wondered what it would be like to "go it on your own"? This lively panel discussion will present several different viewpoints of what it is like to run your own business. It will explore the transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the challenges of marketing your business, financing, giving good customer service, dealing with the ups and downs of income, keeping your spouse/significant other happy. In total it will explore what are the risks... and the rewards.
Panelist, Rich Hames worked in finance in the corporate world for over 15 years. When his job went away, he decided to do what he really loved, interior house painting. He has been very successful, employs two to four others as needs demand and now sometimes does exteriors as well. He keeps his customers very satisfied and delights that he has never had a problem collecting payment. His story is worth hearing in itself.
Panelist, Carolyn Herfurth helps a wide variety of people get started in doing their own businesses. Her specialty is in franchising and she has a franchise herself called Entrepreneur's Source. She writes:
"A report released on March 3rd by the International Franchise Association reveals that from 2001 to 2005, franchised businesses out-performed other businesses in several areas. Employment, payroll and overall economic output are just a few. Drop me a note if you would like access to the full report: carolyn@esourcemn.com .
"The entrepreneur featured in this month's E-Story attended the Franchise Spectacular [a fabulous convention type event she puts on annuallsy] a year ago. He diligently followed our process and even went through a couple of iterations - ultimately landing in a business that will allow him to achieve his goals.
"He implemented tools from our book to compare, evaluate and re-evaluate which direction to pursue. A model client!"
Panelist Susan Zoff talks about her business, Z Essentials:
"I quit my day job."
After twent-years of "going to work", I decided to make my living from within my home. My "business" is a way for me to take on various interesting projects, gain some experience & expand my network, all this while being the primary parent of a wonderful young boy. I established Z Essentials, Inc. nearly three years ago with the vision of producing high quality business communications for local businesses and non-profit organizations. I work in bits & starts from my home-based offiice when my son is at home with me, then try to focus for set time frames when he is not. Some days it works, some days..not so much!
My "job" is working on various fundraising projects for a small school, located 4 miles from home. Most of my work for my job occurs in my home office, Suite 200.
...So the panel should be a lively and interesting event. Hope you can join in.
No reservation is necessary. Free, but a tax-deductible contribution of $3 is appreciated.
