NASE, National Association of Self Employed

CARDINAL RULES FOR A SMOOTH, LEAN START-UP

As a 15 year entrepreneur, I have naturally acclimated towards fellow creative business minds. Enjoying hearing ideas of our youth and supporting educational efforts from serving as an adjunct educator at our local junior college to volunteering with junior achievement, small business has been a passion of mine. From owning and failing a small grocery business in a small town to successfully franchising a service model that truly disrupts the liquidation market, I have felt the sting of making mistakes and finding success! As an entrepreneurship author, speaking at national BPA (Business Professionals of America) and DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) conferences across the US, the excitement of the youth has continued to motivate me. Having a business fail drove me to write books. The first was a youth entrepreneurship book, “Cardinal Rules: Financial Resources for Young Adults”. A few years later I wrote the second book for adult use. Like myself, many adults need a second chance. Speaking in prison ministry programs, conducting my own boot camp, or assisting adult workforce development agencies were a nice fit for my work. I have been able to encourage a wise path for being both personally financially savvy and using creativity in selecting a business to start. Creativity can be taught, it can also definitely be encouraged.

MENTORING

Whether you have a close family member who owns a small business or know of someone who could help you succeed, find a mentor. Join your local chamber of commerce and instant mentors can be found. Think about your church family, neighbors too and don’t be afraid to ask professionals for help. In a sense, accountants and lawyers serve as mentors, yes for a fee as they are being paid to help guide you to success. Being a mentor to entrepreneurs who struggle allows me to give back each day. Find a mentor you can relate to who can give you the time you need to get on the right track with your new start up business. One day you will likely be a mentor in business yourself. True success comes to those who give! By Vicki Wiederkehr SelfInformed JANUARY 2016 2