There are more than 33-million small businesses in the United States. I’m a small businessman myself and I celebrate anyone who has an entrepreneurial spirit. It takes a lot of courage to set out on your own to build anything, but if you have an idea, the resources, and a plan… big things can happen!
The U.S. Small Business Administration finds small businesses employ about 62-million Americans, that’s the majority of jobs created since the mid-90’s.
If starting and running a small business is a dream of yours, this episode is for you! It is packed with brave and bold people who trusted their guts and went for it! There are stories that will help inspire you to dig deep and get on your way.
Sybil Steele is a NYC-based creative director who develops brands and films. A couple of her big achievements include the launches of Solento Organic Tequila and most recently S’eau Prima, a foundational face mist.
She shares the secrets to her success, including an approach to life that is filled with abundance and a never-ending belief in herself. She takes on the big question of, "What if you were to put yourself first?"
Sybil also talks about her favorite "P" words—purpose, profit, and pleasure. This creative force is not afraid to mix her heart with the source of her mighty dollar, and win all the way to the bank. Steele has a series of rituals and routines that start her day off in a positive way, ultimately setting her up for personal and professional growth.
The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics finds there are more than 4,000 food trucks in the United States. It is a growing industry, generating about 1.4 billion dollars each year.
Jose Balaguer is the CEO of The Chicago Donut Company. For years he sold luxury vehicles, until he made a professional pivot. Now, his life is all about good vibes and donuts.
Balaguer admits his thriving food truck business was born out of market research, connections, and a love of people. The passion for donuts came later, while working with other Chicago vendors, renovating a used truck, and lots and lots of taste-testing.
He does not believe in "Faking the Funk," and stays true to himself and his community. Jose also discusses the sacrifices it takes to achieve and maintain success, including saying goodbye to friendships that no longer serve you or your entrepreneurial spirit. Balaguer leaves us wondering if small biz ownership grows self-discipline, or is it the other way around, does our own discipline grow the business?
Whatever it takes, both Sybil and Jose agree having a plan is essential to long-term success. This often includes a weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly approach to aligning dreams and realistic expectations in order to generate revenue.
Sparking Your Creative Genius is easier than you think, even in business. Sometimes all you have to do is shut out the noise and shift your perspective. Once you do that, it is time to own the possibility that great things will happen in your life. Now is the time to let your sparks fly!