Amy: How long have you been a Solo-Entrepreneur?
Steven: Since May 2002
A: What industry are you working in?
S: I work in the Non-Profit Industry. I work with organizations to help the Board of Directors and the Leadership Teams implement effective strategies and processes that will allow them to operate more efficiently. I help them to eliminate what no longer serves them and align their organizations goals with their vision and purpose.
A: What motivated you to do what you are doing?
S: Well I had been in a company for over 17 years - I was content in what I was doing, I always had the opportunity to contribute in ways that allowed me to do what I do best. And for the last several years worked with executives in various organizations, I had traveled to Europe for a large project, and although I was very familiar with the company and my role, it was very clear that some ego-centric personalities were halting major projects (or blocking positive progress for personal gain). I was tired of those who were only interested in the bottom line and who lacked the ability to cultivate and properly utilize our most important asset - people.
Don't get me wrong, I loved what I did and being a people person, I made some great friendships over the years, but I became extremely weary of the direction of our leadership. It was clear that we were abandoning the value system that made working in a complicated environment bearable.
It became evident that I possessed an ability to see through and past the conflicts. I enjoy being able to work together and see the "end result" of a project while respecting everyone's assigned roles. But to make a long story short, I woke up one morning and had a feeling of dread about dealing with this everyday. One particular blow-up in Germany where I was assigned, granted me the clarity to see my strengths. Knowing that there is little to be gained from friction and conflict, I tried to integrate harmony within the team to continue the project - after several key people were sent home, I was asked to come back to the project. This solidified for me where my strengths rested and this recognition gave me the confidence I needed to step aside from the corporate world.
I did a lot of research and had already started working with the not-for-profit industry, but I think there comes a point when you just have to "jump" and that is the whole part of the rewarding experience. I jumped and now I am seeing how this turns out.
A: What does Success mean to you?
S: Knowing that I am contributing to what I believe in using methods that accentuate what I do best. When I wake up and feel excited about the work I am doing and seeing that develop throughout time - I feel successful! It feels right!
A: Are you fulfilling your 'definition of success'?
S: I don't wake up with that dreadful feeling anymore. The feedback I receive from others too inspires me and then I know that I am fulfilling what I set out to do.
A: What advice do you have for other Solo-E's?
S: Well if you can operate your business without having to rely strictly on the income you make. For example, some living expenses cannot be avoided, but if you can set aside some money to pay for those while you start to develop your business, then you are not operating your business out of desperation but because you are truly are inspired to do what you are doing and not because you have to make ends meet.
A: How do you personally stay inspired?
S: I am a people person and enjoy seeing the results of what I do. I genuinely like working the people I am working with in this industry - their mindset is different from the corporate atmosphere I am used to and I guess my curiosity keeps me doing this - I want to see how it all pans out.
A: What are some of the current projects in your pipeline?
S: I'm working with the Board and Staff of an organization committed to aid homeless families in the local county, with a goal of improving the overall operational effectiveness. I provide marketing support to a client by building customized presentations (MS PowerPoint). I assist another client with reporting their daily operational results (MS Excel). I work on the Board of Directors for the Alliance of AIDS Services Carolina.
A: Describe a day in the life of Steven.
S: I've been experimenting with several forms of meditation and I try to start my days in this fashion, especially on days that I'm the facilitator of a meeting, retreat, or training. My focus and energy both have a direct impact on how well the facilitation goes. On some weeks, I have assignments that require me to work on a clients premise for the week. Most days and weeks are a mixture of meetings (project based), interviews or assessments, breakfast and lunch meetings (networking) and office time for deliverables, reports, research and administrative duties.
A: What do you enjoy about being a Solo-Entrepreneur?
S: Being responsible for my own boundaries, i.e. making decisions on what work is of value and how to best approach it.
A: What do you see yourself doing/being in 5 and 10 years from now?
S: Still working as a consultant (solo-entrepreneur), just more focused more clients and working in new geographies outside of the area I currently reside (international).
