by Reginald “Reg” Byrd

For years I knew deep in my soul I had a desire to be an entrepreneur.  I wanted to own my own business and be accountable to myself.  My mother, my mother’s father, my father’s father and my grandfathers before them were all business owners.  But like many, after college, I quickly ended up on the “boomer” track and found myself deeply engaged in corporate America. I owned a home, my boys were in school, my wife took care of the family, and there I was… my family depending on me entirely for our lifestyle.  Don’t get me wrong, it was entirely my pleasure and joy to provide for my family.  That feeling of being an entrepreneur never faded though. 

My lovely wife, now of 38 years, and I had conversations about my craving to one day break away from the “job.”  There were many of those conversations over the years.  Each time, I could see the fear and skepticism in my wife’s eyes. She was very supportive of the idea and wanted to hear all I had to say. She never shut me down, but I knew when I’d said enough.  The comfort of my family always came first.  Did my desire ever fade?  Did I ever think entrepreneurship wasn’t in reach?  Was I good enough or did I have what it takes?  Was I afraid?  Of course! There were conflicting thoughts that tried to creep in.  I struggled with the idea though, I never lost faith. 

Then, there was the day I came home from work and told my wife, “Honey, this is it! The time is now – let’s do this!”  Were we nervous?  Yes. And I’m sure my wife was more nervous and scared than I was.  Being the rock–solid, confident person, she is, I could never tell she had doubts. It wasn’t a unilateral decision either.  She had faith in me, faith in us as a unit and as a family.  Ultimately, of course, it was a family decision.   

I had spent a great deal of time planning this transition.  In fact, I still have the binder with the papers where I wrote out planning strategies, affirmations and visions.  Early on, when I first started penciling out my thoughts about starting the business, I came to realize it was extremely important to write about my purpose in life. What was my ultimate desire beyond starting my own business? What would make my family and me most proud?  Self-reflection, knowing confidently how I could make a difference.  I reflected strongly on my strengths and from time to time made lists of those strengths.  Eventually, I compared the lists to find commonalities which led me to a deeper understanding of what I’m made of.  This led me, and allowed me, to be completely confident knowing what I bring to the table.  And more importantly, how I could change the lives of others. 

It is germane in your endeavors of entrepreneurship to be entirely confident in knowing what makes you, you.  This might sound cliché but in the corporate world, I was caught up in climbing the corporate ladder, discreetly competing with my colleagues, being the first one in and the last one out so I would get the next promotion, and so on. I never set aside time to focus on me.  Had I done that, I wonder how much more I might have achieved.   

Self-realization leading to self-acknowledgment of your potential and abilities must be the cornerstone of the business model.  Having personal insight into your innate talents and inherent attributes are also part of the self-realization necessary to succeed in all ways of business.  Never cut yourself short by trying to lean on a weakness (we all have them). The weaknesses will make themselves apparent without any effort.  Therefore, focus on your strengths by letting them lead the way. 

Over the years as business owners, we experience the highs and lows of our economy.  Disaster leading to economic trauma is out of our control; we feel helpless. These are the times when your awareness of the results of self-realization is invaluable. Often, I hear those seeking entrepreneurship tell me how nervous and worried they are about taking the first step.  I always tell these individuals that I would be worried if they weren’t.  Motivation and determination comes from the adrenaline caused by worry and the unknown.  Don’t be afraid. Instead, confidently focus on the strengths you’ve identified — these are your drivers.