Reinvent Yourself
Mike Smithwick, San Jose, CA
Author and designer of Distant Suns software
"I decided to create my own job and do what I love to do," says Mike Smithwick. A programmer for over 20 years, Smithwick decided to teach himself mobile phone application programming, consulting as an mobile phone applications developer and offering his own software, Distant Suns, as an iPhone application. Distant Suns is an astronomy program that shows what the planets actually look like right now or what position the stars were in on a particular day.
"Whenever I take out my iPhone and show Distant Suns software to someone, they usually buy it on the spot." Besides being a successful financial venture, Smithwick adds, "Teaching people astronomy for the first time is very satisfying. And there is nothing like having your own title and getting fan mail." The full iPhone version of Distant Suns is $6.00. Smithwick also offers a free version.
Be Excellent
Nick Schafer, Bellevue, WA
Principal, Schafer Construction
Nick Schafer started his own construction business in March of 2007 after a career as a real estate broker. Initially, he looked into buying an existing business, but after researching available options and assessing his skill set, he decided to open up shop himself. "In the first seven months of 2009 we have doubled our annual gross revenue from 2008." Schafer attributes his success to quality workmanship from his contract workers -- from never, ever completing a project late, and never going over budget. "People still spend in a recession, but people need to see the value.?If you say you are going to deliver, clients expect it -- no excuses."
When asked what advice he gives to people thinking of starting their own business, Schafer says, "If you are thinking of starting a business, it is vital to research as much as you can, create your own board of advisors and risk only what you are able to lose. If you are able to do those things then nothing should hold you back from taking an educated chance on success."
Embrace Change
Deborah Jack, Fort Lee, NJ
Fetch! Pet Care franchise owner
Former director of advertising at a Wall Street publishing firm, Deborah Jack was laid off in 2007. "Losing my job was, by far, the best thing that has ever happened to me professionally!" After deciding she was through with corporate life, Jack spent some time soul-searching and decided to open her own business via a franchise pet-sitting and dog-walking service.
"I was easily able to transfer my sales, marketing and business skills into a very viable and profitable business. Within three months of starting my business I was turning a profit, and within one year I ranked as one of the highest grossing Fetch! Pet Care franchises in the country. By far the biggest reward has been a more balanced lifestyle and a much happier self. I often say, 'As much as my Wall Street clients loved me, they never jumped up and down the way my clients do now, when I walk in the room.'"
Partner With Other Businesses
Taylor Cimala, Chicago, IL
Founder, Digital Third Coast
Taylor Cimala was a senior SEO analyst at a company where business was declining. In March of 2008, he and a coworker partnered to start up Digitial Third Coast, an Internet marketing company. "We started growing quickly despite the recession. It's a good feeling at the end of the day knowing clients succeed in their business and you are responsible for and share in that success." For those thinking of starting their own business, Cimala advises working together with like-minded organizations that share the same customer-service goals and work ethic.
"Our alliance with the people at Orbit Media play a big part in our success. We help each other help clients," says Cimala. Digital Third Coast helps clients increase their business via SEO (search engine optimization) strategies and pay-per-click advertising, while Orbit Media designs the customer websites. "Wherever you work you have to work hard. When [you are satisfying customers] the rewards are not just monetary."
Serve Customers from the Heart
Peggi Speers, Pebble Beach, CA
Vice president, Patients Pride
Today, while many businesses struggle, the health-care industry remains strong. But Peggi Speers, vice president of Patients Pride, a medical device and services company, doesn't simply attribute her success to her industry. She sees her current surge in business as a reflection of the way she treats her customers, kidney dialysis patients. Speers even hosts an area for testimonials and customer conversations on her company website to create a sense of community. She says her heart-centered approach has increased business and also her happiness at work.
"Each [patient] is so cherished and so appreciated and so understood. We are so thankful for every single person, and we pray for every [patient] we talk to and we wish them good health," says Speers.
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