Do you dream of starting something? A new path? A business? A venture? A way to make your mark in this world?

I’m with you. But be careful who you talk to about those dreams.

All of those good-intentioned friends and family with their oddball suggestions and patronizing looks of concern for you and your business … they mean well. But they just don’t get it.

The world is built around 9-to-5, paying your dues, long commutes and cubicles.

Get a job, a pension plan, and don’t rock the boat baby. Be grateful.

So when people like us announce that we’re following our dreams and starting a business, the eyes roll and the tongues wag.

And we, well we shut down. We don’t tell them when it’s hard. We don’t noodle solutions around with them because the answer will likely be … ‘Get a real job.’

Starting a new business and growing a business … that’s hard work. And it’s made a heck of a lot harder when we don’t have anyone to turn to that knows the struggle. Someone (anyone!) that won’t criticize or even just try to empathize, but will offer concrete solutions that make a difference.

I’ve been running Blackcoffee for 15 years and when I started, the few people I knew who were independents selfishly guarded their secrets. The simplest things like invoicing or proposal writing were a struggle. And today, it’s sadly not much different. The scarcity mentality is everywhere.

But it’s even harder now. Back then, there was no e-commerce, online businesses were few and far between, social media was non-existent. Business owners weren’t struggling with opt-ins, nurturing sequences, online courses, Facebook ads, Instagram aesthetics, the big whirly and intricate sales funnels of the online world.

This right here. This is why I launched coaching packages for business owners. And let’s be clear, I haven’t gone to school to get ‘coach certified’. I’m not that kind of coach. Nope. I’m from the school of hard knocks, my training is from the streets and my goal is to have your back. To be your person when no one else seems to understand. And to offer advice and real world guidance for figuring out the puzzle pieces of business ownership as we approach 2020.

So next time you’re thinking of discussing your dreams, your passions, your business ambitions, please bypass your mom, colleagues and best friends that mean well. Recognize that as much as the cubicle dwellers mean well, they don’t get you. And instead of coming away feeling energized and empowered, you’ll feel defeated.

Find someone who walks your path, who shares your passion for independence and your vision of escaping fluorescent lights and 9-5. Find someone who will cheer you on.

Because if you have the passion inside you, you deserve to follow that dream. You deserve to write your verse.

If you’re interested in chatting with me, feel free to schedule a 30 minute coffee call at no cost. Let’s dish and see what you need. Here’s the link to my schedule.  blackcoffee.acuityscheduling.com

With gratitude,