Entrepreneurial Dreams
Have you been dreaming of starting your own business and looking for help and support in the process? Or do you already have your own business and would like some guidance on how to expand and further develop the company? Well, help is at hand and it’s FREE!
SCORE, the Resource Partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration www.score.org is dedicated to entrepreneurial education and the formation, growth and success of small businesses nationwide. SCORE, "Counselors to America's Small Business", is an excellent source of free and confidential advice to help you build your business—from idea to start-up to success.
With nearly 400 offices in the US and territories, SCORE is available in your own backyard. Email counseling is also available for unusual specialties and for added convenience. SCORE has a network of over 10,500 volunteers who are experienced retired and working entrepreneurs and corporate managers/executives. These executives provide free business counseling and advice as a public service and as a way to give back. What a benefit to you, the growing entrepreneur!
Recently I was interviewed for SCORE’s opt-in e-newsletter on how to become a successful entrepreneur:
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Expert interviews featured in SCORE Expert Answers give how-to advice and provide inspiration for business success.
Marilyn Tam, author of
How to Use What You've Got to Get What You Want, discusses how ordinary people can achieve extraordinary success.
Q: You have overcome many obstacles in your path from immigrant to corporate leader. Where did you find the guidance and inspiration to make all of this happen?
A: I was the second daughter in a Chinese family, so there were very modest expectations for my future. But I came to understand my inner mission and understood that I was connected to something greater. Knowing my mission and trusting in a higher power kept me going when I came to the United States, even though I didn't have any large support group waiting for me.
Q: Many prospective entrepreneurs probably feel the same way when they're just starting out.
A: Oh yes. So many times, we feel alone and that no one can help us. But once we cast aside others' expectations for what we truly want, we also realize that we already possess the will to take the necessary steps to achieve our dreams. Throughout my career, this philosophy guided our communications and operations, which enabled us to succeed as individuals, and as a business and a community.
Q: How do your basic principles—Always Tell the Truth, Make Partners, Make Big Mistakes and Die By Your Own Sword—apply to starting a small business?
A: Truth is absolutely important. Saying things for expediency, then trying to keep track of what we say, diverts energy from our mission and compromises our productivity and integrity. Partnerships are also essential in small business. When you build a common vision among your employees, partners, vendors and even your competitors, you achieve very powerful results.
As for mistakes, not taking risks means you have no chance to get started or grow. The key is to plan, organize and structure contingencies before taking that leap. And, you must believe in yourself and your mission, and stay focused on pursuing it.
Q: Before one can start using what you have to get what you want, don't you first need to determine what you have?
A: That is probably the first and often most difficult thing to do. From childhood, we're told by our parents, our peers, the media and others what will make us happy. Each of us has to ask, "Is this the life I want?" Once we tell the truth to ourselves, we can better align ourselves with what we truly want. Then we can assess what talents and skills we have and how to use them to support the pursuit of our life purpose.
Q: Your philosophy can certainly help someone considering starting a small business. How about those who are already entrepreneurs?
A: These principles provide a good foundation for guiding and balancing your business, your personal life and your relationships. Challenges, however formidable, become easier because you now have the tools to support you toward achieving your life's mission. It makes your life easier, and more fun!
Q: Any parting thoughts or advice?
A: Discover your mission and follow it. Everything you need to achieve it is already inside you. Once you understand that you already have the motivation and desire, everything else is merely another step in the process—getting additional training, acquiring financing, attracting customers, etc. Anchor your life to what is true for you, and move forward joyously. Learn from the mistakes and celebrate each success.
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If you have been waiting for the right time to start your new business, to expand an existing one or if you are struggling with challenges in your company, you can tap into this wonderful resource. I’m grateful SCORE is around. I took advantage of their services when I started my first company many years ago. Now I’m on the national board of directors for SCORE Foundation, doing what I can to give back so that other people can benefit and realize their dreams too. Maybe you will be one of those people?
Marilyn Tam is an influential corporate leader, speaker, consultant, author, philanthropist and social activist. www.HowToUseWhatYouveGot.com
Marilyn Tam’s book, How to Use What You’ve Got to Get What You Want, receives an average 5-star rating from Amazon.com customers. In her book, Ms. Tam talks about how to discover your own inner North Star, and how to use it to navigate your efforts to achieve maximum personal success. The hardcover is just $14.00 on Amazon.com. Check it out! Click here 
