I sat at my desk last week a different person to the one I was just a few months ago. Butterflies fluttered around in my stomach and felt like I was tiptoeing on clouds ready to leap off a cliff at the same time.
KK and I have successfully started our own small business. We are officially entrepreneurs!
No one around me noticed the change (or perhaps panic in my face). People are busy and there’s very little time nowadays for anyone to stop and check-in on one another. It’s a pity because I’m not the only one standing at the edge of that cliff.
As I gazed around the desks, it dawned on me that I would not be where I am today had it not been for many of my colleagues. Their support, friendship and lessons over the years has grown me into the person I am today.
Pulling this off would also not have been possible without all the skills I had picked up during my 15 years of service at Standard Bank.
- I’ve learnt the power of networking. Of relationship-building.
- I understand the brand and how important it is to be true to what it is I’m selling.
- I know how to assess the market & be aware of my competitors.
- I’ve picked up key skills such as negotiation and buy-in.
- I guess what excites me the most is the social media and engagement with potential customers.
- I’ve also been taught that while the good times come, so do the bad and that it’s only by putting hard work into something that you see success.
- Most of all, I’ve learnt patience. Things happen when the time is right.
The view from the 4th floor of my office. Development is happening all around me.
As the bank grows, so do I. The courses I go on, the people I interact with. All of it adds to moulding me into a cleverer thinker, to be more strategic and constantly have a business-like mindset to every decision I make.
The more I grow at work, the more my business benefits. And because I’m eager to make a success out of both, the more effort I put in.
It’s a win win situation.
Keeping up with the Walkers... 
So happy to have stumbled upon this article. I myself work full time, but am on the brink of a business launch. I see this is from back in August. Are you still working your full time job? Way to take initiative and put yourself out there! Im sure great things are to come!
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Yup! Still working full-time & juggling both. It’s been slow and is a lot of work! But the passion is still burning & we know 2018 is gonna rock! All the best to you! Here’s to a great launch!
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Nice article !
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Thanks Amy!
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Congratulations on taking the leap! I also see panic in other people’s faces, but it’s the fear that they have because their livelihood relies entirely on their job. You’re on your way! Best wishes!
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Awesome and good for you. I started three years ago working full time and on the side and after 3-4 months went full time on my business. I am detailing it all in thebootstrapdream.com if you want some ideas of how I did it. In the mean time work hard and good luck.
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All the best with your business! Sounds like you have very good business values and ethics. Hard work will get you there for sure!
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Great insights Bo! I’m on a journey of building my own business also (can’t call myself an entrepreneur just yet!) and I can definitely relate to many of your sentiments. Keep up the great work and all the best on your adventure!
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Thanks Krithi! The support has kept us going, for sure!
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This is so exciting! All the best with the new venture.
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Lovely post. I also believe that learning new skills brings power, more confidence. Great lessons you learned and shared.
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Congratulations. Remember that while others sit at their desk wishing they could start their own business you have done it and you recognize what you have learnt along the way. Wishing great success.
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Thanks Bernice! X
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Good work lessons and life lessons those. 🙂
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What kind of business? I won’t be offended if you use your voice here on FB to publicize it.
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Well, it’s a brand called CW-X. They make compression clothes for runners etc. but with the kinesiology technology stitched into the garment. Go check out the http://www.cw-x.com site. Our site is almost ready to launch!
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Fabulous Bronwynne! You’ve taken the first step. Well done. I will be following your entrepreneurial journey closely.
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Thanks Mel! Especially for all the advise and encouragement!
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