Ambition is subjective. Depending on our goals, each of our ideas of success differs. Being a small business owner is ambitious in and of itself.
Momentum (noun): the strength or force that allows something to continue or to grow stronger or faster as time passes. As small business owners, you
Commitment is what drives your ability to do the impossible: start your own small business. You’ve gotten this far through your hard work and dedication, but keeping up the momentum through the difficult times is where commitment really comes into play.
The biggest hurdle is always taking that initial step–that initial leap. It’s usually up to the entrepreneur to find that drive within themselves to take that first step. Most people are usually afraid of what it will entail, but everything is all about taking little baby steps. Ask for help, find mentors, get friends or family to pitch in — get some guidance.
Nobody can do everything on their own. Take it from OCIE SBDC consultant, Lisa Napolitano: “the more you can create a network for yourself around your business, the better you can do sales and marketing.” When you open yourself up to teamwork within your own business or our network, you gain resources and insights that you wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Funded in part through a grant with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.
Mike Daniel is the network director of the Orange County Inland Empire SBDC Network, which assists aspiring entrepreneurs and current business owners throughout Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Mike was formerly the director of the SBDC office at Long Beach City College. As business owner and entrepreneur himself, he started his career as the owner of a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory location in Manhattan Beach and went on to open a second location in Long Beach in 2001. In 2007, Mike sold the Manhattan Beach store for an above-market offer then invested in several additional locations as a minority shareholder. Mike further expanded his candy empire with venture located in Shoreline Village in Long Beach called Sugar Daddies Sweet Shoppe, based on fill-it yourself candy options.
Mike has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton.
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