This past week, I had the opportunity to speak to two local job clubs about entrepreneurial thinking and how it applies to their job search. As I looked around the room, I thought back to the It Factor Job Club members that preceded the ones I was now leading through this discussion. I looked into their faces and had to consider what I felt to be MOST important for a job seeker in our new, shaky economy. What determines who will come out “on top” and who will still be “searching” a year from now?
With much thought and internal dialogue I think I boiled it down to two essential traits that separate one group from the rest, regardless of their interest in being self-employed:
• A willingness to re-invent themselves to make sure they become relevant and indispensable resource to their potential employers.
• An opportunistic mindset that allows them (and compels them) to find opportunity in all circumstances.
Recently, I have grown close to a woman who embodies both of these traits, and has completely re-invented herself after a corporate lay-off. Her name is Laura Wayland and she is what I sometimes call an “accidental entrepreneur” – someone who stumbled into self-employment almost by accident.
No matter your goals or aspirations, she and her company www.auntieforhire.com are worth a second look. First, her current occupation has nothing to do with her “past life” in corporate America. Yet, she has been amazingly successful – largely through providing incredible service to each and every client. Next, her business was opportunistic in that it responded to a definite and under-served need in the marketplace. (She provides as-needed, part time childcare to the stay-at-home Mom, providing a mature childcare solution for date nights, vacations, and even doctors appointments.)
It has been some time now that her personal “On-Call Nanny” service has enjoyed a “booked solid” status. So, where would Laura- the “accidental entrepreneur” go from there? She expands, of course… teaching others how to start, enjoy and profit from their own on-call nanny business. She helps women who are interested in earning a living on their terms do just that while nurturing our next generation of leaders. “This isn’t a get rich quick scheme,” Laura warns “but it is an opportunity to create a healthy income or supplemental income on your terms.” Cheers to you, Laura!!
Laura is the best! We were her “accident” that got her started on this path. (A twin pregnancy on bedrest with a toddler and pre-schooler) And we look forward to her visits each time she’s near our hometown. Laura shows up with a trunk full of activities to keep our children entertained for hours and hours. And she doesn’t mind investing her time with them, rather than just “watching” them. We’re thrilled about her making this opportunity available to others. She certainly knows the ropes and is more than qualified to guide others to the same success.