Not everyone who starts a business fits the classic mold of entrepreneur. In this story about Jim Carpenter, founder of the Wild Birds Unlimited stores, we observe how revelations gradually emerge in one’s career and life and how acting on those revelations by taking that one next step leads you to the next. “SUCCESS Stories:…
Inspiration to Follow Your Blueprint
Do You Know the Value of Your Own Stock?
by Ginny Kravitz, Deputy Editor Bird in the Hand After a 22-year career with the company, Rose became part of a downsizing. Though her severance package was fairly generous, she was very anxious about finding a job, as she was a single mother with the pressures of a high mortgage in California. After two months, Rose…
Becoming a Franchisee
Here are three people who opted to buy franchises in order to do something entrepreneurial but with the support of a proven model. Also of note is that there are services that match clients with franchises. While it’s not for everyone, it could be an interesting formula to consider. “Having your own biz, but not…
Leap of Faith
Jeanne Cole’s visit to a monastery was to help her rest and recover from the profound grief of losing her young son. What she found there was not only the grace to heal but also the inspiration for a new business. Here she describes her huge leap of faith out of a dream job in…
Right Under His Feet
After Wall Street laid him off, Richard Kadlub decided to create a business based on his love for his home town. A Tour Grows in Brooklyn turned out to be the career transition that was right under his nose… or shall we say, right under his feet! “Give up? Fuhgeddaboudit! Laid-off Wall St. worker turns…
Staying Motivated: Tips You Can Use
Here is an article that first ran in January, with some great ideas for staying motivated. They’re just as good in June, a perfect time to check in with your intentions for the year. Keep moving toward your goal! “9 Secrets of Motivated People.”