1+1=3

There are days as an entrepreneur when you wake up and it takes more than you have individually to push yourself in order to accomplish your set goals for that particular day. One recognizes very early on that not only was Rome not built in a day but it also was not built by just one person.  Sounds like common sense right?  Believe it or not there are some who prefer to take sole credit for an outcome, this euphoria however, is almost always short lived. You begin to realize very quickly the amount of work it will take in order for your company to survive beyond 1 or 2 years.  Everyone has a great idea but having a great idea means absolutely nothing without the ability to execute it in a timely and efficient manner.  This happens only when you recognize that YOU NEED HELP!  I realized this very early on and as a result, Kennedy Consulting has gone farther, faster while maintaining a level of quality and individualized customer service.  In other words, 1+1 no longer = 2 but a whopping 3!  

Today, I introduce my secret weapon-Lauren Smith.  Her stealth skills and ability to just make it happen is this companies greatest addition. Her background in public relations, events management and writing makes her uniquely qualified to meet the needs of our diverse clientele.  Sunday I had a moment to interview Lauren and below is part 1 of a compelling conversation with Kennedy Consulting's Senior Consultant.

April: When did you know that you were Entrepreneurious?  

Lauren: The first time I realized I was Entrepreneurious was when I was a sophomore in high school.  I started selling my crafts to fellow students.  Then, three of us got together to create a business plan for a joint venture, through which we could all sell our creations.  That venture never made it off the ground, but it taught some valuable lessons about working with others, channeling your passions and most importantly, how to tell a "talker" from a "walker." Basically, who is just talking the talk and is not willing to walk the walk?

April: Lauren, I understand that you have continued "channeling your passions" which have culminated in your own consulting business.  For all those who have ambitions to start their own company, talk a little bit about Head Not Tail, Inc.

Lauren: I have been involved in various aspects of many ventures, culminating in the creation of my own consulting corporation, Head Not Tail, Inc., in 2002. The business name comes from Deut. 28:13, which talks about the blessings that come from following God's instruction as laid out in previous chapters, "The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom." Head Not Tail, Inc. has had the privilege of working projects on behalf of Destiny's Child, Kool & The Gang, Chaka Kahn, Marvin Winans, Jr., Vicki Winans, Mavis Staples, Bishop T.D. Jakes and Donald Lawrence, to name a few.

There's no question that starting a business is a journey that is not meant for those who give up easily but is for those who continue to push forward in spite of and realize that you can go farther, faster with the right business partner(s).  I am fortunate to have just that.  Next week, part 2 of my interview with Lauren Smith, until then I wish you much business success.

Small Business Resource of the week: The Small Business Administration