Collaborative VA Partners is Celebrating Its One Year Anniversary

So, why do 8 out of 10 businesses fail in the first year?

As my ONE YEAR Anniversary approaches, I’m pondering a question in my head. So, I turn to my friend and trusted business advisor, Google and ask, “How many businesses fail within the first year?” and I find a great article from Eric T. Wagner published in Forbes back in 2013. Very interesting story with some great insights into why 8 out of 10 businesses fail.

Although the information is several years old, the concepts are still relevant and as I am reading his five reasons for failure, I get a little nervous. I’m taking in every piece of advice like there will be a test at the end of his article. But as I’m reading further, I begin to relax a little. Okay, I’ve done that. I’m doing that. Alright, I will do more of this, and I will dive deeper into that.  Okay. Hey, I got this!

I begin my Happy Dance again! Why am I dancing the Happy Dance? Well, it really doesn’t take much, I often entertain coworkers with my dancing outbursts throughout the work week. These days the only coworker who complains is my cat. She looks at me like I’ve lost it and runs for the door. Oh, ya, she is actually my only coworker at the moment.

But back to why am I dancing? Well, I am celebrating my one year anniversary as Founder of Collaborative VA Partners!!!

Yes, Collaborative VA Partners (CVAP) is celebrating its One Year Anniversary!

And now I’m dancing twice as fast and with more vigor because I appear to have made it despite the horrible statistical odds!! Ouch, uhOh, did I just pull something, ugh. A muscle in back has just cried out that I never knew existed. Okay, okay. Sitting down.

In all seriousness, I am elated. I have survived the big scary unknown of my first year! It wasn’t a fluke to start my business and it wasn’t a giant leap of faith. I put many years into the planning. However, planning and successful implementation do not always coincide, nor can you plan for every imaginable scenario, right?

But I’ve made it. There were so many long hours and moments of doubt and worry over financial stability. The number of hours I spend customizing client proposals and programs often do not pay out. The clients sometimes choose not to work with me and I’ve learned that is okay. Because even if they choose not to work with me now, they may come back to me later! In the meantime, I have learned a lot going through the proposal process; I’ve learned how to simplify my process, I’ve learned what options to offer them based on their budget, and I’ve learned a little more about the industry that they come from as I study their background.

I know my long hours and less frequent doubts will not magically dissolve on my official anniversary date, but my passion and drive for my business continue to grow every day, with each new opportunity I am presented.

So, I ask myself, “Are passion and drive enough to be successful? Are they the two key factors that brought me here today?”

What do you think?

Do you feel passion and drive are enough to be successful?

What are your tips for success in business?

Please comment and share below and check out my next article to see my answers.

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