Getting laid-off means the end of the world for many, but not for Marcus Johnson. This video and blog post will show you how Marcus manages to turn bad situation into a successful small business with the help of a local small business development center.
Marcus Johnson is the CEO of Starstruck Entertainment Services, based in Bakersfield, CA, USA – a company offering entertainment guest support services, such as stage crew, security, janitorial, catering, etc.
He started Starstruck after he got laid-off from a big company in 2009.
Starting up is not easy. You need others who can guide you through the startup process – otherwise, your first year will be full of trial-and-errors and those often resource-consuming. Fortunately, Marcus read an article in a local publication; it’s about California SBDC (Small Business Development Center) and how it’s willing to support local businesses.
Marcus visited CSU Bakersfield SBDC and talk with the consultants, who are willing to guide you by hand. With their help, Marcus was able to develop an employee handbook, talked with people in Marketing, HR, etc. and discussed his plan and business model and getting valuable feedback.
With SBDC’s guidance, Marcus is able to grow his business and achieve success.
Lessons learned
Here’s what we can learn from Marcus and his success story:
1. Going it all alone is risky – you need help
Whether you are a sole-proprietor or a company of 5, it’s risky to plunge into entrepreneurship without someone with entrepreneurial and industrial knowledge helping you out.
You can get yourself exposed to too many trial-and-errors, and most of us can’t afford to make too many of them. When you have a qualified and experienced mentor or organization to help you out, it’s often easy to avoid roadblocks even before you encounter any of them.
2. Want small business success? Quit your job
Starting up a business often comes as the last resort, and it’s often a decision made when someone quits his/her job for one reason or another.
However, if you have strong passion and want to pursue it, it’s probably best for you to quit your job. But be sure you are aware that if you have the choices, it’s better for you not to quit before your small business can self-support itself – and you.
Takeaway
Your intangibility – your ability to follow guidance and adapt to the proposed changes – is the key in your small business success.
Learn from Mr. Johnson: He seeks help and he follow through with the entire plan well-laid-out; that’s the whole point of seeking help, don’t you think?
