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| Mrs. M in her convertible -- Isn't she cute?? Love the flower... and the lady |
McCrabby is an entrepreneur. Who knew 25 - 30 years ago, when McCrabby was working for IBM, and then a couple of IBM value added resellers? But, when those companies couldn't meet expectations, welshed on commitments, and/or just didn't deliver as expected, McCrabby decided to "go it on his own."
So, people ask, don't you just LOVE being an entrepreneur? Yes, it has some seductive qualities:
- The business owner “answers only to yourself;” at least that's the idea
- She “sets the rules,” in most cases
- He “make makes all of the decisions.” Or so the myth goes
- The leap out of safe, corporate life seems so daunting; the assumption is that those who manage to make it, must revel in their days of self-actualized bliss.
So, let's clear it up. McCrabby loves being entrepreneurial (let's call all future references to entrepreneurs or entrepreneur-ism, as "E", so McCrabby doesn't have to keep spelling it). BUT, before you tell off your boss, and storm out to open your own pizza shop, let's examine some of the other aspects that make up the E lifestyle.
Although non-E's won't get it, you can’t stop thinking about your idea/your business and how to make it better 24/7. At bedtime, as you watch TV, while attending your kids' dance recitals, during your morning shower, at the gym, through meals, at the movies, whenever, your thoughts will inevitably turn to your business, at least on occasion. This isn't to say that you can't focus on other things, or enjoy other events, but there's always a little something in the back of your mind, reminding you that you have one more to do that isn't quite done yet. “Are you happy all the time?” No. It's hard work, and you don't get paid if you don't produce. And, there will be times when you don't produce; when that happens you have nothing to fall back on (i.e. a company paycheck), and a bad month is a really bad month. Working hard doesn't guarantee anything, but not working hard does--a bad month is a really bad month.
“When did you know you wanted to leave the safe corporate life and take this huge risk?” Or, maybe that's a WHY, instead of when. Established E's have described their founding process as a growing realization that it’s what they had to do – in spite of knowing it would lead to some impending pain and heartache. It was a steady, unwavering pull (or push) to start something new.
For most E's, this E process is a never-ending lesson in humility. If you are effective (read: successful), you associate and team up with people who are smarter than you are. If you are to keep those smart people around, you nurture them and reward them, even before you reward yourself. You applaud their achievements publicly while addressing your own (and the company's) problems in silence. You invest to provide them the tools to be successful, while you drive a 12 year old car.
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| Here's a new idea.... |
And, while some friends will inevitably think you write yourself a "BONUS" check each year, like the Wall Street firms do, you're more apt to apply any "extra" that might be in the company coffers, to estimated taxes and excess FICA, new software, or an updated webpage and marketing materials. There is always something else to pay besides the E.
Most E's are not filthy rich. And thankfully, most don't do it for the money. It's been stated that two thirds of businesses fail in the first two years and that 80% fail within five. Maybe the typical E is driving a 12 year old car (and Mrs. M's is ten years old), and maybe he doesn't write himself big bonus checks, but he's consumed by the business. He loves doing his business and wants to improve it every day.
Entrepreneurial-ism equates to optimism. It's a feeling that tomorrow can be better than today. It's a belief that tomorrow will be better.
Now, other E's have joined CFG and they aren't young either. But they know what they're doing, they share a belief in treating people with respect and honesty, and they have a stronger work ethic than most 30-somethings McCrabby has worked with. McCrabby didn't seek out these E's, but they knew the reputation, they saw the goals, and they fit the brand.
At this age, it is a fact that for McCrabby it is not worth working with ANYONE that isn't trusted and liked. Those that have joined the team, are likable, hard-working, ethical, and share the vision. Click on the company logo to see our people on our website.
CFG wasn't started so its owner could jump out of bed every day and burst into song about how great E is. McCrabby doesn't spend his entire day whistling about the excitement of becoming E. He started Curtis Funding Group as a chance to make a difference; and now, with more people on the team, it's giving them a chance to make a difference, too.
If you're considering leaving the corporate world for E, and you want some counsel, or just a listening ear, before you tell your boss he's an idiot, drop McCrabby a line (try emailing him at cmac@curtisfunding.com) and we'll discuss it. And, if you'd like to see the post announcing the new company, you can read it here: McCrabby Starts New