Soar to Success November 2017

But as it often is in small family businesses Karen was just too busy working in the business to organize or facilitate what she now refers to as a peer advisory group. Business owners grow when they can take time away from working in the business to work on growing themselves and developing new programs and opportunities. During her early days of Midwest Cash Karen served as Chief Financial Officer, Human ResourcesOfficer aswell as head of training and development. In juggling the plate of duties the question came to mind “what would happen if one could focus on what they really love and are good at?” In 2008, Karen begin honing her skills as a facilitator in a program known as Operation Bootstrap through the Small Business Development Center. Startup businesses as well as businesses wanting to expand joined a six week training program to learn organizational structure, marketing, and other aspects needed. It culminated in a competition where participants presented their business plan and could win seed grants. Karen realized there was one thing was missing. Owners cannot be confined to Monday – Friday support when they start running their business. They need coaches and advisors to come into the trenches to see firsthand challenges and concerns and be willing to speak an encouraging word or give them a gentle kick in the butt. As an entrepreneur herself, Karen has made it her mission to be just that.