In April 2024, I shared the heartwarming story of two young boys who walked into my office with nothing but a box of cookies and a clipboard.
They taught me a few invaluable lessons about entrepreneurship—lessons that I often think about as I build my own business, The Grateful VA.
Fast-forward to a couple of days ago. Those same two boys and their father walked back into my office to sell some more cookies, but this time, they wore company T-shirts, accepted credit cards, and texted me a receipt.
In speaking with them and their father, I learned that they were taking entrepreneur classes in school and that what started as a twice-yearly assignment had turned into a full-fledged business, including a website, a newsletter, and an official email address.
Their business – Habit Cookies!
They were much more confident as they walked into the room and started speaking, and they seemed passionate about what they were doing.
I was just as impressed with them as I was the first time they walked in.
Of course, I purchased their cookies again because I wanted to support their small local business.
Way to go, guys!
As a follow-up, I wanted to reflect on a few new simple but profound lessons.
Lesson #1: Never Give Up! Their business started out as an assignment, but with a bit of perseverance and help from their parents and maybe their teachers, they turned it into a successful company. That wouldn’t have happened had they given up. Running a business is not for the faint of heart, and these boys are doing it.
Lesson #2: Find a Support System! No one can do everything on their own. If my memory serves me well, the last time they came in, they told me they helped their mother make the cookies and when I saw their father walk in with them, I knew their parents were behind them every step of the way. What a wonderful way to teach our children how to develop actual life skills. As business owners, we need to find our people (coaches/mentors) and all who will help support us in our business endeavors.
Lesson #3: Every experience is a networking opportunity! When the Habit Cookie boys walked into my office earlier in the year, I didn’t know who they were, but when they walked in a few days ago, I knew exactly who they were and was excited to see them. Their interaction with me the first time left such a good impression that it made me happy to see them again, and learning about how their business had grown made me want to help push them forward, which is why I’m writing this newsletter. Go out there, build relationships with people you meet, and give to your community; you never know what will come of those relationships.
I’ve also learned to find the lessons hidden in everyday moments in my personal life and business as I work to grow The Grateful VA.
I encourage you to reflect on your entrepreneurial journey. What lessons have shaped you along the way? Never give up, find your support system, and find opportunities to build relationships in your community! It matters!
Until next time, stay grateful and keep learning!