Like Chris Brogan, I’m still not comfortable with calling myself an “entrepreneur,” even though that’s pretty much what I am.
At its most basic, we can define an entrepreneur as someone who starts and runs their own business. Most of the time, that person is also very creative, innovative and committed to helping people in some way.
That’s totally me . . . whether I’m ready to fully admit it or not.
Since January of this year, I’ve worked for myself full-time as the President of Thurman Consulting. I make money through speaking engagements, training and career coaching, primarily for nonprofit professionals. I also make money on the Internetz as a blogger and through online marketing.
There’s so much that I’m still learning though, so it came as quite a surprise to me to be named one of BrandMaker News’ Top 25 Urban Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter!
The 25 individuals on this list are not only building successful businesses, but they are also dedicated to sharing their trade secrets, tips, and resources to help others along the way.
It was an honor to be listed and an affirmation for me that I’m really starting to become more than *just* a consultant and it’s both exciting and scary. Over the past 10 months, I’ve had to learn a lot about being in business for myself. It’s been almost a year and I’m just now starting to come to terms with the fact that I’m really the CEO of me and I have full control over my success in both my online and offline business ventures.
OMG I just said “business ventures!” Maybe I’m further along than I thought 
Seriously, though – reading the blogs of some of my fellow happy black women like Courtney Powell from Think and Grow Chick, LaShawnda Henry of Sista Sense and Yvonne Bynoe’s Soulful Affluence have inspired me to embrace the terrifying, yet infinitely awesome world of entrepreneurship and share what I’m learning along the way.
Running your own business – especially an online one – is full of possibilities these days and just like the Clark Sisters’ song, the sky really is the limit to what you can have. Stay tuned for more about my journey in future posts!
In the meantime, check out some of my recent posts on biz and entrepreneurship.
- How to Start a Side Hustle: An Overview (and My Journey to a Consulting Career)
- How to Start a Side Hustle: 5 Low-Cost Ways to Market Yourself
- How to Start a Side Hustle: 4 Ways to Find the Extra Time to Work on Your Passion
- How to Start a Side Hustle: Test the Waters
- Today Was a Good Day (Or How I Beat the Lizard Brain and Published My First Book)
- How to Write and Self-Publish a Book in Three Months or Less
If you’re aspiring to become the CEO of you as a consultant or with an online business, let me know what questions you have about the process in the comments! I’d really like to answer some of them in future posts. And for my fellow biz owners, do you have issues with calling yourself an entrepreneur as well?
P.S. If you haven’t downloaded my new Life Mapping Workbook yet, go here and get it now
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Wow, that Ericka is one smart cookie. No, really, this post is so great and inspiring. Thanks for continuing to mentor me from afar ( like down the street in the same city). And lets see where this biz thing takes us. Diva and Rockstar!
E-
E is for Ericka
well, and entrepreneur and electrifying and eclectic…and eel..okay i am off topic now.
Congrats, sis! As a fellow entrepreneur, I think this title (or similar ones for that matter – i’m not picky
) describes who I am at my core. I’ve always been a maverick (there goes another adjective) and enjoy the thrill of partnering (rather than working as a supplicant) with folks to serve others. I think I’ve put in enough work to no longer be content with being labeled an “emerging” leader. I want to do good while I have breath, which is right now not when (and if) I turn 50….
Ooh I like that word “maverick”
Love what you’re doing with your blog & can’t wait to see where you biz takes you!
Congrats!! I think the honor is well deserved. Outside of enjoying your writing, I am really learning a lot. Keep it going, girl!
Congratulations, Rosetta! You continue to be an inspiration to me!
Congrats Rosetta!!!! Embrace it girl, because you are living and breathing it right now. At the same time, stay in the moment so as not to get overwhelmed by the title. Keep defining yourself by yourself.
In so far as questions…. I have a couple! Perhaps in some future posts you could talk about some operational topics of starting a business like creating a business plan, LLC, trademarking and copyrighting. And the money management aspect of being the CEO of you – maybe some high level tips on how to pay yourself (save), pay personal bills (mortgage, living, etc) pay the business (reinvest), and in general how to adjust your habits when you no longer have a reliable direct deposit coming into your account twice a month.
I know that’s a lot, but if you get around to addressing any of that, I’m sure I’m not the only one who would find any tips you have to be very helpful!
Thanks for the comment and the questions! The money management aspect is something I’m struggling with right now as it seems like all my “extra” money is being reinvested back in the biz to make it grow. Which may be why it’s my least favorite part LOL. But my favorite part of working for myself is the biz planning & visioning – will post more on that in the future!