FM Walsh & Associates Inc.

I have a wonderful young woman in business working with me this summer, Katrina Thompson, and I have asked her to contribute to the blog from the perspective of a young woman in business. She will be appearing in this space every Wednesday.

As a summer student and new entrepreneur, I have learned that the business of the real world is very different from business in the classroom.

One of the most important factors that helps me keep focus is having a mentor and a tight support group. A mentor should be someone who has gone before you and been successful in their own ways. Ask your mentor as many questions as you can!

Being an entrepreneur forces you to create your own boundaries. Boundaries are so important in an entrepreneur’s world because your clients will take advantage of you if you do not clearly establish your terms at the beginning of the contract.

Business resources are everywhere. There are numerous websites that provide free information for starting a business. The Small Business BC website offers market research, helpful guides, and a research library. The Small Business Publications website provides information and statistics related to business in BC, including how to prepare a business plan. Knowing what you want to do in business, having a market and being able to access that market are three keys to success. Working with a mentor can smooth out the transitions and help you avoid the rabbit trails to success.