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2009-04-18T06:32:10-07:00
<p>“Why don’t you get a law degree or MBA?” That was my dad’s response when I decided to study Cultural Anthropology. I was an independent thinker, a defiant daughter; and nothing, not my dad, not society, not anyone was going to push me off my chosen path.</p><p>Upon graduating, I got a job in a think-tank consultancy where my knowledge of culture, human behavior, language, and family dynamics helped Fortune 500 companies develop more meaningful products and services. I was hired <em>because of my anthropology background</em>! A few years later I started my own business.</p><p><a href="http://thoughtshotconsulting.com/" target="_blank">Now I consult exclusively with entrepreneurs.</a> And yes, I still use anthropology everyday. I meet with business owners to develop strategies and systems, products and services, methods to navigate the madness, so they can work less with greater results. I teach entrepreneurs to build a vocabulary that will resonate with the sub-cultures they serve. I am fast and creative in the counsel I provide, and clients like that. I am also very honest and open with clients and have tremendous compassion for what they are facing. Who knew I could be 100% myself in my business and be successful?</p><p>There is a lot of laughter in client sessions, and sometimes tears. I am very spontaneous in my approach and there is plenty of room for authentic connection. But why the tears? Do I tease clients about their self-designed logos? Okay, sometimes I do, but only when it’s necessary.</p><p>Some clients get emotional when we cause a breakthrough in their business that allows them to spend more time with their children, friends or spouse, or feel relief instead of overwhelm. I am a big advocate of business practices that allow for more personal time. Too often business owners let the business become their master.</p><p>I wake up with a spark in my belly everyday, knowing that what I do truly makes a better world—a world where small businesses can thrive and succeed, where kids are tucked into bed after quality time spent with mom or dad and where business owners have time and energy to connect with their community. Family, culture and business should not be at odds; they should support one another.</p><p>My plan to reach more small businesses? I’d like to write books and teach larger workshops nationwide so I can bring my unusual brand of business cultivation to more people.</p><p>Oh, and my dad changed his mind about the relevance of Anthropology. He loves it that MBA’s and lawyers <em>come to me</em> for business consulting!</p>
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2009-04-24T15:46:14-07:00
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An Anthropologist’s Path to Entrepreneurship
2010-02-09T11:30:50-08:00
an-anthropologisteurtms-path-to-entrepreneurship
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ThoughtShot
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