How Dr. Norma knew she was interested in entrepreneurship:
The answer traces back to her early years—the desire to create innovative solutions and lead ventures for herself. From the age of six, I mowed the yards in the neighborhood, worked on other farms on days off, and grew produce for the grocery store that I could not enter from the front door. Norma always had a burning desire to earn money and be the boss. Watching her parents manage their small farm business, she saw firsthand the dedication, freedom, and community impact of being bosses. This powerful early experience instilled in her the values of hard work, determination, and the transformative power of entrepreneurship.
Starting a business is never easy, and Norma's journey was the same. "It was challenging, but her strong passion for innovation and the support from her family and mentors made it easier," she recalls. Her family drilled the sense of ownership as an absolute must for freedom and survival. From a young age, her family taught Norma to ensure her name was on all ownership documents and kept safely in a fire-retardant safe. The unwavering belief of her parents and access to a supportive entrepreneurial community played crucial roles. "The determination to solve real-world problems and create a positive impact in my community were driving forces that helped me overcome initial obstacles," she adds.
Understanding your target audience:
Norma's approach to identifying her audience involved extensive market research, drawing from personal experience, and a deep understanding of community needs. Based on her educational knowledge, Norma knew she had to have concrete data to make informed decisions about her target market. "I conducted market research to understand demographics, preferences, and needs," she explains. Additionally, she leveraged insights from her involvement in numerous small businesses and engaged in direct conversations with community members. Norma also utilized social media, community events, and local partnerships to build brand awareness and trust. Offering pilot programs and gathering feedback allowed her to refine her offerings to better meet audience needs.
Rewards of the journey
One of the most rewarding aspects of Norma's entrepreneurial journey has been witnessing the tangible impact of her ventures on both individuals and the community. Norma's commitment to equity in education stems from her childhood experiences. Her grandparents played a vital role in her passion for reading and education, with both strongly emphasized in her home. Norma played a significant role in her community when school integration became a priority. Following the lead of the Junior NAACP in her community, she integrated the local white high school, setting a precedence for her community.
Decades later after completing a 21/2 tour in the Women’s Army Corp, Norma's resume' reflects her commitment to quality education, as she has taught children on an Indian reservation, held a leading role in the collegial community, started New Life Christian Academy, founded Chosen Pen Publishing, and recently undertaken the adoption of two primary schools and an orphanage. She has also planted Forgiveness Gardens in South Africa and Botswana. She is conducting research on the first women of politics in Botswana for a future publication. Norma displayed her mission to support children's literary success in her recent passion for writing books for children translated into Spanish, French, and Swahili as she continues to champion education.
Dealing with challenges:
Financial Hurdles: It's essential to manage finances wisely and explore alternative funding options, such as grants and startup-specific loans. Competition.
Market Saturation: To stand out, focus on niche areas, or offer unique products/services. Norma’s niche platform is forgiveness named Forgiveness Across Borders.
Building a Reliable Team: When hiring, emphasize cultural fit and motivation to enhance team dynamics and productivity. Norma learned that growing involves increasing human resources. Although difficult, she now manages a multifaceted organization.
Keys to adapting to a changing landscape:
• Invest in continuous learning.
• Attend workshops.
• Use digital tools to streamline operations and improve the customer experience.
• Implement a structured work-life balance.
• Set boundaries.
• Delegate tasks effectively to prevent burnout and maintain healthy relationships.
Adapting to the fast-paced changes in the business world has been essential. Norma prioritizes continuous learning and staying informed of industry trends and technological advancements. Attending workshops, participating in webinars, and networking with industry experts helps her stay ahead of the curve. Additionally, she leverages digital tools and platforms to streamline operations, improve customer experiences, and maintain a competitive edge.
Advice for others:
The entrepreneurial journey is far from easy, but it is gratifying. Norma’s advice to those considering this path is to remain passionate and persistent. Leverage the support of your community, continuously seek knowledge, and always aim to make a positive impact. Embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth, and remember, the journey of entrepreneurship is as much about personal development as business success.
Contact information
Email: firstladynorma@chosepen.com
Http://twitter.com/NormaMclauchlin
HTTP://facebook.com/chosenpublishing
HTTP://instagram.com/chosenpenpublishing
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