I watched this house on Cass Street in La Crosse get gutted and rebuild. To me it symbolizes this endeavor.
What It’s Like to Be a Startup
I didn’t know what a bootstrap startup company was until I became one. It means I am self-funding this endeavor. I’m relying on what I earn to see if there’s a market and if I can make a business of my idea.
The alternative is going to a bank with a business plan, pitching the idea, hiring people, and taking on the risk that the revenue won’t come in. Engage Greater La Crosse would be another statistics of a startup failing in the first year (20% of startups) or before year four (50% of all startup businesses).
I’ll admit, it’s incredibly nerve-wracking leaving a steady paycheck and benefits that come with it – particularly paid vacations and holidays (oh how I miss those).
My mind offsets that loss by knowing I now don’t give someone else my vision and good ideas, I get to profit from my those, and from what I know, for who and how I am. I do not need to get permission. I determine my schedule.
Admittedly, it’s my consulting work that’s funding this news endeavor as I wear all hats — from designing my own website to writer to self development (learning new tools).
Meanwhile, consulting work is paying the bills. Organizations are paying me to lead executive director searches and develop nonprofit tools.
Thanks for taking this journey with me. I’m glad you’re along. There’s far more news that I see I can cover. I’m in dire need of a proof-reader. We’ll get there.
The Model
I’ll write another time about the chatter happening in the journalism circles about the dying news business. Their hope is, honestly, in startups.
Here are the ways I’m going to make this new voice in our community work:
- Yes, there is a subscription model coming for certain content (not all). My goal is to get that tool up and running in yet this month.
- There’s sponsored content (we create stories for businesses that can’t do it themselves) in The Studio.
- Ad sales are already available. Info here >>
- Ideas are brewing. I have them, but just not putting them out there yet. Wait for it.
How You Help
Of course, I’d love you help on any of the above, but the biggest help is to get my readership/followers up. Share this out as a “Did you see this? Good stuff?” or a “I thought of you with this article [link]”.
With your help, we can pull Engage Greater La Crosse up by its bootstraps.
News You Won’t get Anywhere Else – Engage Greater La Crosse
News from the intersection of business, community and government that engages you, so you can thrive.
