Striking Out on My Own

Have you ever had a recurring dream? One that won’t seem to go away?

For me...that was my dream of running my own business. It would pop up here and there, and I would brush it aside. I knew I had the abilities and the desire. “That’s not my path,” I would say.?

Why wasn’t I able to get started??

As I confided in my wife about trying to start my training company, the self-doubt rushed in like a tidal wave. "The loathing and self-pity lasts about 15 minutes," I admitted with a wry smile. "Then you realize no one cares." Her reassuring comments? gave me the courage to forge ahead into the unknown.

I could no longer avoid taking the plunge. It was time. In retrospect I wish I would have done it 10 years earlier

Starting our? training company was a challenging yet rewarding journey. Having worked for two training companies previously , I gained valuable experience and decided it was time to venture out on my own. The decision wasn't without its hurdles. My most recent employer tried to enforce a non-competition agreement, making it tough initially. However, after about a year, that situation died down, and I could fully focus on my new business.?

I was fortunate to have several old clients and co-workers who were eager to work with me again, so they signed up quickly. However, establishing a new company was a lot of work and required many long hours. I had to develop new clients, inform old clients about my new venture, and manage the administrative tasks of setting up a new office. From arranging the delivery of office furniture to setting up all the necessary systems, the process was time-consuming and often overwhelming.

One of the biggest challenges was hiring the right trainers. Our focus is on training experienced engineers and tech professionals in the entire project management processes. These individuals have been in their industries for 10, 15, or more years and often believe they know everything there is to know. It was crucial to find trainers who not only had a deep knowledge of project management but also could show seasoned professionals they could learn new and valuable skills.??

Despite the obstacles, our hard work paid off. I built a team of skilled trainers capable of delivering high-quality training sessions. We focused on showing our clients' personnel that, no matter their experience level, there are always new methodologies and techniques in project management that can enhance their work. Seeing the positive impact of our training programs and the growth of our company has been incredibly fulfilling. Starting the business was tough, but it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Determination, Persistence, and Execution Are the Best Payoffs in Business – and Life

Tom Mattus is the founder of Successful Strategies International, Inc. (SSI) . SSI has developed award-winning training programs for the defense, aerospace, and pharmaceutical industries. SSI trainers come to clients’ locations and conduct their various training programs to fit the needs of their clients. Tom and his team recognize that most managers have a technical or engineering background. They can understand the technical aspects of projects but are not trained to work on cost schedules, project management processes, etc.?

Tom and his people are.

If interested, call Tom at 877-390-3057 or email him here .