Posted Under: Entrepreneurship, Our Heroes

Today under the “Our Heroes” series, we are talking to Monica Cost who has discovered the many rewards of entrepreneurship after recently breaking free from the corporate jail and founding Evidently Assured (now: Monica Cost Enterprises LLC.). Monica had worked for five years at a commercial real estate company when a friend asked for help in branding a new project of his. Through her experience helping him, she found that her true passion lies in brand communications and development. Today, Monica loves what she does and is grateful that her son doesn’t have to pray anymore that she will have time to pick him up from school!! Keep reading to find out why Monica adores being an entrepreneur…

DD: Who are you and what kind of corporate job were you at?

MC: My name is Monica Cost and I started my career in corporate finance. However for the last 5 years I worked at a global commercial real estate company. First in operations and then as a commercial real estate broker.

DD: When was your ah-ha moment?What made you leave the job?When did you realize that you want to be an entrepreneur & why?

MC: My ah ha moment(s) was at the beginning of the summer of 2009. The first was when my 7 year old son said that he was going to pray that I could pick him up on Weds. and Thurs. instead of the babysitter. My schedule was hectic and I didn’t have enough control over when I worked. The second was when a friend of mine in the entertainment industry asked me to assist him with branding his new project. To my delight, but not surprise I enjoyed every minute and started thinking what life would look like if I had 2 or 3 more of these types of clients. I’d been running personal brand workshops on the side for past 10 years. It sounds hokey, but things came into clear view while I was working on this project. I envisioned the future.

The reasons why I wanted to be an entrepreneur were: 1. Flexibility – I knew I would work harder and I also knew it would be on my schedule. 2. The thrill of the hunt – I thoroughly enjoy getting NOs to Yeses. 3. Not missing as much of my children’s life as I had in the past.

DD: What did you do to break the corporate jail? How did you prepare yourself for the employee to entrepreneur transition?

MC: I put together an advisory committee and talked to other entrepreneurs. I also believe that you either have a stomach for it or you don’t. An angel investor came along and made the decision easier. I respect him so much and I love what I do; therefore I refuse to fail.

DD: What are your top 5 tips for employees who want to be entrepreneurs but are hung up on something?

MC: 1. Try not to work in your home. Having a place to go everyday to get your work done is priceless.

2. Develop a board of advisors

3. Know your competition, but don’t become them.

4. Ask for help when you need it.

5. Know your business and don’t go too far out of your lane. Trying to be all things to all people can be your demise.

DD: How are you now? Are you still in same business, and how do you feel?

MC: I recently started the business. It is the heart of who I am as a person and a passion I’ve had for many years. Life is hectic and better than I ever expected. My children see me more, I work harder and more than I ever have and everyday is filled with new possibilities. I am grateful.

DD: That’s Monica Cost –a truly inspirational woman who tells us that her business is the heart of who she is. One of her top tips is not to be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I think this is a very valid point for wannabe entrepreneurs who may take an “I can do it all by myself” approach. A lesson learned: don’t let our egos get in the way of our success!

Success to all!!