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I've always been driven.
In college, at 19 years old, when my classmates were having keg parties, I was busy working at my first job at a PR agency. So when I graduated, it was easy for me to land my first corporate job.
However, I quickly discovered I was capping my earning potential. You see, I worked so quickly and strategically that I could finish all my work for the week plus invent things to do in two days. Then I was spending the other three days twiddling my thumbs. It wasn't like I could leave – the corporate environment means you're there Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. No exceptions. And no matter how fast you get your work done.
Despite the fact that I was recruited by the top companies in the Silicon Valley and made Director of Communications by the time I was 25, I craved my freedom. I dreamed of making my own choices and being in charge of my own income potential. So, when I was 26, I decided to start my own marketing consulting firm.
Everyone told me I was crazy. Why would I leave this corporate cushy job with benefits and stock for the unknown of my own business? But I was determined.
The first year I made a very healthy 6-figure income. But I paid for it. I was traveling all the time. I had no social life. My boyfriend was frustrated. That first year I spent more time in Nashville then I did in my own house.
Finally the price got too high. My health suffered. I became very sick and nearly died.
When I recovered, I realized I hadn't fulfilled my dreams of freedom. Not even close.
The day I quit my corporate job, I turned in my two cell phones, my blackberry, and my laptop. I started my own business and promptly created another job for myself.
But just because I knew what I wanted, didn't mean I knew how to get it. How would I turn my business that was actually a job into a business that would bring me both the income and the freedom I wanted?
At the same time, I started to notice all these small business owners and entrepreneurs were constantly coming to me for advice, "You're so successful," they would say. "And I'm still struggling. What should I do?"
I saw there were all these small business owners and entrepreneurs out there who were struggling and who I could help. I could turn my business into one that served small business owners and entrepreneurs, would give me my freedom AND the income I wanted.
And UpLevel Strategies was born.
Today I've grown my business well beyond that first year. I work when I want and take plenty of time off to enjoy the money I am making. I'm surrounded a powerful community of movers and shakers in the entrepreneurial community. And, best yet, I've helped hundreds of small business owners and entrepreneurs realize their dreams.
Think Big...Play Bigger,
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