Hot Springs Village Cards in the Top 100 and in the Top 10 of the “Boomers Back in Business” Category
Congratulations to Hot Springs Village Cards, located in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, for being named in the Top 100 for 2014 Home-Based 100 Business Winners and in the Top 10 of the Boomers Back in Business Category. We caught up with business owner and entrepreneur Jerry Dawson and asked him to answer some questions and share some words of advice and inspiration with our StartupNation audience.
Tell Us About Your Journey
StartupNation: What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Jerry: Being your own boss and knowing that your decisions are critical to the success of the business.
StartupNation: To what do you attribute your success as an entrepreneur and business owner?
Jerry: Willingness to work hard and keep at it even if at first things are not working well.
StartupNation: What ignited the spark in you to start/select your particular business as an entrepreneur?
Jerry: My wife’s suggestion that I market my photography.
StartupNation: What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
- Positive attitude
- Inventiveness
- Ability to finish the job at hand
Words of Wisdom – Inspiration for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
StartupNation: If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?
Jerry: Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Inspiration
StartupNation: Where do you find your greatest inspiration?
Jerry: From my wife.
StartupNation: What is your favorite motivational/business quote as an entrepreneur?
Jerry: To be successful, you have to have your heart in your business, and your business in your heart. – Thomas Watson, Sr.
StartupNation: A motto you live by?
Jerry: Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right! – Henry Ford
Tell Us About Your Business, Experiences, & Funding Your Startup
StartupNation: How did you get funding for your startup?
Jerry: Self funded.
StartupNation: Recommendations for others starting out?
Jerry: Don’t borrow money from family or friends.
Marketing and Building Their Customer Base
StartupNation: How do you market and build your customer base?
Jerry: Constant interaction with the community.
StartupNation: Recommendations for others starting out?
Jerry: Don’t be shy – if you won’t toot your own horn, who will?
Changes in the Business Market
StartupNation: What changes have you seen in your business market since starting?
Jerry: Fewer people are sending cards, so it is harder to keep the business growing.
StartupNation: What do you see coming that will impact your business?
Jerry: Too many people relying on electronic communication.
Finally we want to congratulate Jerry and his business on being recognized of his achievement of being in StartupNation’s Top 10 and Top 100 Contest from ArkansasMatters.com and in the Hot Springs Village Voice. Learn more about Jerry’s business and view other businesses that entered and placed in the competition by clicking here for the top ten and a full list 2014 Home-Based 100 Business Winners and entrants.
Do you have a startup? Are you a passionate entrepreneur with an idea that has taken off and want to share your success with others? Would you like your business to receive priceless exposure in the media and be positioned to take your business to the next level? Then join us this fall for the 8th Annual StartupNation Home-Based 100 Competition which ranks outstanding home-based businesses and the amazing people behind them! Watch for your change to enter! In the meantime, be sure to visit us daily for new content to support and grow your business!
