Welcome to Your Start Up Story.  I’m glad you’re here.

The latest research from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics states that most failures of American startups will occur in the first two years of their existence and after that, the rate of business failure slows. They go on to say that only 44% of new businesses were around 4 years after they were born.  So, which entrepreneurs succeed? While the same research dictates that industry does play a part in the success rate of startups (education and health having less risk of failure than the information industry), many other factors contribute to a company’s ability to survive and thrive.

Your Start Up Story explores entrepreneurship from a holistic perspective.  Through my extensive interviews with entrepreneurs, I have noticed that there is a trend of behavior and emotion that coincides with starting a business. While industries and dreams vary, many characteristics and circumstances surrounding successful entrepreneurs remain constant. Your Start Up Story is a place for entrepreneurs, and those who love them, to find answers, network and read real stories about other people who are also on a journey to achieve the American dream.  From fantastic books, to current business strategies and an array of online resources, it’s all here for the taking and its all here so you can succeed.  Whether you’re an entrepreneur and steering the wheel or are sitting shot-gun on this journey, you will find this “start up manual” a lifesaver.

Creating Your Start Up Story was, in many ways, the “natural next step” for me.  I am a freelance writer for a local magazine and have been married to an entrepreneur for twenty years.  I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into on many fronts the day I said, “I do”.  It’s not obvious to a bride-to-be that marriage to someone “starting-up” means economic uncertainty (even bankruptcy), long work hours and sacrifice of lifestyle. Had I been a bit more prepared for this journey, the storms wouldn’t have raged with gale forced winds and if, in fact, it did rain, I’d pop open a big umbrella and take cover.  What I didn’t realize until my husbands third business (he has just begun number 6) was that being supportive meant more than a warm dinner after a long day, it meant, in a sense, being a business partner and helping him achieve his dreams.  I finally realized that if he achieved his dreams, so did I.  That’s the missing piece of the entrepreneurial puzzle and what , I think,  sets success apart from failure.  I want to prepare you for the journey.  No one can go it alone and the many tips, resources, and books that I recommend are vital, but so are support, patience and guidance from loved ones and Your Start Up Story is for them too.   Dream it. Believe it. Achieve it.