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Dear Readers:

In a couple of weeks, I’ll be visiting Lima, Peru for the first time to give a speech.  I always find such inspiration in my travels.  It is such a wonderful thing to have the opportunity to meet my peers in the industry and I often hear the most fascinating stories of  people starting over and moving into the direction of their dreams.

Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful lady who went from being homeless to an icon in the event industry.  Around the same time, I met another gentleman who had spent much of his life teaching as a professor.  Now retired, he decided to pursue his dream of starting a floral business.

I was impressed by both of them. I understand the fear and excitment that surrounds taking steps in a new direction.  At the age of 32, I found myself in desperate need of a job and decided to work as a florist.  Taking that step led me to places I never imagined I would go.  I stumbled then, still stumble now, and sometimes I fall flat on my face.  My trial-and-error track record could fill a book in and of itself.  I can see the cover now: Preston Bailey’s Biggest Mistakes.

Still, I have learned that through stumbles, we learn to walk more comfortably and my faith keeps me moving forward.  I still take those steps even when I cannot see the staircase.

Today, I would like to ask all of you to work to inspire others who are afraid of starting over by sharing your own story.  How did you decide to start your business?  What were your greatest fears about taking that “first step”?  How did you overcome those fears?  Looking back, what advice would you give yourself back then?

I truly look forward to your posts.

Preston