507 Business Life – 1 Million Cups

Starting a business is a terrifying and exciting experience that could very well stop short in failure within a few months or potentially last a lifetime. It makes me think of both marriage and roller coasters. Can you imagine committing to a thrill ride “’til death do you part?”

Obviously, marriage and parenthood are similar to starting a business in ways, but those roles often include a significant other and family participation.

The not-so-funny thing is that, for many, the idea of this thrill ride being a lonely one is a shock. Unless you have come from a family of entrepreneurs, and sometimes even if you have, the reaction of your loved ones to your starting a new business isn’t necessarily one of support so much as an endless array of warnings. If you are already scared to jump on this ride, those warnings can lead to panic, doubt, and quitting.

In rare occasions negative feelings like jealousy may be a factor. You know,  the “I tried and failed so you can’t do it” mentality. But, in defense of those loved ones, I like to believe that more times than not, those warnings come from a caring, protection, and worry. They just want you to be safe. Anything different from the norm is scary. Just 1 % of the population take that entrepreneurial ride.

1MC-Mankato is a weekly event that brings together entrepreneurs and the Mankato area community over coffee and conversations to support new ventures.

What’s an Entrepreneur To Do?

So, what is an entrepreneur to do? Quit? Where are the other entrepreneurs near me?

Here in the Greater Mankato area one of the most helpful recurring events to visit as an entrepreneur is 1 Million Cups! 1MC-Mankato is a weekly “event that brings together entrepreneurs and the Mankato area community over coffee and conversations to support new ventures.”

“Based on the notion that entrepreneurs discover solutions and engage with their communities over a million cups of coffee, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation developed 1 Million Cups in 2012,” from the 1MC About Us page.

As an area entrepreneur who, at one time, felt very lonely in my role, I attend 1MC regularly to:

• Learn and discover from the two 6 minute presentations by area entrepreneurs/companies
• Provide value through questions and suggestions during the 20 minutes of interaction (Q&A) following each of those presentations. This is also a benefit from the perspective of exposure and establishing my expertise
• Network and build relationships with the other entrepreneurs and professionals in the room
• Fill my cup by being a part of a community with similar goals and motives

When I leave this event, I feel good. I feel fueled to face another week in business. I feel fulfilled by community.

1MC On The Road

An exciting addition to the 1MC-Mankato brand is the new feature, “On the Road.”

1MC – Mankato “On the Road” takes the event that occurs weekly at 8:30 am Wednesday at the College of Business Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship to an area community the 2nd Wednesday of each month to highlight presenters within that community.

This month, in partnership with the City of St. Peter and Gustavus Adolphus College, we will be in the Governor’s Room of the St. Peter Community Center featuring Generations Boutique and School Shark as presenters.

When I leave this event, I feel good. I feel fueled to face another week in business. I feel fulfilled by community.

If this speaks to you at all, I’d love to see you at 1 Million Cups!

Additional Links

• Generations Boutique on MankatoLIFE

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In her column 507 Business Life, Julie Fredrickson explores new perspectives on the Greater Mankato business community with a focus on the very small percentage of folks who take the leap to become entrepreneurs.