Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cindy Allen-Stuckey, Founder and CEO of Making Performance Matter, located in Columbus, IN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm the founding President and CEO of Making Performance Matter, LLC. I just published, The Shift Cafe' - How to STEP into the POWER of your POTENTIAL. I also facilitate The Shift Cafe' 12-Week Transformation Experience. Today, people determined to create positive changes in their lives hire me to unleash the power of their potential because most are held hostage by their own fears, limiting beliefs, and actions. So I help them break free to identify what they want in life and why they want it, develop the courage to take action and, with the slightest shift, achieve powerful results.
Tell us about yourself
My mission has always been "to empower people to reach their full potential." I started out as an elementary teacher then I taught GED classes & college courses. I spent 17 years in corporate America. I started "Making Performance Matter 12 years ago to collaborate with organizations to make their strategy "come to life" by developing and implementing a "people strategy" that is aligned with their organization's specific business strategy. Two years ago, I started writing "The Shift Cafe."
My definition of legacy is "what you give to people, while you're alive, to achieve. My book is my legacy project to the world! I'm motivated by seeing people make tiny shifts that lead them to achieve powerful results.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Writing my book, The Shift Cafe', is my biggest accomplishment. It was a 2-1/2 year project working with my editor & publisher in England. What led to this was: I recently had a big birthday. In the year preceding this, I became deeply depressed. Feeling old, many aspects of my life had lost their sparkle. I was frightened that my vibrant, adventuresome, and fulfilling life was over. I knew it was time for me to take stock of my life and make some SHIFTS.
Within the next year, I had:
• Changed many aspects of my social circle.
• Joined a new church.
• Begun painting.
• Become a political activist.
• Commenced writing my first book.
Of course, this breakthrough didn't happen overnight! I needed to take quality time to reflect on my life to work out what needed to SHIFT. My favorite time for doing this was while sitting at my dining table with a hot coffee, overlooking the trees – and the fields beyond with my Bailey dog by my heels. Here I would take quality time to reflect on my life in order to work out what needed to "Shift." I came to think of this space as The Shift Café.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I think it's being distracted by all the "shiny objects" that come through social media & networking. So many people claim to have "exactly what you need"! And when you want to try everything. Also, it's often difficult to narrow your niche. When I started Making Performance Matter, I said "yes" to so many things - just to bring in the income. I soon found out that I couldn't be all things to all people. Then I narrowed my niche.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Develop your business plan & marketing plan.
- Identify, document, & follow your business processes.
- Surround yourself with the very best people who have skills that you don't have. This includes developing your "Super Deluxe Crew" - your chosen community of high-quality, trustworthy, and supportive people.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I always do a "gut" check. If something doesn't feel right, look into it before you make a decision. It may sound wonderful, but your gut & brain need to agree!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://cindyallenstuckey.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cindy.winnstuckey
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindyshift/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cimpm
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyallenstuckey/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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