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When I started my own business, I was 30, single and had $1000 in the bank. I'm not sure if I was fearless... or too stupid to know I couldn't do this.
Seven years later, I have four organizations functioning successfully and a staff of committed, talented individuals I feel privileged to not only work with, but call my friends. Success requires perseverance, a strong stomach and optimism - even when everything tells you it's doomed.
I started Manifest Solutions, an IT staffing and projects company in 1994. I chose this business because it was one I knew and understood.
I believe in the "pay as you go" plan, so I chose not to get financing from anyone. I learned to manage within a budget, which has been an important lesson learned.
I have had some wonderful individuals provide guidance, mentoring, and an occasional kick in the rear when I needed it. From them, I have learned to surround myself with people of honor, integrity and brutal honesty.
I have found the biggest obstacle, frequently, is my own fears. The market will always swing.
You learn to listen, watch and pay attention to what is going on so you can make adjustments as needed. But when I let my own fear, or the fear of others, get in the way, it can be paralyzing.
Our plans for the future are to continue to increase our business offerings and geographic expansion. We listen to our clients and provide what they ask for. Sounds simple, but it's amazing how few businesses actually do it!
I have no plans to go public. The companies are developed and grown by our employees. We have too much left undone to turn them over to others.
The best advice I was given is to be true to yourself and what you believe in. My advice for others, whether men or women, is that if you want to start a business, you better want it bad.
She said she hopes to expand the business even more in the future. "We do plan to expand into different geographic locations and if there are voids in services that any one of our companies can't handle, we would form another company," she said.
Nancy Matijasich is Chief Executive Officer of Manifest Corporation based in Columbus. She can be reached at (614) 930-2800.
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