Put on my jeans, my favorite shirt, Pull up my boots and hit the dirt. Finally doing something I’ve dreamed of for years. Don’t know quite what to expect, A little scared, but what the heck. My desire is always greater than my fear. Big dreams and faded jeans Fit together like a team. Always busting at the seams, Big dreams and faded jeans. Since hearing Dolly Parton introduce this song in 2022 on the “Today” show, I often spark my morning by asking Alexa to play “Big Dreams and Faded Jeans.” Although not yet among Dolly’s 25 top country hits, the lyrics speak to my soul.
I’ve dreamed of starting my own business since the 1990s. When I was in high school and college, the mantra was “receive a good education and you’ll get a good job.” There wasn’t much talk about starting your own business. Entrepreneurial eco-systems didn’t exist. In my late teens and early 20s, I had the chance to travel much of rural North Dakota for events and public speaking opportunities as a state FFA officer and then Miss Rodeo North Dakota. My first big girl job with the North Dakota Wheat Commission allowed for skill-building in communications, promotion and public information for causes about which I am still passionate. I dabbled with freelance journalism and public relations assignments, but wasn’t brave enough to take the plunge into self-employment. It seemed too risky in comparison to a predictable salary with family health insurance. Fast forward to 2006 when I risked leaving a great job to become the City of Mandan’s first business development director. The arrangement involved an employment contract that could end any time with a 3-2 City Commission vote. Elected officials weren’t certain the position or department was needed or would be effective. I was optimistic that by working hard, Mandan would see value in putting its own best foot forward. We collectively worked hard on the four Ps of marketing: product, price, place and promotion. Mandan leaders focused on improving the community as a place to live, work and play. We created a toolbox of incentives to help entice investment in business start-ups and expansions. We shared news of progress internally and externally to retain and attract businesses, residents and visitors. You have to love yourself before you can expect others to love you! While serving as Mandan’s ambassador and a board member of the Economic Development Association of North Dakota, I noticed many regions, counties and communities aren’t making a similar commitment to economic and community development. Some tried, but their investment was insufficient to provide for the level or duration of staffing and programming essential to generating results. They divested. Stagnation and downward spiraling effects set in. Helping my hometown flourish is a cause about which I am passionate, along with bolstering North Dakota and the surrounding region. My near 17-year job with the City of Mandan was rewarding and difficult to leave. Yet, I feared regret if I didn’t try something new for the final third of my career. Every now and then you have to do something to get your heart beating faster! Perhaps that’s why I still love barrel racing. I both excited and a little scared about going out on my own to share lessons learned and recipes for success in economic and community development, communications and advocacy with more communities, small businesses and organizations. I’m transitioning from “wantrapreneur” to entrepreneur, launching Community Matters, LLC as a consulting service. Other entrepreneurial ideas over the years have included getting full-fledged into the Quarter Horse breeding and training business, opening a horse motel and trail riding enterprise, event venue, or other agri-tourism concept that could take advantage of our family farm and ranch location, now very close to town. Still other notions have involved a western clothing boutique, wine bar, or steak house and country music dance hall called the “Boss Mare!” Some of these ideas aren’t worth the napkin written on. Others have merit and could still come to fruition. Never say never. Truthfully, I occasionally mess up and ask Alexa to play ‘Big Jeans and Faded Dreams!” I’m trying to avoid bigger jeans and don’t want my or anyone’s dreams to fade. I’m ready to help others in pursuing their big dreams. I welcome a chance to visit about collaborating if your organization or business could use an extra hand, external perspective or additional expertise with a program or special project. Please follow my blog about topics related to community betterment and small business development at www.communitymattersnd.com, or on social media: www.facebook.com/CommunityMattersND and www.linkedin.com/company/community-matters-llc-nd. |
About EllenEllen Huber is a country girl passionate about nurturing communities. She gets things done and welcomes opportunities to assist enthusiastic, committed community and business leaders in reaching their goals. Archives
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3/28/2023
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