Like any entrepreneur, I’ve had to learn by trial and error. Business owners, especially upstarts, are constantly exploring, throwing out a wide net to attract clients.
When I started my business, I was in earnest pursuit of new clients. Uncertain yet determined. Hungry.
When an acquaintance approached me about a possible website development contract, of course I leapt at the opportunity. Back then I didn’t vet potential clients as I do now. I didn’t have a long client roster but I had a mission for my business – – to work with Tribal communities and to positively change perceptions of Native people across a variety of platforms.
At first glance, the proposal to develop a website was exactly in my wheelhouse and I was eager to begin. I didn’t ask enough questions before the meeting with this potential client; therefore, when the prospect was laid out for me, I was astounded. The proposal was to develop a website featuring young Native American women wearing scant clothing in various provocative poses on hot rod cars.
As a Native woman myself, I was immediately unsettled. As a new business owner, I was conflicted. This was ‘just business,’ after all. Still I had to ask myself whether I could set aside my own personal values in the name of business. Could I be bought?
I thought about what I wanted Tinhorn Consulting to represent. Did I want my company’s name to associated with this type of project? The answer was quickly clear. This was not in harmony with my company’s mission. No payment was worth it if I could not be proud of the end product.
Why am I blogging about this now? As a Native woman business owner for several years, I am often invited to speak to Native American students and young entrepreneurs. I participate in Tribal business summits and meetings locally and nationally. I like to share my story of how I got started as a business owner and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Above all, I promote positivity for Indian Country, especially for Native women. Yet, business can be trying at times. Entrepreneurs can often face situations that may fall into a grey area. As I learned myself, it’s important to vet any potential client and ask detailed questions.
What helped me back then, and still guides me, was my mission statement. My business may have evolved over the years but my mission is unchanged.
For those working in Indian Country, we know it can be small place. Reputation and values are important. Nothing is truly ‘just business’ for me when it comes to Indian Country. I want my work to be meaningful, respectful and to celebrate Native culture. Above all, I want my daughter and community to be proud to see Tinhorn Consulting’s logo.