Dare to Become
A Perspective from the Corner Booth to the Corner Office
Buzz words like “the 6-figure side hustle” dominate online social channels and have amassed over 3.6 billion search results on Google. It’s a popular sound bite. It almost feels attainable – how hard could it be?
Rather than be swayed by social ads promising this path to financial freedom, let’s follow the data. Reports show that in 2023, approximately 150 million startups exist worldwide, with more than 75,000 startups in the United States, the most out of all countries. It might surprise you to know that 10% of those businesses will fail in the first year, 70% of those businesses will fail in 2-5 years, and 90% of startups will fail overall. The average success rate of a first-time founder is 18%. Of those businesses that do survive, 16% earn less than $10,000 per year and 9% achieve more than $1 million in revenue. The data dispels the myth and reaffirms the reality of just how difficult it is to find success in business.
For millions, a major component of the American dream is to start one’s own company and, ultimately, to become one’s own boss. The question is—just how exactly does one do that? Every successful entrepreneur has a unique story to tell. It’s in these stories that we find relevant tools and insights that will guide the journey from start-up to success. Armed with 25 years of experience in business, 15 years as a small business owner and entrepreneur, I was in search of stories to motivate me to reach my next milestone.
My first book, Dare to Become, From the Corner Booth to the Corner Office, shares an authentic narrative of entrepreneurial grit and determination. The book chronicles how working in my parents’ restaurant in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, laid the foundation for her understanding of business operations. These experiences shaped my perspectives as I entered the professional world, mitigated challenging bosses and complex dynamics, and fueled my desire to create my own company. It is my hope that this candid account of an entrepreneurial journey elicits a heartful, relatable tug for readers, but will also inspire.
The journey to success in business is not always as easy as it seems. The story behind success doesn’t always start with riches and accolades, but hard work and fear. Unlike other business or self-help books, Dare to Become offers an easy read and unique perspective on launching a starting a company without going into debt, how to hire employees, managing employees from Gen Z to baby boomers, and all the responsibility of a being business owner. The stories offer a rare insight for entrepreneurs on how to truly succeed.
“Dare to Become is a book you should buy IF you are an employee, an employer, have a job, own a business, intend to have a job or own a business at some point…IF you are in any of these positions, this book is for YOU.” comments Ellie Kanner, Director, Writer, Producer of Film and Television. “You will learn how to navigate the world of business while balancing your personal life. As a mom, entrepreneur and film director, there are tools I now have and will use from Julie’s tips and advice throughout this book. These simple but vital lessons will help you with whatever journey you are on in business and in life.”
Dare to Become stands out among entrepreneurial literature, offering a unique, real-world perspective on navigating the tumultuous path to business success. It speaks to the power of perseverance and offers a guide for those daring to chase their own entrepreneurial dreams. Without question, this new release is this year’s must-read for any aspiring entrepreneur or small business owner looking for a lift of inspiration or those looking to take a leap of faith to invest in themselves.
Julie is a CEO, Author, and entrepreneur. Julie is a respected and trusted leader in business communities that extend from the Northeast (Philadelphia, New York City, and D.C.) to the Southeast (including the Greater Atlanta region and Charleston, South Carolina.) and that includes CEOs and entrepreneurs of small to mid-size businesses as well as the Fortune 1000. In her 25 years career, she has consulted with more than 1000 companies to build sustainable, revenue generating strategies. Her first book Dare to Become, From the Corner Booth to the Corner Office, hit shelves Worldwide on September 1 and details her journey working for her parents’ restaurant to building a successful agency.
