Just Do It!

By Jamie Brown, Founder of Cause for Connection

My Inspiration
My name is Jamie Brown and I recently started a company called Cause for Connection.  It  was started based on the dedicated belief that people have a greater  ability to make a  difference when they collaborate and draw on each other's talents, expertise,  spheres of  influence, and energy. Driven by this belief, I decided that I wanted to create  unique events  and promotional programs that would bring people, businesses, and  organizations together  for charitable causes. Cause for Connection is not a non-profit  organization; it is a company  that believes in incorporating charity with business  opportunities.

I graduated from Duke University in 2000. Before starting Cause for Connection, I spent the  majority of my working experience in the garment industry, but always felt professionally  unsatisfied. When my aunt was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December of 2004, I  decided I wanted to do something to raise both money and awareness for this disease I  previously knew nothing about and feared other women knew just as little.

I Have Already Succeeded
At this point, whether or not Cause for Connection will succeed as a business is unknown. However, I can honestly say that it has succeeded on a personal level for me. These past few months have given me a sense of ownership and responsibility that is invaluable. It has given me a taste of what being an entrepreneur is all about. It is about pushing yourself, taking risks, being vulnerable, feeling proud, having energy, creating and recreating, learning, meeting people, and using all your resources. Every morning I wake up and feel excited for what the day may bring. And every day I remind myself of the advice that has been given to me: "Don't focus on how much money you are making, focus on realizing your vision. The money will come."

My Advice
Starting Cause for Connection has been the most rewarding, yet frightening, work experience I have known to date. The best words of advice I can give to someone thinking about starting a business are words we all know well, "Just Do It!" Cliché, as it may be, the reality is that once you establish your business entity, you open the door for possibility. If you can't afford to quit your job and focus entirely on your new venture, then start it on the side. You think you don't have enough time? You would be surprised how you find time for something you are passionate about. So, "Just Do It!" .