by Alexandria Williams
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every aspect of our daily lives. Many business owners were forced to make critical decisions while trying to adapt to a changing environment. Smaller minority-owned businesses felt a more significant impact, with two out of three concerned with permanently closing.
Despite the challenges, entrepreneurs Eric Brinson and Paula Anderson are optimistic about the new opportunities they have discovered during the pandemic.
Eric Brinson, real estate investor, noted his business wasn’t significantly impacted compared to other industries. “The direct-to-direct contact of viewing properties and meeting sellers was most affected," said Brinson.
He describes his business as an opportunity to include everyone. They find deeply discounted properties which make investing possible for everyone, not just the "big guys."
When Brinson first started his business, he admitted to making rookie mistakes.
"I made mistakes with my ego and experiences and managing finances. Being very disciplined, not skipping any steps and understanding the value of making the right relationships are important," said Brinson.
As a leader and business owner, Brinson wants to assist in his workers' professional development. "Most successful business owners empower people, both the customer and the employee. I ask how many people can I impact?" said Brinson.
Paula Anderson, coach, consultant and writer, publishes a magazine that features Emerging and Enterprising Entrepreneurs (E3) highlighting local entrepreneurs.
Although her business was slightly impacted, Anderson got creative by hosting virtual workshops.
"I offered virtual Continuing Education Unit (CEU) workshops to medical coders in Nashville, Dickson, Missouri and Louisville, KY, which allowed me to connect with more people outside of my city," said Anderson.
She would like to continue to connect with more people outside of her area and learn from others who may have a skill or expertise from which she can benefit.
With workspaces, schools, and social gatherings switching to virtual spaces, Zoom and Microsoft Teams have played essential roles in keeping people connected during the pandemic. Virtual platforms like these have created new opportunities that will likely continue in the future.
"I would keep the virtual spaces for the convenience of connecting online. All training will be virtual, unless I need to conduct a test, and that will be conducted in person," said Anderson.
After working with a company for a few years, she pursued a manager's position and did not get the job. Instead of dwelling on not getting the position, she used the experience as an opportunity to grow before launching her entrepreneurship career.
"I continued to work a full-time job until I was able to learn enough to work as a full-time entrepreneur," explained Anderson.
As a transformational leader, she understood what she needed and how sometimes corporate America cannot fulfill that leadership style.
Anderson continues to work on her magazine highlighting other entrepreneurs who may not get the recognition they deserve.
"People measure success on how much money you can make. I measure success on how I am changing a person's life. I like to do things based on that
mission. Changing a life is more impactful than money. When I can help someone pass their certification exam or get to another level, that is success to me," expressed Anderson.
Brinson and Anderson saw new opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic and took action. They used their experiences to adapt and continue to let their business thrive.
If you are an emerging entrepreneur, you can use their experiences to remind yourself you will face many challenges, but as long as you learn from them you can succeed.
To learn more about Eric Ryan Brinson, visit andersonandryan.com.
To learn more about Paula Anderson, visit https://www.paulaandersononline.net.
Alexandria Williams is a student journalist. Johari Hamilton is a freelance copyeditor.