by JoNataye Prather, PhD, MSW, PSM-1
My passion has always been helping students succeed in college and their careers and lives. As a university professor, administrator, and school social worker, I've spent over two decades immersed in the social and behavioral sciences, building programs, mentoring students, and creating initiatives that bridge education and workforce empowerment.
Throughout this journey, I've had the privilege of designing undergraduate and graduate courses, building department curricula, and leading an entire program to achieve accreditation through the Council of Social Work Education.
While these accomplishments have been fulfilling, my heart has always been with the students—the ones who came to my office feeling overwhelmed, insecure, or unsure of their next steps.
What I noticed, time and again, was that their challenges extended far beyond academics. Many struggle with non-academic barriers that universities often don't address, or if they do, students don't always seek out those resources. I realized I needed to do more, not just within the walls of a classroom but beyond them.
That realization inspired the creation of the College 2 Career Blueprint Program, a transformative initiative designed to empower students to increase their confidence, graduate earlier, and step into career and leadership opportunities. I also wrote the book Don't Think About Getting a PhD Without Reading This Book First and co-authored The Best College Student Survival Guide Ever Written.
These college and career readiness resources were created to extend my support to students outside the classroom, providing practical guidance for navigating the complexities of education.
Additionally, I've developed supportive online resources tailored to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. These tools focus on funding opportunities and practical strategies to help students overcome barriers to learning and achieve their goals. Addressing issues like affordability and access, these resources provide students with actionable steps to succeed, regardless of where they are in their academic journey.
Building this program and business didn't happen overnight. It took time, courage, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. Along the way, I sought the guidance of mentors like Margaret A. Jackson, CEO of Small Business Concierge, Inc. Her insights and encouragement helped me navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. I also outsourced key tasks to contractors like AriasWebsterberry Marketing, who handled my website, social media marketing, PR, and funnel designs. Their expertise allowed me to focus on my strengths while they empowered me with the tools to support my business's growth. These external coaches and contractors have been integral to my journey, demonstrating the importance of building a strong support network.
Along the way, I learned some invaluable lessons about transforming a passion into a profitable business, and I'd like to share them with you.
1. Start with Your Expertise
One of the most helpful exercises at the onset of my entrepreneurial journey came from Gary Vaynerchuk's book Crush It! He suggests making a list of 50 things you're knowledgeable about, especially within a single topic area. This exercise helps clarify where you can position yourself as an expert. You don't need a wall full of degrees (though I jokingly say I have "more degrees than a thermometer")—what you need is a willingness to share what you already know.
2. Shift Your Mindset
Being an entrepreneur demands a growth mindset. It requires curiosity, courage, patience, and a refusal to compare yourself to others. You have a unique perspective, like your fingerprint. Embrace that uniqueness and ask yourself: What mark do I want to leave on the world?
3. Seek Support and Mentorship
Entrepreneurship is not a solo journey. Seek out mentors, coaches, or mastermind groups to guide you. If hiring a coach feels financially out of reach, explore state-funded resources like the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which offers free or low-cost support to small business owners.
4. Delegate and Outsource
You can't do everything alone. Outsourcing tasks like website development, graphic design, or tax preparation frees up your time to focus on growing your business. Even hiring someone to assist with sales calls or administrative work can make a world of difference. Remember, spending money to save time is an investment in your business's success.
5. Embrace the Hustle
There may be seasons in your life when you feel like you're burning the candle at both ends. I've worked full-time jobs while building my business, funding my dream step by step. This is part of the entrepreneurial journey—believing in yourself and taking consistent action, even when you feel scared or uncertain. The more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities will come your way.
6. Be Ethical and Strategic
Your reputation is everything. Be ethical in your work, learn internet marketing strategies, and focus on building genuine relationships with your audience. Success isn't just about making money; it's about creating lasting impact and value.
The Journey to Prosperity: Believe in Your Vision
Turning your passion into a profitable business takes time, dedication, and the willingness to keep learning. It's about being patient with yourself while taking bold, consistent steps forward. For me, leaving academia to venture into corporate America and fund my dream was one of the scariest yet most rewarding decisions I've ever made.
Passion, purpose, and prosperity are not mutually exclusive but interconnected. The journey may not always be easy, but it's worth it. If you're ready to take the leap, trust in your vision, invest in your growth, and know that what you love can truly set the stage for success.
Connect with JoNataye
@DrJoNataye
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