How Did You Get Here?

"Nobody Supposed to Be Here: My Journey to Launching Looking Further LLC"

How I Got Here: The Birth of Looking Further LLC

Nobody supposed to be here, right? That's what I thought when I got laid off after those executive orders started flying to shut down USAID. My heart said no, no, but this unexpected time off allowed me to rethink everything. It led me to become self-employed during an unpredictable job market.

The Turning Point 🛣️

At the start of the year, I was preparing for my first role in the private sector as a contractor to USAID. When the layoffs began, I remained calm. Thanks to my fast, I was in a "what's next?" mode. I applied for new opportunities in international development, business, and finance. While waiting for responses, I continued my doctoral program and took a class on entrepreneurship.

Lightbulb Moment!💡

During my studies, I decided to take a practical approach to my assignments. I carved out a feasibility assessment for my own business. Time is precious these days, and that’s when Looking Further LLC was born! Throughout my corporate career, I encountered numerous business plans and proposals. However, I didn’t emphasize the feasibility assessment of an idea or business until now. My class helped me realize its importance, and I used it as a framework to determine if providing financial model forecasting to businesses was a viable idea.

A Little Context

From 2020 to 2022, I did financial model forecasting pro bono for colleagues and classmates to keep my skills sharp during COVID-19. Shoutout to my professor at UMGC!👊 That’s when I discovered I was pretty good at building financial models from scratch. After finishing my master’s program, I took financial modeling training in New York and built models in my spare time at work. So, starting my own business in this field isn’t out of left field for me.

I See You

I’ve spent my life building these skills and experiences. I didn’t "place my heart under lock and key," but rather stayed open to pivoting into a space I had considered for a while. Don’t get me wrong; I was objective and critically assessed whether this was the right move. Once I let my guard down a bit and stopped being so hard on myself, everything started to click. Shoutout to my wife for her unwavering support! She’s a real one! Bless God!❤️ Here we are, standing strong!

This Is Not the End; It’s the Beginning of a New Chapter

During this time leading up to the launch of Looking Further LLC, I cherish the moments with my family and for myself. I pride myself on being productive every day and improving in some way. Mamba Mentality🐍! My goal in this venture is to serve people where my skills and experiences can elevate them to new heights and opportunities. I’ve dedicated my career to international development, and I believe this company will allow me to continue doing so, no matter how big or small. The world is flat (a fantastic book), and I can support businesses domestically while still helping others abroad. This is what I love to do!

"I must take a chance and spread my wings. Love can make you do some crazy things!" I cherish life too much to stop doing my part in the world. "Aooooooohhhhhhhhhhh! No, no, no, no, no, nonooooooooooooooooooo."🗣️🗣️🗣️

The Road Ahead: Embracing Challenges

As I embark on this journey, I know challenges will arise. But I’m ready to face them head-on! Each obstacle is an opportunity for growth. I’m excited to connect with startups and small to medium-sized businesses needing financial planning. Together, we can navigate the complexities of the financial landscape.

Building Connections and Community🤝

One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey is the chance to build connections. I believe in the power of community. By collaborating with others, we can share insights and strategies that lead to success. I’m eager to engage with fellow entrepreneurs and learn from their experiences.

The Importance of Financial Forecasting👓

Financial forecasting is crucial for any business, especially for startups. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about creating a roadmap for success. With Looking Further LLC, I aim to provide expert financial modeling and forecasting services. This will help businesses understand their financial future and achieve their strategic objectives with clear, actionable insights.💯

Conclusion: Staying the Course

This is how I got here, and I’m committed to staying the course. I’m excited about the future and the possibilities that lie ahead. This blog post was inspired by Deborah Cox’s "Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here." It’s a bop, I’m telling you! Until next time!