As I was sitting at a local coffee shop enjoying my Cappuccino one day, I couldn’t help but notice a group of individuals in the corner. There was a dry erase board, people were taking notes, smiling and interacting like old friends. Why did they catch my attention?
The large group of individuals seemingly from various backgrounds were talking to each other in Spanish. In my curiosity, I went over to the person that seemed to be leading the discussions after every one left. This is how I met Gena Scurry Vaughn, the founder and CEO of the Spanish Over Coffee Program™. She was teaching a Spanish class in a unique setting. Members are encouraged to interact in these social environments to expedite the learning process.
I felt the program was very unique, innovative and a cutting edge entrepreneurial idea. Hispanic Americans are the fastest growing demographic in the country. In addition, despite the perceptions in the mass media, they come from many countries around the world and in South America, not just Mexico. Worldwide, Spanish is the second most widely used language in the world next to Mandarin Chinese with 325 million speakers.
Learning Spanish is no longer an option, it makes smart business sense. It also is a way to bring people together, considering the prominence of the language worldwide. In addition to training individuals, Vaughn’s company also holds corporate training sessions and private group training sessions.
How does this company make a difference? Although people pay for the courses, it is well worth the investment considering the life altering impact it can have on an individual. We had the opportunity to interview Gena Scurry Vaughn.
LM: What drives you?
GV: My love to make a difference, but ultimately have people be connected. The
people who call me are extraordinary. Sure you could say people “should” and
“need” to speak Spanish, but really more than anything they just want to
know one another.
LM: What experiences influenced your decision to start a business?
GV: I think I’ve always known I would have a business, but it wasn’t until I did
the Landmark Forum with Landmark Education did I get that I could start a
business now and have it go my way. So I did, on $5 and a bicycle.
LM: What formal education and/or training do you have or had to get to start
your business?
GV: None
LM: How did you get started?
GV: I started making it up and then taking action consistent with what I said.
LM: How did you determine what product and or service to sell?
GV: I think my serviced called me. It occurred as obvious to me. I would say
the important thing is to CREATE, RISK YOURSELF, TAKE ACTION NO MATTER HOW
TERRIFIED YOU MAY BE.
LM: What lessons have you learned from your first years in business?
GV: Each year is different. I’ve been in business for 7 yrs and have a few
employees and we operate in Austin and Houston. Let’s see:
1st year – you can create anything from nothing.
I remember in my first year meeting a women for coffee and giving her an
initial lesson for Spanish. She told me how much Spanish she wanted and I
said that will cost $1,500. She said “you just rode up on your bicycle and
got off.” I said “yep and that’s the price”. She wrote me a check
2nd year – I stopped doing things I did not enjoy to bring in money. This
had me put my “butt” on the line to make my business happen.
3rd year – I learned to be a dog that doesn’t have to bark.
My first corporate client tried to cancel his meeting with me and I said “do
you really want to do this, because I got other things to do”. He said okay.
4th year – I created systems. Stopped doing things in my business I don’t
like to do.
5th year – Closed my first big deal.
6th year – I’m not sure.
7th year – I learned to love my employees. This one took me a while. I
really got employees are just like kids – you love them no matter what and
there are consequences.
LM: Who were the primary influences in your life as it relates to being an
entrepreneur?
GV: Myself
My parents
Friends starting business from nothing
LM: What has been your biggest success?
GV: I don’t really have one big success. Each thing that I learned through
experience was essential.
I guess I would say staying in the game for 7 years.
LM: What has been your biggest disappointment?
GV: There are always disappointments in business. Failures, but all failures can
become assets.
Here is something I would say – the money will never be enough to drive a
business. Don’t stop creating and honoring what you are bringing into the
world. To connect people through language and risk it all is worth it to me.
LM: What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
GV:Everyone is an entrepreneur. Really for me an entrepreneur is a leader this
can be in an existing business or a new business. Honor who you are. You
have a gift we all want.
Risk it all!
Do things that TERRIFY YOU AND MAKE YOU UNCOMFORTABLE. ONCE YOU DO IT. DO IT
AGAIN. UNTIL YOU DON’T [feel terrified].
