Synopsis
This book, I Am the First, was written to primarily help first-generation, first-time entrepreneurs be more successful in the start-up of their small business. The title should recall the firsts that we have all had in our lives. But this entrepreneurial first is something special. Since it is targeted to the “firsts” it touches lightly on many subjects. This is intended to introduce the reader to certain concepts. More in-depth and subject-matter-specific writings are forthcoming. This book is for those people who are on the cusp of entrepreneurship. For the people intrigued by the thought of running their own business, but not quite sure how to go about it. Or who are unsure of their ability to be successful at it. If you selected this book or began doing research, you are capable of doing it, and all you need is a little help and guidance. I want to help you, and I want this book to be a resource for you. One thing that I have learned about entrepreneurship and running businesses is that it is always, and I stress the word always, easier if you can learn from the mistakes of others. Learning from the successes of others is great, but learning from mistakes is even better. Entrepreneurship is a journey and not a destination. Many people want to take the trip, but not many are willing to pay the price. This book purposely asks many open-ended questions. It is intended to challenge the readers to question themselves about why they are considering entrepreneurship and whether they are willing to take and complete this journey. As with any journey, the hardest part is often taking the first step. The Chinese philosopher Laozi has been credited with saying, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” That is so very true, and it is the reason that this book was written. It was written to help you take that first step and be more successful.
About the Author
Kevin McGee is the founder and CEO of Avid Entrepreneurship, a social enterprise consultancy founded to help first generation entrepreneurs build better businesses. Kevin has spent most of his life as an entrepreneur, starting his first venture at 23-years-old. He has learned to recognize opportunities, overcome obstacles, deal with failures, and embrace success; learned lessons that he loves to share with audiences. He is a sought-after motivational speaker, entrepreneur, business coach, and author. His platform, titled SpeakLife, is intended to inspire others to make each and every day the best day of their lives. It encompasses themes of overcoming obstacles, charging audiences with developing vision, direction, and purpose when they SpeakLife during times of adversity. Kevin is known for his candor and approachable demeanor -- both remnants of his humble upbringing in the rural Midwest. His platform, Speak Life, is intended to inspire listeners to make each and every day the best day of their lives -- an intention made even more resolute since April 2015 when his 12-year-old daughter was diagnosed with cancer. This marked the most challenging time in Kevin’s life. As a result of this experience, Kevin has learned that challenges and obstacles are not specific to race, color, creed or gender. They affect us all indiscriminately. Kevin is an engaged member of his community. He has served on the board of trustees for Morehouse College and the Morehouse School of Medicine. Kevin was also National President of the Morehouse College Alumni Association. He is affiliated with a number of charitable organizations including Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Atlanta, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and CURE Childhood Cancer.
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