This morning I hit send on my action list outline to the SCORE mentors. That was an emotional rollercoaster. I was excited but also having a conflict with my inner perfectionist. I have been remembering things and therefore adjusted the action list a couple of times. I did complete another edit before I sent it this morning. Now I wait anxiously for feedback and insight. If I get a thumbs up, I am set to launch the new service on May 1st, the end of May at the latest. This is all surprising because I didn’t think I would be able to launch a new service until the fall.

I started the SCORE mentor journey because I had so many expansion ideas that I wasn’t able to solidify. Part of that is my perfectionism, another part was my lack of network, and the final part was the amount of time it was going to take to get everything in place. The mentors helped me simplify everything and offered two clever options that I hadn’t considered. I completed the first homework assignment and the amount of work I did proved in the second meeting that I was ready to launch sooner rather than later. Now that I have sent off that action list to launch I am closer to that becoming a reality. That plan is sitting in the email universe waiting for a green check or red pencil edits.

The SCORE Mentors are not just an outside perspective, but they help straighten the twisty/turvy path, and they motivated me to do this. Their help and encouragement gave me the motivation to get things done. Each homework assignment isn’t just tasks to do, it is proof that I do have my thoughts and concepts in order. It is confirmation that I can make my vision, wanting to empower military spouses, veterans, and caregivers with employment options–not struggle the way that I have. If the action list isn’t ready that is okay. I am still going to make my vision a reality because I am willing to put the work into it. I am closer than I was on February 2nd when I submitted a request for help from the mentors.

Writing the action list to launch wasn’t as difficult as I thought. I could physically see that I do have to reorganize some things, set up some additional pieces, and continue to build my network. Crafting a name for the new service was a little more challenging. I especially look forward to feedback from the mentors on the name. To me the name approval is like icing on cake, it is sweet and enhances the cake, the name matches the mission and purpose of the new service. This is all action that is another step closer to my goals.

Launch ready – or not? I will know soon. I am grateful for the mentors: their expertise, their eyes, their knowledge. I’m buzzing with what-ifs—will they love the name? Spot a gap I missed? This waiting game is nerve-wracking, but it’s also thrilling. Every tweak I’ve made, every edit, has me on the edge of launch. I am not there yet–mentorship’s test is my fuel. Stay tuned for the green light–or the next round of red pencils.

Entrepreneurs, what’s your launch-or-bust moment? Mentorship fans, how’s it edged you closer? Spill your stories—I need the inspiration!

Originally published on LinkedIn on March 10, 2025. [Read it here]