The meeting is over. Are you wondering if my lift landed? I was nervous and excited as the entrepreneur faced the network contact, heart pounding for their win. After 20+ years of my employment battles–PCS chaos, job flops–I craved this win for the military spouse, a fade for my scars. I carry enough marks of those fights; this was their moment. Here is the play-by-play.

I scribbled an agenda but did not share it with the military spouse entrepreneur–my oversight due to last-minute preparation. I logged into the video call a couple of minutes early, double-checking tech as they were joining. I was sweating. Once all attendees were present and everyone introduced themselves, I tossed the floor to the entrepreneur: “Explain to everyone your services.” This is when I started to shake and got slightly clammy–would they shine? There were questions from the group, but they batted them back with confidence.

My client mentioned gaps–extra work is needed before the entrepreneur can dive in. It was also explained that there are unfinished tasks. The network contact explained their business mission and the entrepreneur swung big. The two have the same industry roots; they share the same passion and understanding–the entrepreneur got it. The two swapped stories, scars mirroring theirs. The two clicked–goosebumps were had across the call. The contact’s heart was hooked. One lift, landing hard.

I steered us to pricing–still nervous but more excited now. When I met with the entrepreneur, I provided a budget the network contact could afford, given the work needed. I was stunned when the entrepreneur explained that they try to work within the client’s budget. I appreciated that professional answer because that is how I built my business, valuing the client’s needs and restraints.

In response to how the entrepreneur answered the question, the network contact recommended that they have a pricing model. It was stated that without a pricing model, their work and those they work with would not be valued. The network contact also stated that everyone should win. The entrepreneur caught the spotlight and realized that they did need to create a pricing model. The lift nudged them to rethink: to claim their worth.

The next steps hit as my client asked about a proposal. I knew the entrepreneur should be prepared for this because we discussed that during our meeting. Unfortunately, due to an emergency, the entrepreneur did not have one drafted, which was understandable. My client threw a twist, suggesting we could help them put a proposal together using ours as a template. At this point, I could not keep my feet still as I was ready to dance for them. Victory landed–not just a notch, but a win with backup. They are in!

Action items: the entrepreneur drafts a proposal and incorporates their pricing model. My client and I need to complete projects for the entrepreneur to start their work. I am grinning from ear to ear–scars are lighter. The entrepreneur is a perfect piece to this puzzle. I could not have scripted a better win. I am pumped to team up and watch their business grow. What is next for this spark?

Military spouses, what win healed you? Entrepreneurs, what lift hit a home run? I am listening!

Originally published on LinkedIn on March 24, 2025. [Read it here]