The Story Exchange, Daisy Adele, Alpha ZenYour Name: Daisy Adele

Business Name: Alpha Zen Incorporated, a strategic consulting firm

Type of Business: Project and Management Consulting

Business Location: Maplewood, New Jersey, United States

Website   http://www.alphazeninc.com
Twitter   @dadele
Facebook   http://www.facebook.com/daisyadele

Reason for starting
I started a business because I knew I had talents that were yet to be explored. Given that most job opportunities came with setbacks in terms of either corporate bureaucracy or discrimination as to the kind of position you can be offered, these factors in some cases were either absolute or subtle. It just made me want to prove to myself that I can also operate at that same level. In addition, while researching on the kind of business to get involved, I realized the government actually want you to be independent and create opportunities for others, hence the decision of starting a consulting business.

How do you define success?
My definition of success is ” How many others have you helped along the way?” I am of the opinion that; success comes with many branches and singularity does not count because you will never be truely successful with many dependents. Growing up in a culture that advocates for communal living and sharing, it is important that you encourage and help others when given the opportunity because if they succeed in their various endeavors, then you succeed. On the other hand, when you have people tagging along and always coming to you for one thing or another, chances are that you will never stand.

Biggest Success
Opening of an off-shore office to take advantage of the business opportunities available.

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
My top challenege is getting opportunities to work with bigger clients. Like I already mentioned, many large corporations do not want to do business with up and coming entreprenuers. They believe that more established businesses would satisfy thier needs which is totally wrong. I am still working on getting a final solution to this challenge. I have been creative in the past by calling some company decision makers to offer a one day pro-bono service. I am resilient and confident that i will break this barrier and get through.

Who is your most important role model?
My mother.