What motivated you to start your business? 

After working in the Information Technology department for so many years, I was ready to make a difference for my clients.  Plus, by having my own business I had control of my own destiny.

What is the greatest barrier you faced in launching your business and how did you overcome it?

I was unable to get a loan because I was told that consultants were not a “tangible asset.”  I had to “factor” my invoices for four months until I was able to “make a million dollars.”  After that, the banking industry welcomed me with open arms!!
Do you have a mentor? How did you find him/her?

I have never had a mentor.  If I had, just think how much better/larger my company may have been.

If you could go back in time to when you were first starting, what would you tell yourself, with the intention of avoiding mistakes and heart ache?

I would tell myself to never hire family or friends!  When it comes to money, you “have no friends.”
What resources have been most helpful to you?

WBENC, WPO and C200.
What does success look like for you?

Success to me is having no debt and giving back to the community; plus, assisting other Women Entrepreneurs ‎to go to the next level and reminding them that they can be anything they want to be if they focus.

What do you do to recharge?

I love to go on trips/vacations with other CEO women and have elaborate conversations on how to “fix/rule the world!”

What’s your advice for a young woman who is considering starting her own business?

• Always create a business plan.
• Make sure you have previously worked within the industry.
• Be ready to work 14 hours a day for a minimum of a year.
• Stay focused.

To learn more about Pamela O’Rourke and Icon Information Consultants, LP, check out her website at www.iconconsultants.com.