Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business and personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Barbara Giesing, Founder of BAG HR Consulting, located in Plano, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Small to mid-sized business owners often make their lives harder than they need to be. They wear so many hats and focus on growth and operations (as they should) and may not have the experience or background to help with people management in their organization. BAG HR Consulting can step in and help them set up the systems to promote clarity, accountability, and compassionate honesty, helping management and employees understand what needs to be done to encourage a successful environment and minimize risk. We can help with employee retention, culture, handbooks, policies, and all things people-related.
Tell us about yourself
My undergraduate degree was in news/editorial writing, which helped establish insight into getting to the facts. Additionally, I've been fortunate in experiencing a wide range of company environments, working with very small organizations of 5 or fewer employees all the way to global environments with thousands. It's a cliche, but it's true--people are similar no matter what environment they're in. Most of us want to make a difference, feel a sense of accomplishment, and earn enough to pay our bills. We also want to avoid what we see as conflict, which can often simply mean clarifying expectations and finding common ground. Providing the tools that help employees and management get on the same page, promote understanding, and increase productivity and satisfaction, is a great motivator.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It's great coming into a company with strong motivation for success but dysfunctional (or even non-existent) processes, helping them set up the training and/or documents/systems needed, and walking away knowing they're on a clearer path to achieve their goals. I want owners to feel empowered (as opposed to frustrated) in working with their employees. It's great knowing that I've played some small part in their success.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
It's really difficult to weed out all the data that's available for a business owner. I can spend my days reading emails, researching industry updates, analyzing income/expense data, and then find time to market, network, update electronic media and still find time to actually work with my clients! Days are short, and time-required possibilities are endless!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be passionate--if you don't start there, it likely won't last (and surely won't be any fun)!
- Get into the weeds--but make sure you have a path out. For me, it helps to have at least a basic understanding of all aspects of my business. Certainly, work to your strengths, but spend time gaining insight into all areas, even where you outsource the work. Otherwise, how do you know if they're doing the best for you?
- Establish your core values and remain true to them. If you don't know what you stand for, you may not know when you get off track.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.baghrconsulting.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BAGHRConsulting
Twitter: https://twitter.com/barbara_giesing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaragiesing/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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