Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Brandeis Marshall, CEO of DataedX Group, located in Smyrna, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business helps data-conscience practitioners, educators and researchers make responsible data connections. DataedX Group is a data ethics learning and development firm offering seminars, workshops, and project consulting services. We help our clients strategize ways to humanize and transform their data operations so that they can mitigate harms, reduce risks and avoid creating costly tech-based solutions.
Tell us about yourself
I started the company because as a way to separate the speaking requests coming in directly to my personal email and those coming in from my full-time job. People increasingly wanted to pay me to speak at their events, share my perspective at invite-only gatherings, and conduct data skills workshops. I realized that I needed to protect my personal information, and honestly, I started to have expenses associated with these paid engagements. I’d listened to enough entrepreneurial podcasts to know I needed a business name, account, and all of that. No commingling funds, lol.
What motivates me everyday is the opportunity to reach more people who realize that ‘move fast and break things’ doesn’t work and that we need to ‘move slower and build better.’ Granted, the conversations are tough and uncomfortable for some, but others are ready to code conscientiously, ask ‘why’ questions early and often during the design phase, and intentionally be inclusive in their data management activities.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishments are reaching ~ 5k people who have attended DataedX ethics-rich data seminars and workshops,~1k subscribers to the Rebel Tech Newsletter, and collaborating with over 12 Black women-owned businesses.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner is believing in myself, taking action when I’m in doubt, and being okay with inconsistent cash flow waves. I’ve been conditioned for so long that a regular steady paycheck is a goal. It’s hard for me to spend money when I’m not sure where or when the next revenue deposit will appear. I have an accountability coach to help me focus on being authentic, step into my spotlight, and prioritize my wellness. I have to remind myself of past revenue deposits and how I could attract those (repeat) clients. I have to write down my wins regularly so I can see with my eyes that I’m doing what I’d set out to do. In short, it’s the re-conditioning for an entrepreneurial mindset.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Share your business product and/or service on a social platform. Choose one, anyone. You’ll attract like-minded people.
- Use an appointment scheduler. Choose anyone that’s free as a start. Having an appointment scheduler will force you to figure out when you’re available and when you’re not available so you can create boundaries from the onset.
- Create an account with a third-party online payment processor like Stripe, bill.com, or PayPal. Sending PDF invoices with no online payment link causes friction for the payer. You want to make paying you as easy as possible. Getting paid immediately versus NET 30 is better for all parties.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.dataedx.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/csdoctorsister/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/csdoctorsister
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandeis-marshall/
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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