Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Harvey Ramer, Founder of FlareMark LLC., located in Ellenton, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I offer one-on-one coaching to unfocused entrepreneurs and unfulfilled employees that help them express their personalities, values, and strengths through their work.
Tell us about yourself
For the past twenty years, I have focused almost exclusively on improving my technical skills as a software engineer. The years passed, and I became more empty and unfulfilled until I realized I needed to make a change. Rather than leaving my career as a software developer, I started making a direct investment in others through coaching, writing, and podcasting. I sought out these activities because they lit me up and gave me joy. And joy is a powerful force that, once unleashed, leaks into every area of life. Now, I am researching and getting ready to interview other software engineers who have gone through similar transitions. The podcast will be called Unhappy Hackers: Hope for the Unfulfilled Software Engineer.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Personally, I have grown and moved from feeling overwhelmed with sadness to waking up with a sense of purpose and anticipation. Financially, the business is still modest but growing. Most importantly, though, my coaching clients are taking action and seeing improvements in their lives and careers.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
In the beginning, it is overwhelming. There is usually not enough cash flow to justify delegating tasks to others, and it is easy to let administrative tasks consume creative time and lose the impact you intend to create. I find that having an achievable schedule of work for which I am accountable lets me keep moving forward.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Follow your gut and find a small way to start today.
- Never be content until you are crystal clear about exactly who you serve and what you offer.
- Be patient. Do not share ideas looking for others to validate them, because criticism will shut you down or derail you. Instead, seek input and encouragement while sharing only what is clear enough to survive criticism.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.flaremark.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlareMarkCo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flaremark/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlareMarkCo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flaremark-llc/
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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