Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in music education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with James Knott, Founder of JK Guitar, located in Indianapolis, IN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
JK Guitar offers professional guitar lessons to all ages and abilities. 65% of students are in a studio, with the remaining 35% being online. With the current demand for remote lessons, JK guitar has students located in 6 different countries.
Tell us about yourself
I'm originally an Engineer from Newcastle Upon Tyne, England. I relocated to the USA to my wife's hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana. I've always played music from a young age, playing in various bands and becoming a member of the RGT (Registry Of Guitar Tutors) with the London College of Music. With the relocation, I had a chance to change my day-to-day and focus on my true passion, music. So I started my own business teaching Guitar. The motivation is the fact I've achieved a life goal of turning my passion into my day-to-day. My love for music never fades; in fact, it increases the more the business grows.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Helping students become skillful enough to join bands and accomplish the same dreams I had as a young lad! Business-wise - becoming busy enough, I hired other teachers to share the workload/cover for me when I'm away.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The extra hours you have to put in that nobody else sees. Also, the worry of "Is this working?', especially in the first year or so.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Take your time and be patient. Work on 1 area at a time; complete that area before moving to the next.
- Don't rush decisions - take time to ponder and make the correct decision. Once it's been made, be very confident in that decision.
- Make targets. I had around 10 targets to assist growth. I didn't set all of my targets in stone with a deadline. Instead, once I completed a target, I made a deadline for the next one. This helped achieve more realistic growth.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.jkguitarlessons.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JKGuitarLessons/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkguitar/
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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