Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Otisa Eads, Speaker, HR Expert, and Strategy & Operations Consulting, located in Denver, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is an HR & Operations consulting firm working with Nonprofits and small business owners who are in the process of growing and scaling.
Tell us about yourself
I first got started with my business in 2019 as I wanted to support small business owners in expanding their teams to have systems in place to support their growth. The impact I make with my clients and their staff is what keeps me motivated each day. Learning from a staff member that the training or workshop I led was supportive of their professional development journey.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Besides being in business for the last five years, my biggest accomplishment would be in creating a team of my own.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I know you asked for one, but I am going to give you two of the hardest things that come with being a business owner.
- Financials (Accounting/Bookkeeping/Taxes)
- Time/Energy Management
Be sure that you have a bookkeeper or tax accountant readily available, and be sure you are taking time to check in with what funds are going in and out of business. Also, if you can work with a financial advisor to create a plan for your personal and business finances would be a bonus!
Lastly, it is important to become your own fierce gatekeeper of your time and energy. No one is going to manage your time and energy for you; therefore, you must create boundaries for yourself to do this on a daily basis. Give yourself grace and get stuff on the calendar.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have a strategy or goals each year (or monthly). Be sure you are creating goals for the year that you can focus on achieving and being able to measure the outcomes. This will be helpful to you and the business in the long run.
- Get a basic understanding of finances, accounting, and taxes.
- It is OK to say no! To say yes to every engagement or opportunity would be draining. Be intentional about what you say yes to. (A yes to something or someone else is also a no to yourself.)
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.otisaeads.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/otisaeadsbiz/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otisaeadsllc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/otisaeads/
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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