Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in organizational development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kerri Drumm, Founder and Principal of Purpose Aligned Consulting, located in Denver, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Purpose Aligned Consulting is a woman-owned social sector consulting firm. Since 2014, we have helped nonprofits, local governments, and mission-focused groups to increase their impact. We bring 50+ years of combined experience as facilitators, mediators, strategists, fundraisers, and writers. Our core services are facilitation, strategic planning, and grant writing.
Tell us about yourself
I love helping groups solve sticky situations. My background is in conflict resolution and mediation. I spent the early part of my career living and working in Latin America. I also worked in education and got great joy from helping others gain new insights. All these experiences have given me skills and deep empathy for the challenges my clients face. My motivation is simple: I help those who help make the world a better place. I believe we already have many solutions to difficult social problems. We just need to understand how to listen to each other and work together.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Taking a month or two off every year to travel and be with my family. While I am super proud of my impact on my clients, I also believe there’s more to life than work. In a culture that glorifies busyness, opting out a few times a year feels radical.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Saying no. It’s something I still struggle with almost nine years after starting my business. People will want many things from you. Getting comfortable saying “no thank you” will help you grow.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Battle through imposter syndrome. It will spring up at different times throughout your journey. Understand that doubt and fear are often a sign that you’re growing.
- Keep reading, listening, learning, and daydreaming. Block time on your calendar to do so. It’s easy to get stuck in work, but without space to learn and think, your business will get stagnant.
- Find good people to be on your team. These could be subcontractors, employees, folks you network with, mentors, service providers, etc. You don’t have to do it all alone.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://purposealigned.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerridrumm/
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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