Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melissa Lohrer, Founder of Waverly Ave. Consulting, located in New York, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a Strategic Growth Consultant and Business Coach for agencies. I consult and coach agencies to accelerate growth when they need it most - whether startup, scaleup, or established.
Tell us about yourself
I worked agency-side as a business development leader for 12+ years - from a global advertising network to a growing independent branding agency, going from startup to established player. I found my path in business development early on, combining my strong strategic point of view with natural business intuition. For most of my career, I played the intrapreneur role, building a business development and growth program from the ground up. I brought fresh thinking and ingenuity to my role out of necessity - I didn't have the experience or tools my peers at larger agency networks had, so I had to get creative.
During that time, I worked alongside founders, business leaders, and marketers to unpack their business challenges and architect a path forward while taking the agency to new heights each year. Today, I'm an intrapreneur turned entrepreneur. I bring a growth mindset and original thinking to re-energize leaders and their teams while delivering thoughtful strategies that propel businesses forward. I'm a self-driven leader that sets change in motion - making results happen faster, smarter, and more efficiently.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My proudest accomplishment has been creating a business where I am excited to wake up every day and maintain a healthy balance that brings out the best in me.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The biggest challenge for me has been learning to say no and not overcommitting myself out of excitement. There are so many opportunities but understanding my own limitations that keep me balanced has been an important lesson.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just do it - take the steps to make it official, so there is no turning back and don't overthink it!
- Power of community - find a community that will give you unwavering energy, support, and confidence to keep you going.
- Know your worth - never accept less than you're worth and proudly own it!
Where can people find you and your business?
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-lohrer-49052015/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/waverly-ave-consulting/
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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