Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Kim Warren-Martin, Owner of Woman Make Your Mark, LLC., located in Bryant, AR, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My company, Woman Make Your Mark, LLC., serves women leaders who have put 15+ years into building a successful career and, having achieved career success, acknowledge that something is missing. For most, that something is fulfillment, self-actualization, and the desire to leave their unique mark on the world. Our programs, Successful and Fulfilled® and Reignite Her Light(TM), help them find the missing piece(s) and create a second act with a focus on fulfillment. I believe fulfillment is not a fantasy; it’s a formula. Our formula offers a do you, not a do over.

Tell us about yourself

During my 20+ year career in the technology industry, I was invited to run a global Women’s Initiative for a Fortune 50 tech company and help get more women to the executive ranks. While doing this work, I found most high-achieving women, including myself, were missing a path to fulfillment.

Regrettably, career success does not guarantee personal fulfillment. By the time most of us realize it, we’ve worked so hard and sacrificed so much that we either feel like it’s too late or, sadly, not worth it. Knowing there had to be a better way, I stepped away from my career and devoted my life to researching, creating, and delivering methodologies and strategies to help eradicate this thinking and prove that we CAN be both successful AND fulfilled. My findings? We don't have to sacrifice one for the other. We can #HaveItAll, as long as we’re the ones who define what IT ALL means to us.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Interestingly, my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is actually having a viable business. Of course, I'm always happy to give tips and add value. However, as a service-based entrepreneur, I no longer give away my services or allow people to constantly “pick my brain” for hours and try to piecemeal solutions from our conversations. I've realized this is a disservice to them and to me.

The five things I value most are freedom, integrity, love, respect, and self-actualization. All are recognizably incorporated into my business. Additionally, I’ve invested thousands of hours of time, energy, creativity, money, and more to deliver on the promise of my business and the mission of the programs. I can say with all confidence that working with Woman Make Your Mark, LLC is a worthy investment and a life-changing opportunity.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

For me, one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is working ON my business vs. working IN my business. Starting out as a one-woman operation, I was the Chief Everything Officer. I did social media, web design, product creation, delivery, sales, collections, taxes, etc. I was burning the candle at both ends and knew that something had to give before I gave out. I consciously decided to be super at a few things rather than trying to be Super Woman and controlling everything.

Over time I've outsourced several roles and focused on core program content and business growth. “Letting go” and “trusting” others to follow through on parts of the daily operations of my vision took some growth on my part. It also took several iterations with virtual team members to find the right fit, and it’s working well today. As we continue growing, I'm also looking forward to filling a COO role.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Here are a few fundamentals I wish I’d known and followed starting out:

  1. Make up your mind to stay the course. As Steven Covey said, "begin with the end in mind." Be committed to your dream, even if no one else around you gets it. Develop a vision and mission statement. Frame them. Keep them in front of you as a daily reminder of why you started. You can even make them a daily declaration. They will likely change over time, but if you want a successful business, your commitment to stay the course should be firm. Be flexible but not fickle. Always remember, you're building a life as you build your business.
  2. Be clear on whom you want to serve and how you will serve them. Ask what they want/need. Don’t try to guess. Ask how they prefer to have it delivered. Building it does not mean they will come, so incorporate their feedback as well. Work to find your sweet spot. Don’t be afraid to niche down or say no to some potential clients and/or opportunities. Personally, I know that the work I do requires a brave, bold, and rebellious woman to get results. The idea of having the results we promise is sexy, but it takes a daring soul to achieve them. In an effort to protect some potential clients' time, energy, and investment, I’ve even referred them to other programs for better alignment. Don't be afraid to do the same. This ensures a win-win-win.
  3. Get a good coach/mentor/sponsor. Let's face it; no entrepreneur is an island. We all need support and guidance. Ideally, from someone who is where you want to be...and not just financially. Someone who aligns with your values. Preferably, they will be well-connected and willing to help you shine. You are the keeper of your dreams and vision. Make sure they are guiding you, not directing you. The best scenario is having all three in a single person. I have not found a single person for my niche, but I know others who have. Perhaps you will too.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.kimwarrenmartin.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kim.w.martin.73/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimwmartin/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kimwarrenmartin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimwarrenmartin/

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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