Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in career development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Simon Bergenroth, Founder of 3 Hats, located in Edinburgh, Scotland.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
3 Hats is a career progression executive coaching, mentoring, and advising business that works with ambitious senior leaders up to the board level to help them excel in their careers. We work with clients globally, including the UK, the Middle East, and America. Clients work with us to help them get 'unstuck' and to achieve their career objectives, whether that's in their current role or a future one. Typically we work with ambitious leaders from a wide range of industries whether in the private, public or third sector.
Tell us about yourself
I am Simon Bergenroth, Founder and Managing Director of 3 Hats, which I launched in July 2022. I started my business after I left my previous employer in June 2022. I have previously transitioned from a 20+ year career in Marketing and Communications and was keen to keep coaching full-time, so I took the leap and set up 3 Hats. I have always dreamed of being the captain of my own ship. I am motivated by seeing my clients excel in their professional lives. My decision to move into coaching was predicated by the fact that I love people and want to see them succeed in their endeavours. I'm motivated each day by the realisation that I have the power through what I do to change people's lives permanently for the better.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Establishing a company on a shoestring as I didn't prepare to launch my company, but the opportunity opened up after I was made redundant. I've never looked back, and I love the freedom and flexibility of running your own company. The calibre of clients I have attracted to my business is also very high, and I am grateful for the trust they have put in my team and me to help them succeed.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being an owner is initially doing everything related to the business, whether finances, planning, strategy, operations and delivery, sales, marketing, and customer service! It's a massive learning curve to get your head around, but once I got on the front foot, there's been no stopping me. I've got an incredible support network of professionals, family, and friends that have helped me to get to this point in my journey, for which I will be forever thankful.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know your customer - Everything in business flows from this in the sense that all your effort and energy should go into serving your customer. Time taken at the beginning to flesh this out by writing an ideal customer avatar (ICA) or persona for the people you're looking to serve is well spent. This is especially helpful when creating your marketing mix to engage this group to consider and buy your products and services.
- Do something you're passionate about - This is advice I often also give to clients when they are looking for new roles, and without having the passion for what you do, it's very hard to keep that going in the long term.
- Never give up - This was a lesson I learned from a former joint MD, Ian Humphris, of a marketing consultancy I worked for in the West Midlands, England, called Life Agency. Starting and running your own business is hard work. FACT. It's not for everyone, but it can be an incredibly rewarding experience if you're prepared to put the hard graft into making it a reality. A strong support network is key here as well to help keep you motivated to achieve success.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://threehats.co.uk/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_3Hats_
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonbergenroth/
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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