Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ashley Mann, an online entrepreneur based in Springfield, MO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Actually, I just sold my business, which consisted of two websites, RVinspiration.com and RenovatedRVsForSale.com. My goal for 2023 is to figure out my next big project, but in the meantime, I'm consulting and building some websites for friends and family, as well as starting an online printables business as a side hustle.
Tell us about yourself
I was a middle school English teacher for five years. While I'm still passionate about education, I'm also introverted, and spending 8+ hours per day in front of a group of people was exhausting for me. I love that I can make money helping people while sitting on my couch.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'm really proud that I created RenovatedRVsForSale.com. In the past few years, renovating RVs has been a huge trend, but often these campers aren't able to be sold through traditional avenues. This website has become the go-to place for people looking for a renovated RV to purchase to find one, as well as an integral place for people renovating RVs as a business to market their finished product.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
It's always been hard for me to figure out the "one thing" I want to do and focus on that to the exclusion of all else, and yet that often seems to be the secret to success. Even if you end up building a business around multiple "side hustles," you have to be able to focus on one revenue stream at a time, and it's easy to get distracted by "shiny object syndrome."
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First and foremost, figure out who you're serving. We all have great ideas, but finding someone who feels equally passionate about our ideas is the hard part. It's a lot easier to start with the consumer in mind and focus on serving their needs.
Next, I would say don't be distracted or discouraged by people telling you that you need to buy their course or coaching program in order to be successful. Courses are great once you've found someone you really resonate with and are sure is doing the thing you want to do, but you can find everything you need to get started for free if you know what you're looking for.
Finally, don't limit yourself by thinking you have to do something along the lines of what you've done in the past. You're a smart person, right? If you want to do something badly enough, don't let imposter syndrome stop you! Learn whatever skills you need, get whatever credentials you feel would make you credible, and, most importantly, get started! It's okay not to have all the answers up front; you'll figure things out as you go.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.ashleymann.me/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ContactAshleyMann/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contactashleymann/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymichellemann/
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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