Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with April Porter, Founder of Ask April Porter, located in Eureka, MO, USA.

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

I am a Franchise Empire Building Strategist. I fill the franchise gap between the business model and the executive strategies needed to increase profits, build a reliable team, and scale into multiple locations, so that franchisees may build a life of Sanity, Wealth, and Gratitude.™

Tell us about yourself

I invested in a franchise and dedicated myself to mastering everything the franchisor told me to do. While I was successful in my franchisor's eyes, I realized I still didn't know how to grow the business to the level I envisioned. So, I invested in myself and developed the executive knowledge that allowed me to scale to 4 locations in less than three years - being named to St. Louis' Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies three years in a row. I then dedicated myself to teaching small business owners and franchisees the secrets of scaling to their dream lifestyle. Now, my clients quickly abandon working nights and weekends, develop teams that grow their businesses on their behalf, and scale into multiple revenue streams, ultimately reaching their SWAG™ - Sanity, Wealth & Gratitude.™

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I was recently recognized as a Bear of Distinction by Missouri State University for my contributions to building community in my personal and professional endeavors.

In September, I will be awarded the Chairman's Award for Distinguished Service to the Franchising Community by the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers.

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

Knowing that I have the strategies that can save other business owners from the headaches, stress, exhaustion, frustration, and fear that they experience from running a business on trial and error and watching them continue to make the same mistakes over and over again - too fearful of investing in themselves because they feel the solution lies in better marketing or something else outside themselves and their own potential.

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

  1. Invest in yourself first. As you grow your knowledge and mindset, you will have the skills to evaluate growth opportunities and seize them based on your growth strategies.
  2. Partner with your five (5) essential professionals from the moment you decide to become a business owner - Attorney, CPA, Banker, Business Coach, and Marketer.
  3. Speak to a banker and become knowledgeable about the difference between personal financing/lending and business financing/lending. Leverage capital to grow quickly and become profitable. To do that successfully, you need to be properly capitalized.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

We offer free business-building strategies, tactics, and advice in our free Facebook group, Franchisee Infinite Success, and through my podcast, The Infinite Franchisee Show.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://askaprilporter.com/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/askaprilporter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askaprilporter/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/askaprilporter
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ask-april-porter/

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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