Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jay Cafferata, Lead Instructor, Consultant, and Certified Diversity Executive of ASL Training, LLC, located in Carson City, NV, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am an adult education, training, and coaching consultant who provides education in the areas of cultural competency, diversity, inclusion, and equity. I have worked in the disability community as well as the LGBTQIA+ communities. My clients are large statewide systems, school systems, and individuals. I specifically work in the healthcare industry. I develop educational tools for healthcare facilities as well as individuals. I have taught at the university, high school, and middle school levels. I have also been seen coaching 4 and 5-year-olds basketball and soccer.
Tell us about yourself
My specialty is adult education. One of the challenges in working with adults is they already have a worldview about how the world works. Encouraging folks to try new activities as well as new thought patterns requires connections as individuals between myself and my clients. This is a personal experience that is intended to bring clarity to the individual as well as the organization. Professional Development is critical in any organization. I am an avid outdoorsman and regularly seek out environments that allow freedom of movement. I like to start my presentations with my reason for why I do what I do - it brings me joy. I am a natural teacher and have an intuitive sense about my adult learners. It is invigorating to watch the "Ah-ha" moments in my clients and audiences.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being happy about the direction I am heading with my business. Planning and gathering the resources I need to accomplish my desired outcomes is critical to my life satisfaction. My business completely supports my life and my happiness.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, I am not fond of doing the paperwork! One of my anticipated next steps is NOT having to do the paperwork!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do what you love and love what you do. And by that, I mean that if you have chosen a direction or a business, take the time to listen to yourself about whether this makes you happy. You will be investing a big chunk of time and energy into this endeavor - if you cannot be happy now - your success will be limited.
- Recognize that you will not be great at everything - educating yourself is easy - with the internet and youtube - there are MANY experts that will walk you through any process you need to learn. The point is to learn enough that the tasks do not become a sticking point or barrier to your ambitions.
- Pay attention to your beliefs about who you are. These beliefs that we gather along the way are important. The story you tell yourself is the most important one. It doesn't matter what other stories are out there - your story is a valid story. Just pay attention to the story you are telling. If you want success - then your story better has a successful ending.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://courses.asltraining.com/pages/asl-training-llc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-cafferata-ma-cde-7530bb224/
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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