Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kate Lingoni, Founder of BonBon Strategic, located in New Orleans, LA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
BonBon Strategic is an Operations Support micro-agency - we support a handful of ambitious and growth-minded Founders and small-to-medium-sized businesses. From project management and accountability to business assessment and strategic planning - we start from where you are and work together to get you where you want to go, whether that's a revenue goal or being able to step away from Ops and Admin completely.
Tell us about yourself
I pivoted from a digital marketing company to this business over the pandemic when I realized that my Integrator-style, Type A organizational strengths, attention to detail, and focus were perfectly aligned to supporting Visionary Founders, solopreneurs, and small business owners. I love to problem solve and troubleshoot new issues. Because our clients operate in a variety of industries, it never gets boring! I have such a great Product-Market-Founder Fit that I truly enjoy getting up to work every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been the personal and professional growth I've experienced as a result of stepping out of my comfort zone, working with a business coach, and re-investing in myself and my business. I'm proud of how far I've come!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner is being your own Boss - staying focused on what actually needs to get done while working strategically towards your goals. Doing the work of serving clients or selling products while also taking the time to look at your business from a higher-level perspective intentionally. Coincidentally, the same problem that most of my clients have!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't just do what you're good at or what makes money - find what you actually enjoy that you're also good at and makes money!
- Don't go it alone. Ask for help, hire help, accept help - whether mentor, maid, coach, or fellow biz owner. Having a support network will enable you to keep going even when everything is hard (and it will get hard).
- Know your "No's." Create and maintain boundaries around who you will/won't work with or for, red flags to avoid, contract stipulations you will stick to, etc. If you don't know your "No's," you'll learn them through experience!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Review, reassess, tweak & pivot as needed. There is no shame in changing your business or your mind - remember why you started your business, and keep adjusting until it feels right to YOU.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.bonbonstrategic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonBonStrategic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonbonstrategic/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonbon-strategic/
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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