Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Philippa Channer, founder of Channer Consulting LLC, located in Sandy Spring, MD, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Channer Consulting, LLC provides marketing consultation services to small business owners & nonprofits that are looking to serve their local customers. Many of our customers decide to enhance their subscriptions and receive monthly content marketing support, including strategy development and content creation.
Tell us about yourself
I got excited and inspired by marketing during my 14-year career at a local nonprofit. I served several roles during my time with the organization, but a majority of my time was spent overseeing their communications team. I felt the calling to take what I learned and apply my wisdom to help other small businesses and nonprofits in my community improve their online presence and develop their branding. What I enjoy the most is seeing the joy and excitement of my clients when they can clearly see and feel the difference in their brand, their marketing, and their overall confidence in their organization.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment so far as a business owner would be the leadership roles that I have been invited to take on and fulfill. Because of my commitment and reputation in the local business community, I have been invited to participate on the board of several prominent organizations, which has provided additional exposure for me and my business.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things I continue to battle with on a regular basis and balancing my time and attention between my personal relationship with God, my marriage, my children, running my business, helping my clients, winning new clients, and helping each of the organizations I serve with. I am so thankful I have wonderful systems in place and access to helpful tools and resources that keep me organized and focused. But I have to regularly take time away to refocus my priorities and adjust where I am spending my time and energy the most.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I would recommend the following tips to anyone looking to start a business today:
- Invest some time in learning more about business development. You likely have experience in your trade, and learning more about that trade is fine, but if you are going to start a business, you need to know as much as you can about business management as possible.
- Don't do this alone. You don't necessarily have to bring people into your business legally, but find mentors and friends that you can lean on for advice, guidance, and training when possible. Similarly, you don't have to do all the work by yourself. Once you have a few customers and can afford it, be sure to delegate some of the tasks that aren't your strongest. Get a bookkeeper, hire a scheduler, or whatever tasks you can don't enjoy or take you the longest, contract someone to help you out.
- This leads to tip three, work with other small businesses in your area. Your support of other small businesses goes a long way. If you need a bookkeeper, hire a local one you have met networking. Need an assistant, don't go with the big VA agency, but find a local assistant that you can support and will likely know your business and community much better than someone across the world.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.channer-consulting.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippachanner/
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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