Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in leadership development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Joyel Crawford, CEO and Founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, located in Mount Laurel, NJ, USA.

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

I’m the CEO and founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies. We offer Leadership consulting, Keynotes, and Hybrid Solutions to provide your organization with the tools, knowledge, and skills to RISE and thrive in the global workplace. My customers are organizations and individuals that desire to be results and purpose-driven leaders in the global marketplace.

Tell us about yourself

I love to grow leaders for a living. I spent 18 years in the corporate space working in human resources and leadership development, helping thousands get there where they wanted to go in their careers. I wanted to reach more! That’s how Crawford Leadership Strategies was founded. What motivates me each day is having the fabulous honor of being a Fairygodmentor® to others to advocate for themselves and their careers.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I’m happy to say that I’m celebrating my eighth year as a business owner. That’s a true accomplishment, especially through this pandemic! Crawford Leadership Strategies was named One of 2022’s Best Career Coaching Services in Philadelphia by Find My Profession (this is the second year winning this honor).

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

Being a solopreneur is a lonely role. You can feel very isolated working alone. There is truth to the saying, “There is power in numbers.” I make it a point to stay connected with other business owners through various professional organizations so I can get out of my business cocoon, learn from others, and build long-lasting business relationships.

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

  1. Don’t let the fear of the unknown stand in your way. No means Next Opportunity.
  2. Learn to build REST into your business plan. There’s only one you, and the world needs your magic!
  3. Finally -here’s my million-dollar coaching advice- always set the intention of collaboration and support this will help you attract the ideal client and customer, negotiate better deals, and build strong business relationships that will stand the test of time.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

My bestselling book “Show Your Ask” is available on Amazon.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://crawfordleadership.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrawfordLeadershipStrategiesLLC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyelcrawford/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joyelcrawford
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyelcrawford/

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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