Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mark Mraz, Founder and President of Crossing the Goal Partners, located in Las Vegas, NV, USA.

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

My business is Crossing the Goal Partners. I work with baby boomer business owners to create a valuable business that gives them freedom today and financial rewards when they are ready to sell the company. (I support business owners in their exit planning - creating an exit playbook.)

Tell us about yourself

I am motivated by business owner legacy...helping owners build something of value for themselves, their family, and their community. I was inspired by my father's ability to do just that before his passing. I wrote a bit about that here on my blog.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I think for every business owner, their first biggest accomplishment is just getting that first customer. And also, for me, seeing the transformation they go through after we've worked together is a big accomplishment. I had a recent client say, "has catapulted my business over 13 percent in value [in just the first few months of working with Mark]."

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

We can't control time... we all only have 24 hours a day. But what we can control is our focus and attention. The biggest challenge I have is staying focused on the long game. I have so many things I want to accomplish in my business - I struggle with being distracted by the next "shiny object" - an exciting project.

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

  1. Start with the end in mind - what is the vision you have for yourself and your business in 20-30 years? Every owner will exit their business. It's done either by design or default.
  2. Be sure you're focusing on metrics other than revenue. ("revenue" - monthly and quarterly performance are "manager metrics" - owners need to focus on the "Owner's metric" - business value).
  3. Be sure your business does not rely on you to grow and thrive. Build something that can thrive without you.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

  • Don't wait until you're "ready to exit" to begin thinking about planning your exit. The process to be done well can take several years and requires support from the right team of professionals.
  • Read - educate yourself.
  • Connect with others to help support your journey of business ownership.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.crossingthegoalpartners.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.mraz.94/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CrossingGoal
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmraz/

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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