Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Danielle Berman, Founder of Tackle What's Next, located in Washington, DC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm the Founder of Tackle What's Next, a platform created to support athletes in personal and professional development outside of their sports. From events to interviews and resources, we share perspectives, stories, and insights to make sure all athletes are ready to tackle what's next, whatever that is. Our customers are individual athletes from the youth to professional levels. Our clients are typically teams, organizations, associations, and leagues that work with or support athletes.
Tell us about yourself
I love telling stories, and I love solving problems. When I was working with former athletes in their business endeavors, I realized that everyone seemed to go through a similar struggle once they retired from the game or graduated from their college levels. I wanted to help them share what they went through and find community in the challenges they were facing. What motivates me is understanding that one story can change so many others' lives. If we can talk to one athlete about his or her journey, that could make all the difference for someone else.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has been creating a trusted and reliable platform for athletes to come to learn, share their stories and meet other athletes across the sports landscape. The space and community that I've been able to create with Tackle What's Next with the help of many is just incredible, and I am excited to continue to build on the momentum we have.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I've really learned a lot about myself as a business owner. The strengths that I thought made me unstoppable were sometimes becoming my biggest weaknesses. One of the hardest things I've had to learn about myself is that I am stubborn, and it takes a lot for me to quit something that isn't working. Learning to be adaptable and flexible with elements of your business to make sure it's really serving the people you want it to be is something I'm continuing to learn.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- There is no road map or "10 steps to success". Every business is different, and every entrepreneur is different. So don't get discouraged if you get stuck or if you have to backtrack and take a different path than you thought. It's part of the gig.
- There is never a perfect time to start a business. You probably won't ever feel completely ready and confident to set out on your own. You just need to start. You'll find confidence, experience, and growth by starting.
- Find your team. Entrepreneurship can be really lonely, so find people who want to support you or understand the journey you're on and keep them close. Nothing I've ever done has been done without the support of others in my corner.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.tacklewhatsnext.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tacklewhatsnext
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tacklewhatsnext/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tacklewhatsnext
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielleberman1/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tackle-what-s-next/
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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