Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Derrick Duplessy, Founder of Duplessy Foundation, located in Boston, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Duplessy Foundation is a nonprofit that teaches women, immigrants, and minority small business owners how to implement their sales process. Our customers are nonprofits who refer diverse business owners to work with us.
Tell us about yourself
During my first career, I helped Boston's inner city youth get academically prepared for college. Some of those students dropped out to pursue art. So I started helping artists turn their art into a business. Jay Belmer (jaypixworx.com) was the very first person we officially coached. She is thriving as a photographer today. Today, we coach diverse business owners from a variety of industries. The motivation is witnessing the process of these women, immigrants, and minority business owners meeting their potential as leaders.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
In 2022, four of our diverse business owners will hit $1M+ in revenue. Beyond that, I think of Saint Cyr Art Studio hiring 90 artists and transforming 50 NYC schools. Karla Morales of Your Home Detox, going from cleaning houses to cleaning two stadiums in 1 year, also comes to mind.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Leading. Leading the team means being prepared and giving them the tools they need to be successful. Also, I need to make time to lead myself. Organizing my efforts and then spending time to work "on the business."
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Focus. Do one thing at a time. There will be three-month periods where I will primarily coach, sell, or market. Follow One Course Until Success.
- Ask for help. Who is way more important than how. There are others who have done parts of your plan. Seek them out in person, via Youtube videos, via email, or by phone.
- Sell results. If you have already created the result you promise to previous customers, it's easier to convince new people. Sometimes that means doing work for free to create a track record. You may even have to pay to do the work and create the partnership that gives you credibility.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
#1 Tip for business owners under $1M - One customer. One offer. One lead source/channel. One conversion method. Figure those out and work your sales process for one year. Your business will change dramatically.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://duplessy.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DDuplessy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrickduplessy/
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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