Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Eno Eka, CEO of Eny Consulting Inc., located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My name is Eno Eka; I am a Business Analyst and Change Manager based in Calgary, Alberta.
I am the CEO of Eny Consulting Inc, an IT Business Consulting Company where we help businesses leverage technology to improve business processes & increase revenue, recruit and train employees in the latest technology systems and certifications.
I am also the Founder of Business Analysis School, where we help professionals leverage their experience to transition into tech and increase their income using Business Analysis skills. Upon my migration to Canada in 2018, I became really passionate about impacting the lives of immigrants to Canada by helping them get quality professional jobs and significantly increase their income. This inspired me to create mentorship and coaching programs for immigrants. In the course of 4 years, I have been able to help thousands of immigrants get high-paying jobs in the Technology sector.
My customers are beginners and professionals that are interested in moving into the Tech industry. The interesting thing about Business Analysis is that your years of experience or background don't matter. As long as you have an open mindset and are committed to achieving your goals, Business Analysis is for you.
Tell us about yourself
I studied accounting, and I had a good career working as an accountant. However, I became bored with it and believed that I could do more. I really wanted more for myself. I became fascinated by the Technology sector, I saw the growth opportunities it offered, and it strongly resonated with my desire. So, I started looking for work opportunities in the tech space and soon found my niche in business analysis.
After a couple of years of working as a business analyst across various multinational projects, I decided to set up my consulting company to help small-medium businesses improve their processes and drive growth in their revenues.
I have to say that my key motivation for mentoring and coaching immigrants was my own experience as a new immigrant to Canada back in 2018. When I came to Canada, I reached out to a large number of people for career help. So many people told me it was impossible to get my dream career or earn significantly high as a "newcomer" in Canada. I got the career help I needed from only a few who provided positive advice, contrary to the negative image that had been portrayed to me. Amazingly, after about two weeks of being in Canada, I landed my first job. In 6 months, I landed a 6 figure job, and in 9 months, I started my consulting company.
A lot of people reached out to me out of curiosity to learn how I was able to achieve such a feat in a short time, and I realized that there weren't a lot of success stories being shared. That led me to share my journey with others and help them achieve success too. This is why I provide free information for people on how to leverage their experiences and get the best career opportunities.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is simply the knowledge that my company has helped immigrants from different countries transform their lives in ways that others would have thought were impossible. The success stories of my students give me the greatest fulfillment. I have coached students who once worked menial jobs and earned as low as $28 per hour into earning over $100,000. I take great pride in the fact that what I do changes people's lives. My happiest moments are when I get calls from my students, and they tell me, "I have bought my home," or "I'm able to take care of my family through my current investments." It makes me so happy knowing that the work that we do is transformational.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest challenges that come with being a business owner is definitely gender bias. People undermine my experience and knowledge because I'm a young woman. When they read about me online, they become very surprised by what I have achieved. Not only is there the aspect of gender bias, but there is also that of cultural bias. This often sets a cap on what we can achieve in scale as a business or how we can best project ourselves. On some occasions, I've had people express shock at the mere fact that a person from Nigeria can be this knowledgeable or can even speak "good English."
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Here is my advice to anyone who is looking to start a business. First, it's definitely not an easy journey for sure, but your determination will drive the magnitude of success you are able to attain. Also, if you are looking to start a new business, conduct a lot of research on it. You need to really understand what you are in for. Understand the industry, your potential customers, and the types of funding options that are available for you.
Speak to people who are already in the business as well; not everyone will respond to you, but some will, and that would go a long way to help you understand how to get started.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website:
https://www.enyconsulting.ca/
https://www.businessanalysisschool.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enyconsult
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enyconsulting/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/enyconsultinginc/
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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