Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Freda Thomas, a career coach, certified professional resume writer, and LinkedIn expert based in New York, NY, USA.

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

I provide guidance to career professionals and help high-growth SMEs scale and grow their enterprises. I developed a cloud-based staffing management system to assist SMEs with hiring and employee management. I teach courses in entrepreneurship, HR management, and career development. My compassion, engaging presentation style, and willingness to share make me an effective lecturer and presenter. My clients include: The American Management Association, LinkedIn Learning, Verizon, Next Street, Flatiron School, D&S Professional Coaching, The Maids Franchise, and LaGuardia Community College. I frequently speak on podcasts, lectures, and present on national TV networks, not-for-profits, economic development corporations, Chambers of Commerce, and professional associations.

I hold an MBA from the Zicklin School of Business of Baruch College and am an
author/trainer for LinkedIn Learning. I have been recognized as a "Best of LinkedIn Profinder Consultant" and a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. I'm a subject matter expert for Verizon's Small Business Digital training program, and a three-time self-published author and winner of the "2012 Small Business Book Award". My company is also New York City certified as a Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise.

Press:

  • ARISE XCHANGE-Succeeding in Business
  • ARISE XCHANGE-Best Cities to Start a Business
  • Moment Masters Small Business Podcast
  • Synergy Thinking Podcast - Social Media and Why it is Crucial for An Advisor to Have

Tell us about yourself

My father was an entrepreneur, and growing up, I was surrounded by successful enterprises owned by BPOC. My profession is my calling, the thing I was brought to this planet to do. That's what gets me out of bed.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being a Business Advisor for Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women Black in Business.

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

Discipline and focus.

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

  1. Know the opportunities with the greatest probability of garnering revenue.
  2. Try and avoid spending time doing things that will not increase the bottom line.
  3. Focus 9 to 5 on revenue-generating opportunities and take care of the administrative task in the evenings and/or weekends.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://consultflt.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConsultwithFredaT
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consultfreda/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ConsultFreda
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freda-l-thomas-mba-cprw-coach/

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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