Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tom Stuessy, Co-Owner of Green Square Consulting, located in South Burlington, VT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We specialize in helping business leaders operationalize their purpose. Our customers are pro-active leaders who want to turn their business into a force for good but want to do so on their own terms and through empowering the voice of their employees and customers. We use a process called Impact Action Planning to make this happen.
Tell us about yourself
We launched the business to address the disconnect between for profits and nonprofits. Traditionally, their interactions are based on funding requests, which are commonly routed to a "donation portal" and may lead to sponsorship or a grant.
This arrangement is a tough routine for nonprofits, but equally important, it doesn't allow the for profit business to align its philanthropic activities with its core purpose or to meaningfully engage employees/customers.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'm still early on in the process but would point to the Impact Action Plan (IAP) product we've created. It has proven effective in a variety of business environments.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, it's keeping track of the administrative minutia. It's all required, of course, but I look forward to adding some administrative assistance.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't overlook the importance of a thorough business plan, and be sure to incorporate as much expertise as possible while putting it together.
- To a reasonable extent, be certain you have enough capital. If your idea is truly innovative, it will require educating the market, which is a resource-intensive endeavor.
- Be sure to have a reliable mentor. Even the best ideas need a sounding board that is objective, and that understands business.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Keep reading. There is a treasure trove of books published in the last five years covering business planning/practices, mindset, marketing, etc.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.hellogreensquare.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellogreensquare/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-stuessy/
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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