Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Antonius Bittmann, owner of Grow2Sell, LLC., located in Houston, TX, USA.

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

I am passionate about making a big difference in the lives of business owners. As a business coach and Founder of Grow2Sell, LLC, I help fellow business owners increase the revenue, profitability, and market value of their companies. Growing a business is not only an exciting journey in and of itself, but it can also transform the lives of the owner(s), employees, and customers. For business owners, improvements in the performance of their companies can open new doors to a better lifestyle, more free time, greater financial security and wealth, and charitable giving. But improving company performance is also a strategic way to beef up company value in anticipation of a sale. Being able to facilitate these changes is what I love about my work as a Scaling Up Coach and Certified Value Builder. Since I work with my clients one on one, my services are customized to each situation. Engagements typically begin with a deep dive into the company's challenges and opportunities, followed by a detailed plan of action to achieve the client's goals.

Tell us about yourself

I have been a business owner since 2007. In addition to Grow2Sell, I also own three fine arts schools for students of all ages in Flemington (NJ), Houston (TX), and Katy (TX). Scaling up these schools has taught me many valuable business lessons, which I am now ready to share with others. I have strong intrinsic motivation. Growing my company and helping others achieve the same is very rewarding to me.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I think expanding my fine arts schools across multiple states is one of my biggest accomplishments. The hands-on knowledge I have acquired in this process is also one of the things that differentiate me as a business coach.

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

There are many challenges that come with owning a business. One of the hardest things in good times and in bad is maintaining focus and not getting distracted. Staying with a particular project, idea, or solution and actually seeing it through without getting side-tracked can be difficult. In a business environment where an endless variety of things can hit the owner all at once, staying focused on what matters most requires great mental strength and clarity.

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

  1. Choose your industry and business location wisely. If you get either of them wrong, success may be an uphill battle.
  2. Buy an existing business rather than start a new one. A start-up may not only be more costly but is most definitely much riskier than a business that has already proven itself in the marketplace.
  3. Get a good business coach--early on. I myself tried running my first business without professional help. As I discovered later, that was an expensive mistake. I ended up wasting a lot of precious time, money, and opportunities. A good business coach is an investment that will come back manifold.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.grow2sell.coach/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/antonius.bittmann.coach/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoniusbittmann/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.