Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Allen Sessoms, Managing Partner of Higher Education Innovation Group, located in Washington, DC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is a higher education consulting. My clients are colleges, universities, and not-for-profit groups that work in the education space. This includes libraries, governments, and international organizations.
Tell us about yourself
Higher education is the global driver for economic, intellectual, and democratic success. However, many of the institutions that operate in this area do not meet the needs of the people and institutions they are designed to serve. I moved into the consulting business after serving as the president of three universities because I believed, and still believe, that reengineering is necessary if the education sector has any chance of helping societies reach their potential.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Getting international traction for the services we provide.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Maintaining sufficient cash flow to grow the business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know the field you plan to enter with the expectation that it will change immediately as soon as you establish your company.
- Luck is more important than skill because luck is more reliable.
- Be prepared to take advantage of opportunities as they arise, even if they seem to be wide of your core competence. The market will drive what you can do much more than your ideas will
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Embrace good ideas at all stages of your business development. Others may be able to see the "forest" surrounding you better than you since you often have to focus on the "trees" to make payroll.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.heig-edu.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allen-sessoms-1ab51875/
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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