Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Clifford Almeida, founder of HIREAWIZ, located in Glendale, AZ, USA.

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

HIREAWIZ is a Phoenix-based web design and digital marketing agency that is revenue-focused and results-driven. For over 21 years, we have helped 100s of clients grow their businesses online. Our services include web design, development, search engine optimization, and conversion rate optimization. Are you getting results this good? 300% Business Growth, 1500% ROI in Revenue, 200% increase in traffic? You can when working with HIREAWIZ.

We have a portfolio ranging from small businesses making 500K+ and nonprofits to seven and eight-figure companies. We've even had the opportunity to work with a couple of Fortune 500 companies.

Tell us about yourself

I got a BS in computer science and started my professional career in public service, working at the Governor's Office for the State of Arizona. After years of service, I realized my time and talent weren't being best utilized in my position due to the lag in tech adoption at most Government agencies.

I pursued my passion as a side hustle, building websites and helping companies leverage them to grow their businesses. Over time it became clear the impact of my work and the compensation in my freelance work as a web developer was delivering higher ROI. I took a leap of faith and embraced my side hustle, and turned it into my own agency. This allowed me to work with cutting-edge technology at a pace aligned with my vision and ambitions. I have realized that the impact I can make through my own agency, www.hireawiz.com is tremendous, and the freedom to build the business of my dreams is priceless.

This journey has not been easy, but every effort and sacrifice was worth it. Since then, I've also been able to pursue my dream of building a tech start-up https://www.mywebaudit.com/ that serves other web professionals and agency owners just like myself.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

This is a hard one. I've been able to consult with Fortune 500 companies and help mom-and-pop companies build their business and live out their dreams. My biggest accomplishment would probably be building a business that offered me the freedom to be there for my family while helping impact the lives of thousands of people with our technology and financial giving. Something I would never have been able to do at the same level working a 9-5.

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

Entrepreneurship is hard. In many cases, most people see the fruits of the labor, not the hard work, sacrifice, and commitment needed consistently for years. For me, the biggest challenge I faced as a business owner was working 12+ hour days, six days a week, for the first few years of my business. It was the hardest because it impacted my health and some relationships. Had I known what I know now, I'd tell my younger self there is a better way. That I should invest in learning from others who've already done what I'm looking to do so I can learn from their experiences.

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

  1. Solve expensive problems. Learn about who you want to serve, what their desired pain points and outcomes are, and ensure you can solve an expensive problem or highly desired outcome for them.
  2. Learn from others who've accomplished what you are looking to do. Books and mastermind/networking groups are tremendous resources.
  3. Focus. You've got something to give the world, so believe in yourself, invest consistently in that dream, and you'll see results in time. Most business owners aren't focused on doing what they do best but try to do everything.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.hireawiz.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clifford.almeida
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliffordalmeida/

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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