Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in career and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jennifer Hocutt, Founder of J. Hocutt Group, LLC., located in Centreville, VA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
J. Hocutt Group is a private consulting firm specializing in strategy and operations. Helping individuals and small to medium-sized businesses solve the problems that hinder them from success. We rescue clients from Professional Isolation. It can feel isolating when you're struggling to make decisions, move forward, grow, scale, and sustain. We support people in navigating their careers and businesses to gain the confidence, skills, and increased wealth needed to create the life they want. We are the Vanilla Ice of consulting - "you got a problem, yo, we'll solve it." ~ Shout out to the '90s!
Tell us about yourself
My business was born from an unhealthy disdain for Mondays, toxic corporate cultures, and awful leaders. I longed to build a place where people felt seen, heard, and understood. Where I could do the work I love, solve problems and inspire others without being a prisoner to the bottom line. I have always been an advocate for people. Helping people succeed that's my jam! I absolutely love to see other people's goals come true, which, in turn, delivers upon my goal: leaving people better than I found them.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
96% = Our success rate. We make things happen around here because we literally stop at nothing to do it. Going above and beyond is a daily thing. It's not anything special - it's the norm. A close second would be that I'm still here. Still going. Still standing. I refuse to quit. Fold. Give up. So many obstacles, lessons, and growing pains could have taken me out and had me running back to a W-2 life. But I've stood my ground and stayed the course. I've continued to bet on myself, and it's paid off. Not just monetarily but more importantly in who I've become. Becoming was a payoff I didn't see coming.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Decision fatigue and isolation. The whole "it's lonely at the top" is completely true. It can be incredibly lonely and isolating when you are the ultimate leader. It can also be downright exhausting making all the decisions and driving the outcomes. Surrounding yourself with people who understand these things and are further ahead of you is essential. Even if only by 10%. You need people who "get you" and can be a beacon for the way forward. An example of what is possible. We need these living reminders. They are the North Stars in our lives. Find them. Rely on them. Become one of them.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Never stop learning and growing. Failure is the currency you pay for success.
- Success is yours to define and pursue. On your terms. In your time. Nobody dictates that.
- Find ways to make an income while making an impact. There's more to it all than money.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.jhocuttgroup.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jhocuttgroup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jhocuttgroup/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferhocutt/
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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