Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jim Riley, a business growth consultant, speaker, author, and executive coach based in Kalispell, MT, USA.

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

I am a business consultant and personal coach. My customers are those searching to hear the hard truth about where their business can be improved or transitioned. My personal coaching is about holding people accountable for their values and goals. My customers will understand the importance of using their "values" as a starting point for the process.

Tell us about yourself

I have paid the "Dummy Tax" so others don't have to. I have been an entrepreneur for the last 40 years in a variety of industries. I have become crystal clear on what has generated success for me and can help others find the same with the proper drive. I have been blessed to live the life I dreamed about based on following my values and a "give back first" mentality. I have been successful with well-known companies such as In N Out Burger, Ketel One Vodka, Booth Creek Ski Holdings, and my own brands such as Azunia Tequila and Baja United Imports.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Learning how to help others first. The rest will follow. It is as simple as that.

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

Being driven to get up every day and consistently put in the work. In the world we live in, the perception is to have it all now. What most people don't realize is that success comes with time and patience. I have learned to be patient in the process and to teach others to do the same.

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

  1. Be patient. Great things take time.
  2. Bootstrap your business as long as you can. Don't give up control for short-term relief. In the end, it will bite you. Bootstrapping allows you to learn every aspect of how your business runs and operates without handing it off to a third party too soon. It also allows us to understand the importance of every dollar in the business.
  3. Don't ever move away from your "own" mission and purpose for the business. Often times we allow other people's opinions to creep into our business. At some point, we look back and realize we have compromised our original intent. Stay laser-focused on YOUR goal.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.livelifedriven.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JimRiley68
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimrileymontana/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JimRileyMontana
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimriley1/

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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