Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Karen Carr-Crawford, a start-up specialist, growth strategist, marketer, and business plan guru, based in Diamond Bar, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I’m an entrepreneur’s best friend! Actually, I’m a consultant working with entrepreneurs in either the startup phase or the growth and acceleration phase. So the startup clients need to have some traction and, at minimum, $100k in annual revenue. Those people on the other end of the spectrum must be in a position to grow. This segment is growing toward a new market and should ideally be at the $500k revenue mark. I also work in the economic development space with accelerators, incubators, and program initiatives such as the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program.
Tell us about yourself
I was laid off from a marketing role back in the day and needed to continue making money. I took those learned skills and parlayed them into something that I could use. I’ve learned a whole lot over the years about business, entrepreneurship, and people! It hasn’t always been a straight path, but the journey has been awesome.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I get to work with so many incredibly talented women and men (mostly women 😊). It’s hard to pinpoint, but I would say that working with the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black In Business initiative!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Omg…everything! Seriously, knowing when to give to yourself and take a break.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Create a success roadmap.
- Understand your numbers.
- Build your financial and human capital resources.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.karencarrcrawford.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kccbizbuild/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bizbuild
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karencarrcrawford/
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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