Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kassy LaBorie, Founder of Kassy LaBorie Consulting, LLC., located in Rochester, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I teach people who work in human resources and on learning and development teams to design and deliver virtual training programs and online presentations using tools like Zoom, Webex, and Teams.
I work with organizations all around the globe across many industries, such as PepsiCo, Siemens, FedEx, Fidelity International, and the United Nations System Staff College, to name a few.
Tell us about yourself
I enjoy helping people be successful and find joy in the work they do. Meeting online is not easy, and it's challenging to engage a virtual audience.
I began this work as a technical trainer, helping clients used Webex way back in 1999! I have a degree in public speaking and performance, so combining my technical skills with my love of interacting with people is what motivates me to help others find what they love about using online tools to connect with their audiences.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am thrilled to have finally landed on a brand presence that truly reflects me and all that I love about the work I am honored to do each day. It is elegant, creative, colorful, and fun, all wrapped into a unique offering.
I'm proud of how my two-plus decades of experience in virtual training appears in the space because why should work be something "boring" or that we don't enjoy? I think people see how much I love my work when they see the content I put out there, and it makes me happy!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The idea is that I am the one who needs to "do it all." I spent a fair amount of time overwhelmed by this concept at the beginning of owning my business. Today it brings me happiness to partner with others who specialize in areas I do not and who can help me grow.
The most recent example is hiring an incredible digital marketing team to design and manage my website. They are brilliant, and working with them, letting them do what they do best, not only inspires me but also gives me the space to be more creative with the ideas and projects I'm best at focusing on.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Examine your relationship with the flow of money and identify how you feel about it. When you are self-employed, you are not usually getting paid on a regular schedule. You need to be okay with this!
- Focus on what makes you or your offering unique and run with it! I think this makes it not only fun but also sustainable because it acts as a "north star" of sorts. Focus is key because it is what to come back to if it seems things are not working or making sense.
- Keep learning. Seek out others who have gone before you and those you respect, and learn from them.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Being self-employed or owning your own business is wonderful, but it is also wonderful to work with an organization or for someone you respect and enjoy. Concentrate on what makes you happy!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://kassyconsulting.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassylaborie/
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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