Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kate Hauser, founder of Academic Pathways Educational Consulting, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
High school students and their parents often feel stressed about planning for university and don’t know where to start. That’s my expertise! I coach students through each step of the process so that by the time they begin Grade 12, they’re fully prepared to tackle applications to schools in Canada, the US, and the UK.
Tell us about yourself
While I was thinking about how to combine my teaching and counseling skills in a business, I learned that high school students were experiencing increasing levels of anxiety in general and about planning for postsecondary studies in particular. My goal is to bring a calm, focused, and systematic approach to my work so that each student feels empowered, more confident, and less anxious about transitioning from high school to higher education.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is designing a program that adapts to each student's need for both structure (so that no steps are missed) and flexibility (because each has unique needs).
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner (especially for solopreneurs) is that we wear a lot of 'hats.' We need to work in the business and for the business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find your niche rather than trying to serve all clients in a general area.
- Join a professional group in your industry. Especially if you are a solopreneur, these are your colleagues.
- Leverage tech to help you streamline and scale. Scheduling, invoicing, and CRMs help you communicate and deliver services professionally.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
When I hear from students and parents that working with me helps them feel empowered and less anxious, it makes my day!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.academicpathwaysec.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/academicpathwaysconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-hauser-academicpathways
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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