Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Maria Doll, founder of Leadership Matters Consulting Services, located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I try to make the world a more polite, civil place by teaching social skills to children, youth, and families. As the ubiquitous phone takes us further and further away from real, meaningful, human connection, our society desperately needs to focus on the person in front of us as opposed to the screen. I believe this will improve relationships, reduce conflicts and make interactions between people run more smoothly. Empathy is the foundation of why I teach the way I teach. Yes, it's a lofty goal, but I think it's achievable!!
Tell us about yourself
Several years ago, I was running a girls club for young teens. I noticed to my shock the deplorable lack of basic good manners from the young ladies. And I noticed that this wasn't an unusual occurrence. More examples of incivility were increasing. So I decided to become a style and etiquette consultant. Style is important, too. How we dress should convey good things about ourselves when we are with other people, too. I'm motivated to help insert the truth that good manners aren't boring or from some by-gone era but are necessary today!! I want children and youth to feel confident in having good conversations, meeting new people, caring about others.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishments are really quite small. It's the surly teen who changes his voicemail message to sound more polite. It's the shy young girl who feels more confident meeting her new classmates. It's the young man who aces his job interview. It's the unruly class of elementary school children who warmed up to the idea of filling everyone's "bucket" (by being kind).
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I wear too many hats...some hats I am competent wearing, and others are much more challenging to wear!!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get a competent Business Coach.
- Get a competent VA.
- Learn as much as you can about social media marketing. Get comfortable doing videos!!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I have gone through every kind of emotion known to humanity running this business. Some days I'm tempted to pack it in, and then I receive a wonderful Thank you email or a request for an interesting project. And so I continue...
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.leadership-matters.biz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadershipMatters1/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannerswithmaria/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-doll-b3b28220/
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.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
