Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lisa Edmondson, Founder of Leadership Reno, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My goal is to "renovate" the persona of leaders in the workplace. Our society continues to miss the mark on what makes for a great people leader, frequently putting folks in charge who aren't qualified or equipped to inspire the best in others.
My customers are any organization that wants to increase engagement, productivity, and profits and decrease employee turnover by identifying and investing in better people leaders for their organization.
Tell us about yourself
I call myself "the accidental entrepreneur" because I never had any intention of owning my own business. However, a bad experience with a toxic boss motivated me to find ways to help others avoid going through what I did. I enjoy connecting with others and advocating for targets of bullying via consulting, creating content to address the issue, and helping to get the word out that we need (what I call) Leadership Reform.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'm new at this, so every day is basically an accomplishment. Overall, I'd say that it's the amazing connections I've made along my journey. I'm astonished at the number of people out there in this space who have been fighting this same battle for years and who are willing to embrace a newcomer like me into the fold and collaborate wholeheartedly.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Honestly, for me, it's about being profitable. I'm doing what I love and have been giving it away for free. However, at some point, you have to pay the bills. So, trying to balance accepting money for helping others is a tough pill to swallow.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start with something you're passionate about. If you are passionate about what you are doing, you take the "hurdles" in stride.
- Ask for help. No one expects you to know how to run and grow your own business from Day 1. There are a ton of online tools and resources out there that you can access to assist you with your journey, as well as some amazing people who thrive on helping others get started.
- Don't make it about the numbers. If you are in it only for vanity numbers (e.g., number of followers/subscribers, etc.) or money, then you are doing yourself and others a disserve. A business will follow, and money will come when you show up as your authentic self, passionately pursuing something you love. People are drawn to that.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
It sounds cliché. However, if you are starting a business, you must become active on LinkedIn. This professional social media platform has changed significantly since the early days, and folks are making life-changing connections across the globe.
You will find every advisor, expert, and "tribe" member there if you spend enough time engaging with others on that platform. Trust me
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.leadershipreno.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadership_reno/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/diy_leader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaedmondsonga/
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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