Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Paula Jenkins, Founder and CEO of LFS Consulting LLC., located in Round Lake Beach, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
LFS Consulting LLC is a consulting firm that believes true leaders create more leaders. We focus on offering training, coaching, consulting, and speaking engagements in the areas of leadership development. This includes communication, DISC assessments, emotional intelligence, manager and team training, Diversity Equity, and Inclusion and financial literacy.
Our customers are organizations that are looking to help turn their teams around by making them more efficient and engaged. In addition, we help bring unique offerings to employees with our workshops on various topics.
Tell us about yourself
I initially started my business after leaving a 20-year corporate career due to a toxic work environment. My health was in danger, and my doctor told me quite directly I needed to change my environment or I would die. I knew then it was time for me to start my own business. I focus on leadership development and financial literacy for two simple reasons.
First, I focus on leadership development because oftentimes, people are promoted to be people managers because they were great individual contributors, but they have not been trained to manage people - I can help with this! Second, we don't talk about money, and most of us were not taught about money in our childhood which means a lot of mistakes are made when it comes to our financial knowledge. I help inform people how to budget successfully and still reduce their debt.
I am motivated each day to improve the lives of others by ensuring each of us knows the power of great leadership in all aspects of our lives. But most importantly, when you are a leader of people, teams, organizations, etc., your influence is critical, and your ability to continue to grow is immensely important. I don't want another person to go through what I went through - it is possible to grow as a manager and learn how to be effective and efficient with your team members - if you want to be!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is understanding what my gift is and knowing that I am worth every penny I ask for, regardless of the project. It is so important as an entrepreneur to understand your worth. I spent many years not valuing my time and giving a lot of what I do away for free. It doesn't mean we can't help people, but we have to remind them and ourselves that we are running a business.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is having to do so much yourself and knowing when to hire and ask for help. It can be overwhelming and lonely at times - which is why it's so important to find your tribe of people who understand your daily challenges as an entrepreneur.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Give yourself grace at all times - it doesn't happen overnight, and you will make mistakes - it's ok.
- You don't have to buy or attend everything. There are so many shiny objects out there - focus, focus, focus - you will thank yourself later.
- Create a plan and outline what you want your business to look like in the short term and long term. This will help you know what you are trying to attain at different points during your growth.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Being a business owner is a gift that I don't take lightly, and I know that for many, it is a hard road but know that you are not by yourself. You can do this!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://lfsconsult.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LFSConsultingLLC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lfsconsulting/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LFSConsult
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulajenkinslfsconsulting/
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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