Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in career development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sharon-Drew Morgen, Founder of Morgen Facilitations, Inc., located in Portland, OR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I invent brain-based decision-making and change models, write (9 books, one NYTimes Business Bestseller, and 1000+ articles), and deliver new paradigm training to sales professionals regarding my Buying Facilitation(r) model. I've trained over 100,000 sales professionals in many global companies (IBM, Barclay's Bank, GE, Proctor, Gamble, etc.)
Tell us about yourself
I have been inventing brain-based ways to make and influence good decisions and change behaviors since I was a child, well before neuroscience was a word! I started up a tech company in the UK in 1983 and used my models to create a highly successful company. Since 1989 when I moved back to the States, I've been writing and training. Because my new models are so outside conventional thinking, I must do extra work to make my material understood, especially in the sales industry where the ideas are dug in - even with 5% success/95% failure rates.
I'm motivated to get my concepts into the world to:
- Help the sales industry be far more successful with far less effort.
- Help all people learn how to serve others (my models are all servant-leader based) with win/win collaboration and respect. I long to have people truly respect and serve one another. It's possible to make money respectfully.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
ONE??? :) I started up a tech company in 1983 (i.e., no internet, no email, no sites, etc.) that grew to a $5,000,000 business in just under four years. In my current company, I teach all my employees how to facilitate win/win conversations, discover their own best selves, and work collaboratively with clients to find the best answers, at the same time enhancing their own dreams. And even with solutions that aren't conventional, I keep going and continue designing wholly new material and writing interesting articles.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Keeping myself motivated. Sometimes, when I get overlooked because my ideas go outside the box, I want to give up. But I know I'm here to make a difference, and that keeps me going.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have a very clear understanding of your vision. State it in a way that's understandable to many, and be willing to change it as needed.
- Hire people that do what they do as well as you do what you do. Then allow them to do it! No micromanagement! Trust them. They'll bring you wholly new ideas that you won't consider on your own. And it frees you up to do what you do best. Note: sometimes, this means hiring a company President.
- Give up your ego! Work with everyone collaboratively. Lead by facilitating Others to be their best selves rather than being the Top Dog. Remember: you're building a brand that will be respected.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://sharon-drew.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharondrewmorgen/
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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