Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Myra Spence, Founder of Myra Spence Consulting, located in Ventura, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a small business "Wing-Woman." I work with small start-ups (no tech). I challenge, double-check, motivate, help reduce mistakes, and guide my clients towards flying solo, confident, and sustainably.
Tell us about yourself
I was a serial entrepreneur. I have started a handful of small businesses in varied fields and have enjoyed every moment of it. Now I have a couple of gray hairs sneaking in, a child to chase after, and I want more flexibility. My background has left me ideally placed to share what I know about starting a small, often unfunded business and growing it. So I have started a business about starting businesses!
Sharing what I know and helping my clients avoid costly mistakes that can lead to failure is very motivating and satisfying. I had to learn by trial and error. But those that seek competent advice don't have to. While I really love being involved in the creative, building my clients' confidence is probably among the most rewarding part of what I do.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My attitude is my biggest accomplishment! Without that, none of my successes would have happened. So it really boils down to that. With each business, I have a very focused and driven approach. I force myself to remain positive and push down doubts by continually educating myself, researching, and remaining curious. I ask for help from those in my field- whether they be competition or not- and I remain flexible. When it comes to gaining new business, I am earnest but very forthcoming. I love asking people, despite my age or petite stature, "How can I earn your business?" I enjoy finding ways to connect, even if it means manufacturing a reason, like bumping into someone- literally. It's an opening to a conversation that has already broken the ice.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, it is balance. I can always see that if I just did a little more, there would be more payoff. But you need to know when to turn off the lights and stop obsessing. But for my clients, it's self-motivating. I see it with almost all of my clients. Some early, some late. But it gets hard working on the same thing, wearing so many varied hats, often alone or with a very small staff, and finding ways to make the days productive but not stale.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Really learn about the day-to-day of the business. Can you perform the duties that will be required of you, holding yourself accountable? Be honest. Be courageous and prove to yourself that you can change if you need to. But don't fool yourself. Make yourself pass a test before you invest it all in a business that you aren't suited to.
- Research. Learn more. Upskill. Repeat.
- And seek advice from those that have been there. Mistakes will happen. Big ones. So don't make mistakes that you don't have to.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Get organized! No - really!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.myraspence.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myra-spence-09417328/
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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