Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ori Green, Founder of Ori Green Bookkeeping, located in Tucson, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a bookkeeper, and my customers are small to medium-sized business owners who don’t have the time, knowledge, or interest in managing their finances but know how important it is. I also work with individuals who need help with their personal finances by helping them set up a budget and maintain it regularly. I know that there are a lot of emotions around money, shame, fear, and frustration. Even when we make more money, if we aren’t educated on how to manage it, we can end up in the same position of spending more than we make. I believe in supporting and educating my clients with absolutely no judgment. If we never received any kind of financial education, why would we expect ourselves to know it? I find tremendous joy and satisfaction in seeing my clients’ faces light up as they start to see where their businesses stand financially. My clients have a lot to do, and I enjoy taking the books off of their plates so they can focus on the things they love doing and the reason they opened their business, to begin with.
Tell us about yourself
I am very entrepreneurial and love owning my own business. I’ve always been good with numbers, but no one ever taught me about money. Many years ago, I owned a small business but never had a handle on my finances. I knew I was making money and spending money, but I never had any clarity about my profitability. Without that, I was never able to be strategic in growing my business. I could have used a bookkeeper. I’m motivated by the knowledge that while owning my own business comes with a lot of challenges, it also allows me the freedom and flexibility that I’ll never find with a job. I want to model independence and success for my children so they grow up knowing that there are more options than just working 9-5 for a boss who may or may not have your best interest at heart. I also dream of the day when I can start contracting out work to other women who may want to work from home but not be interested in owning their own business. I want to pay them well and inspire them to teach their kids the same lessons.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment to date is the fact that I built my business up from nothing while still working at a full-time job and keeping up with the work that comes with running a household and raising kids. I am proud of where I am heading. I also get really excited when I am able to find ways to save my clients both time and money. Relieving the stress that they feel around their business’s finances is a gift.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Avoiding distraction. When you work for yourself, especially from a home office, it’s really easy to find a million other things to do. I have to remind myself that dishes can wait, the phone doesn’t need to be answered every time it rings, and the couch is off-limits unless I’m taking a break. I’ve had to train my family that when I’m working, they should pretend I’m not here unless there is an emergency. I’ve also had to ask my dogs and cats to stop looking at me pathetically as though they’ve never received the love in their whole lives. So far, they have not complied.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First of all, find something that you enjoy doing that has a market for it. Plan ahead and find help in areas you don’t feel strong. There are a lot of free resources available for small business owners, and there is no shame in not knowing how to do everything. Finally, I would make sure that you start while you are still employed or making money in some way. You want to run your business with integrity. If you are scrambling to make ends meet, you will end up compromising in ways that may not feel right to you. Working in the space of fear and scarcity is not a healthy way to build and grow a business. You want to build a business you can be proud of.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Owning a full-time business isn’t for everyone. That being said, there are lots of ways to make extra money with a side hustle. It’s important not to think of it as all or nothing. Owning a small business is both amazing and also really challenging, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Oh, and get a bookkeeper! You’ll be glad you did.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://origreenbookkeeping.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ori-green/
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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