Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Patty K, Founder of Patty K Enterprises, located in British Columbia, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a marketing consultant who specializes in working with trusted advisors (aka: business coaches, consultants, experts). At a big-picture strategic level, I help my clients design a marketing strategy, clarify their messaging, and develop thought leadership content. Tactically, projects include things like websites, e-books, webinars, presentations, articles, and social media.
Tell us about yourself
I've been self-employed for years, starting with a 1. By trade, I'm a systems analyst. For the first 20ish years of my career, I did "tech stuff" - freelance software development, web application development, technical training, and e-learning. The hardest part of self-employment for me was marketing and sales. Like a lot of self-employed professionals, I was really good at what I did (the computer stuff) but not so great at promoting myself or my services. I invested a ton of time (and money) learning how to market and sell. One day in 2009, I had an ah-ha moment. I had just closed the biggest sale of my career and was walking back to my car thinking, "yay! I landed a new project!" followed immediately by, "oh shit, now I have to write code." In 2011 I launched what has evolved into my current business. From a purpose standpoint, I'm spending my days helping smart people get the wisdom out of their heads and into the world (and I believe the world needs a whole lot more smart people and wisdom!) Selfishly, it means that I get to work with smart + wise people, and I'm constantly learning new things from my clients.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I created a perfect job for myself. I make good money, I get to talk to cool people, and I can work from home in my pajamas. What's not to love?
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, it's being responsible for everything - not just the stuff I'm good at.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Recognize that by starting your own business, you're actually signing up to be a salesperson.
- Resisting #1 is futile if you don't know how to learn.
- Be selective about the business advice you take - make sure it's appropriate for you, your business model, your goals, and the stage you're at. There is no "one right answer" - lots of things work.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://pattyk.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thepattyk/
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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