Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Clint Bounds, Founder of Plan to Eat, located in Loveland, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Plan to Eat is meal planning software built for planners. We help people feel organized and find more mental clarity. We want you to spend less time meal planning, so you can do more of what you love with who you love! You can learn more about our company and values on our about us page.
Tell us about yourself
I started working on Plan to Eat because I wanted to help my wife and growing family. I also loved the idea of solving problems with technology and making life more efficient. But when we started to have other people, and eventually customers, use our product, they became my driving motivator. I still love the technology behind Plan to Eat, but our customers come first.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Learning to use both sides of my brain. I started the business as a right-brained, creative, problem-solving technician and have learned how to strategize, manage, and build systems and a more sustainable business. Becoming less of a perfectionist and taking many, many leaps of faith.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Personal - Not being a workaholic and balancing personal and work life. Outsourcing and letting go of long-held responsibilities and tasks. Not being a micromanager. Managing people and creating a positive work environment.
Business - Prioritizing what to do next from a list of many good ideas. Saying "no" to some customers and "yes" to others. Being aware of the growing competition, but not getting distracted or losing our internal compass and values. Focusing on quality and being patient
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My tips are based on my personal strengths and unique personality. They may not apply to everyone.
- Know thyself. Start with yourself and face your inner shadows sooner than later. Don't use your business as a distraction. Bring your best self every day and make your business a bigger representation of yourself and your values.
- Don't overthink it. Be brave, trust your instincts, and lead with empathy. Know your customer, and don't try to please everyone. If you struggle with empathy, create a product for yourself. There's probably someone else like you!
- Don't think short-term. Build a great foundation and grow slowly. The turtle wins the race.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
This company and I have grown together over the years, and seeing it help other families brings me joy and daily motivation to keep improving it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.plantoeat.com/welcome/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plantoeat
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plantoeat/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/plantoeat
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/plan-to-eat/
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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