Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in consultancy but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Patton McDowell, Founder of PMA Nonprofit Leadership, located in Charlotte, NC, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My consulting practice is called PMA Nonprofit Leadership, and we help current and aspiring nonprofit leaders with strategic planning, fundraising, and leadership development.

Tell us about yourself

I was fortunate to get an internship with Special Olympics International while a junior at UNC-Chapel Hill, and that experience showed me the potential for career opportunities within the nonprofit sector. It's easy for me to get motivated every day to work with talented and aspiring nonprofit leaders who are truly changing their communities through their work.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I'm certainly proud of the fact that we've worked with over 250 nonprofit organizations since our founding in 2009 and also to have started a podcast, Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, which now has over 170 episodes and has been recognized as one of the top podcasts in our sector worldwide.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Managing cash flow can certainly be a challenge, especially when our clients are nonprofits who themselves have to be good stewards of their funds.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Proactively utilize your network in a mutually beneficial manner
    testimonial and word-of-mouth referrals are golden.
  2. Create content that is beneficial to your market and be a thought leader.
  3. Look for ways to automate and delegate so that your focus can be on strategic partnerships and business development.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.pattonmcdowell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pattonmcdowell
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pmanonprofit/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pattonmcdowell
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattonmcdowell/

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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