Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Meredith Perez, Co-Founder of Purple Sector Strategy Inc., located in Waterloo, ON, Canada.

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

We're a strategic design firm that focuses on team alignment, and we love working with organizations trying to do things differently. We know the value of aligning people around meaningful work for their organization and customers, and when we get involved, we focus on re-energizing teams and realigning them around goals and customer needs. We love working with non-profit organizations, product-led companies, and social impact venture capital firms.

Tell us about yourself

I'm an Alignment Strategist and Facilitator at Purple Sector Strategy, and I'm passionate about creating space for challenging conversations. I specialize in bringing people together around a common sense of direction. My background is in marketing and strategy development, where I was often tasked with rallying companies around plans that benefit the whole industry. From the construction sector to non-profits and governments, I love finding connections between different points of view. At Purple Sector, I provide facilitation, coaching, and strategic support, creating high-performing teams that prioritize sound decision-making to get good work done.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We are coming up on 2 years since we started Purple Sector, which is a major accomplishment. The idea for our business has been a conversation between my partner and myself for years, so when we took the plunge (during a global pandemic, no less!), we were open to seeing where it would take us. Almost 2 years later, we are both so happy we made the decision to get started, and we've had the opportunity to work with some amazing clients.

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

I think, like a lot of things, getting started is the hardest part. Of course, some days are harder than others, but once you have some momentum going, you'll find that if you love the work and are passionate about what you're doing, things start to come together. I also really believe that no one should try and do everything themselves. I'm lucky to have a partner but if you are on your own, find those subject matter experts that you can trust to give you advice. Legal, taxes, technology stuff, etc. can be very complicated, so find people who can help you.

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

  1. Be clear about who your customers are and what problems THEY need to be solved. If you stay centered on their needs, decisions about what products or services you build, offer, etc., are much easier to make.
  2. Like I said above, find people to help. Operating a business can be complicated. Find experts or even other business owners and talk to them about best practices.
  3. Remember to have fun and take breaks. It's hard when you run your own business to step away and recharge your batteries. One of the most amazing parts about being your own business owner is that you can have more flexibility in your life. Make sure you allow yourself to take some time off or, at the very least, take advantage of doing things (even boring errands!) when the rest of the world is at their 9-5 job!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.purplesector.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purplesectorstrategy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/purple-sector/

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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