Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sijia Wang, Managing Partner of SiFr Consulting LLP., located in Surrey, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
SiFr Consulting is a boutique organization and technology consultancy focused on delivery advice and solutions for businesses of all sizes. Our core focus is technology advisory for medium-large enterprises to help them accomplish more with less, combat the technology talent shortage, and manage evolving cyber risks.
Tell us about yourself
Entrepreneurs pour their blood, sweat, and tears into their businesses and wear so many hats. Unfortunately, they just stretch themselves too thin. With the speed that technology solutions evolve, I've found it's almost impossible for one person to keep up. Companies will try to hire tech talent to fill the gap, but that's a difficult task in and of itself.
This is where we step in. We can provide technical expertise to help protect the business you've worked hard to build without all the stress of recruiting, hiring, and retaining... only, at the end of the day, still not sure if you've done enough to protect your business. I don't believe business owners should lose their hard work to cyber criminals. Organizations deserve to be protected.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of my biggest accomplishments is writing a book.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Everything that is "the business." I think if someone is a life-long employee, they will never see the side that business owners have to deal with. Everything from recruiting, hiring, benefits administration, internal policies, cybersecurity, technology, marketing, sales, social media management (and a content producer)... and if you own a product-based business: shipping, packaging, procurement, then ultimately customer service. Also, at every juncture of that, being keenly aware of state and federal legislation on safety, security, and compliance. The list goes on. Owning a business is a 24/7 job.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start building your network. Whether that's people who know you or have previously worked with you, don't discount the network of people. This is especially difficult for introverts.
- Understand there is a lot to do to turn a hobby or an interest into a legitimate business. Don't do it alone. If you have a trusted friend you can partner with, especially if they have a skill that you don't, partner with them. Then seek fractional vendors (like virtual assistants, fractional legal counsel, and virtual CIOs) to help you out where you need.
- Don't underestimate the power of marketing. You can have a great product or service but telling people how great your product or service is, is only half of the battle. They need to be emotionally attached to buy. Some people are naturally talented at this, and some will need more work and support in this realm.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.sifr.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SiFrConsulting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sifrconsulting/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sifrconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sifrconsulting/
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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