Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in training and education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kirt Manecke, Founder of Solid Press, LLC., located in Highland, MI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I write quick, easy-to-read books and online programs to help students excel with excellent social and career skills for success in school, work, and life and help adults master important customer service and sales skills. My customers are career, vocational center, career and technical education (CTE), business, special education, and transition directors and teachers. Parents, school counselors, social workers, and therapists also use my resources along with business leaders to train employees.
Tell us about yourself
My passion for customer service and sales began years ago when I co-founded an award-winning start-up specialty retail business in Michigan. Having worked at other businesses during college, I wanted my company to be different and better, to train employees in ways that would result in more sales, profits, and happy repeat customers.
I developed an extensive and innovative six-week customer service and sales training program for new employees, where they were introduced to proven techniques and had to pass a test before joining the sales team. The program worked. Employee confidence – and customer satisfaction and sales – soared. The tenets taught in this training program provided the basis for my courses.
It's very rewarding to help students and employees gain confidence, treat customers right, and have these readers tell me how much my resources helped them.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Dr. Temple Grandin, one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World, called me the same day she read my book "Smile & Succeed for Teens" to enthusiastically endorse it.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Keeping up with all of the items that need attention, such as updating my website or other tasks that require my time and attention, while still focusing on selling and following up with prospects.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be confident selling.
- Hustle and get good at prospecting.
- Always say thank you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.smilethebook.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmileandSucceedforTeens
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smilesuccessbooks/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirtmanecke/
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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