Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephan Schroeter, Managing Partner of SMS Business Solutions International, located in Frankfurt, Germany.

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

I advise decision-makers on strategic challenges with an emphasis on growth initiatives. My areas of expertise include sales strategy, M&A, treasury management, corporate finance, and capital markets. My clients are family offices, SME companies, as well as private equity funds and their portfolio companies. I am also acting as an interim executive manager.

Tell us about yourself

As an experienced banker and financial services executive, I founded my consulting business, leveraging my existing client base, international network, and banking expertise. Over the years, the customer base and areas of expertise expanded primarily through recommendations and proactively managing my professional network.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Building and maintaining good business momentum over more than a decade in an extremely volatile market environment with stiff completion.

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

Dealing with insecurity and uncertainty.

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

  1. Start small, grow from the core (products or clients), and think big.
  2. Involve a small circle of trusted advisors from the beginning (e.g., financial, personal & business coach, tax & legal, strategy).
  3. Focus on what your vision is, and have a plan.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.sms-business-solutions.net/english/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephan-m-schröter/

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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