Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tracy Martin, Founder of Straight Consulting, located in Plano, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Straight Consulting is a practice management consulting firm that serves Orthodontists in private practice, Dental Service Organizations & Orthodontic Service Organizations across the US & Canada.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up in Orthodontics, starting as a clinical assistant (the gal that works on your braces) right out of high school. Throughout the following 15 years, I mastered each role in a traditional orthodontic practice, creating systems that would provide greater efficiency for the team while also factoring in the unique expectations of Millennial Consumers. Ultimately, I took a risk and started Straight Consulting to provide the Orthodontic Industry with a "Millennial Twist" on what's expected of a Practice Consultant and give them the B-12 shot in their production to surpass their business goals.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a business owner, my greatest accomplishment has been the development of self-motivation & self-discipline. Anyone that knows me would say, "She's driven." I didn't know that I was an entrepreneur. I honestly wanted to be a lawyer! But what has made me successful enough to be the breadwinner of my family, and to be responsible for my team and their families, is all based on an inner drive to wake up each day and hit the ground running to NEVER GIVE UP. As a business owner, you shoulder so much responsibility, and no one is going to make your company successful except you, so never take that on if you're not willing to give it everything you've got.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Relationships are probably the hardest part of being a business owner. Your company needs more attention than you can imagine, and that doesn't always support a capacity to nurture personal relationships. So much of yourself goes into your business. In many ways, it is part of your identity, so surround yourself with family and friends who can give you grace and support while working to achieve your dream.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find a mentor: No one is going to give you a kit to start your business, and you CANNOT be successful alone. Pair yourself up with someone who can help you navigate & save yourself thousands of mistakes and immeasurable time.
- Find a niche in an industry: Anyone can be an entrepreneur, but successful ones find a unique need that isn't diluted by the masses. There, they can grow fast!
- Invest most of your money in Marketing: Prepare to spend more money than you ever imagined on marketing, and educate yourself with courses & videos on ways to do as much of it yourself as possible. Outsource for every part that you can't.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.straightconsulting.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/straightortho
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/straightconsulting/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/straightwires
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/straight-consulting/
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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