Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kori Novak, CEO of The Asterisk Group, located in Colorado Springs, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We have several arms to our business. We are a consulting firm that specializes in various types of healthcare. We assist new members of the C-suite on what their new role looks like both in a job function and a personality and management style capacity. We also specialize in consulting in Native American healthcare organization operations, prison healthcare operations, and end-of-life and palliative care.
Our customers are typically business with new individuals in the C-suite, or whole new C-Suites, organizations that are undergoing significant change and need assistance or turn around leadership, public and private prisons, and Native American Tribal organizations. We are also the parent company for Asterisk Medical, a new company that is a "disrupter" for the complementary healthcare space.
Tell us about yourself
I started Asterisk Group after working for many years in the industries we serve but seeing that the compassion for these groups was lacking in other management consulting firms. They were often about money and getting their "hours in" but not about really helping the people that employed them. For the most part, these are underrepresented groups and organizations that are often taken advantage of by slick management firms who overpromise and underdeliver. I have a TEDx talk called the Compassion Asterisk, and I wanted to build off that to bring compassionate care and management to those that lie within that "compassion asterisk."
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think my biggest accomplishment has been to create and grow a company that is flexible enough that when we see a need, we can pivot and address it. This isn't just about business or client needs, but the ability to help friends or colleagues in need. I am proud that I can help create opportunities for people I care about.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Learning to stop. Many people go into the process thinking, "well, when I own my own business, I can take time off when I want to or have longer vacations because I'm the boss!" But the reality is that when you are a business owner, you are ALWAYS thinking about the business, the employees, the finances, the customers, etc. Stopping and truly relaxing is hard to do.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be aggressive, but also remember to be gentle with yourself. It's a tough market for businesses out there, and it is easy to be discouraged or find faults in what you do. What you have to offer won't be for everyone, and that's ok.
- Don't forget you probably aren't doing this alone. Whether it's colleagues, partners, or the support of your family and friends, you aren't on your own. Remember to allow them to help you; they want to help you because they care. By doing so, you are reaffirming that you appreciate and trust them. Then celebrate with them when you get your wins!
- Be bold! Do it! It can be intimidating to start something new, but if you believe in it, do it. On down days, remind yourself why you are doing what you are doing. It's ok to have a down day; you will bounce back. Building and growing a business takes time and isn't always easy, but it is always worth it.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Be open and flexible. Business ownership is a hard journey. If you are told it's easy, don't believe it. "Easy" is rarely worthwhile. Your business may take twists and turns that you were not expecting, but if you roll with it and stay true to your mission, vision, and values, some of the biggest surprises are the best.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://korinovak.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/korinovak/
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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