Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in career development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Julie Bauke, Founder and President of The Bauke Group, located in Cincinnati, OH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We work with professionals who are committed to their own "Career Happiness" by taking them through a process of self-discovery and development and execution of a career plan that is focused on their next best move.
Tell us about yourself
In 2007, I could see the writing on the wall- the company I was working for had been purchased, and the culture was going to change into a place that I did not want to be a part of. Although I was certain that I was NOT the entrepreneurial type, I realized that what I wanted to do did not exist in a traditional job, so I would have to create it. To me, not being Career Happy is not an option, and I just couldn't imagine that it was acceptable to others either! Yet, way too many people do settle for being miserable at work because they are so fearful of change and/or do not know what else they can do or even want to do! So they remain stuck and unhappy, which absolutely ripples to the rest of their lives and relationships. NOT ok!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
That I am still in business! ;) Getting people to take positive action in their careers is very difficult, and we have pivoted many times to different messages and strategies. We are actually positioned to have our biggest year yet in '23 because of the changing attitudes about work.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The ups and downs, the self-doubt even though you KNOW you have something people need!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- However long you think it will take to get it up and running and what you consider successful, prepare for 3x that amount of time!
- Get lots of input and feedback from people you trust and respect, and truly consider it! It's easy to put blinders on and refuse to remove them.
- Outsource, or get as much help as you can with the stuff you are not good at. For me, it's the numbers and the tech stuff. It's worth spending the money to get it off your plate - and it saves you so much energy and time!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://thebaukegroup.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBaukeGroup/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliebauke/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/juliebauke
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliebauke/
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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