Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Corrie Stelzner, Founder of The New Violin School, located in Carlsbad, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My name is Corrie, and I founded The New Violin School. We have a unique violin program that teaches you how to play the violin in three months! Our customers are of all ages, but we find the most connection with that homeschooling. Having an online violin program allows them to learn at their own pace, from home, with amazing teachers.
Tell us about yourself
I started playing the violin when I was two years old with the Suzuki method and started teaching when I was just 15 years old. I noticed with my students, though, that a lot of them weren't these super young violinists. They were like middle school, some older, and the Suzuki method just moved too slowly for them. Imagine putting your ten-year-old into Kindergarten and reteaching them the ABCs.
So I put my head down and rethought how I taught the violin and came up with my own method. I can teach you how to play the violin basics in just three months, including learning how to read music, having confidence in your playing, and actually playing the violin with proper technique to continue learning.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Creating a brand new method that doesn't exist anywhere else and with the videos to go along with it was a big undertaking, and I'm incredibly proud of it! To see students go through the program and learn how to play so quickly and with beautiful technique is so fulfilling.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing for me is knowing what to do and doing it. When I have someone telling me what needs to get done, I have no issues. But as soon as it's just me, I struggle to get things done completely and timely.
Surrounding myself with other business owners and keeping each other accountable to quarterly goals has helped me so much! I've also become a huge proponent of ToDo Lists and my Calendar. If it's not written down and usually timed out, it doesn't happen.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Firstly, you need vision. If you can see into the future where your business is headed, your employees can fall so easily into that vision and help you run.
Secondly, surround yourself with people doing big things. Your friends should be encouraging you to level up your life!
Thirdly, 5-A-Days. Write down the five things you're going to do every day. When you finish those five things, you're done for the day!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Being active on social media is so important. But also figuring out what social media platform works for you! I tried for months and months to make my Instagram grow and saw no progress.
Meanwhile, I was throwing up the same videos on Pinterest for fun. My Pinterest grew rapidly while my Instagram did nothing. Figure out what works for you and where your audience is! It might not always be where you expect.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thenewviolinschool.com/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@corrietheviolinist/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corrietheviolinist/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jkkccr/videos
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/corrietheviolinist/
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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