Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with DeAnna Broome, founder and owner of Virtuous HR Solutions, located in Conyers, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a Human Resources Consultant for small business owners looking to build trust with their employees to prevent lawsuits using HR techniques. Many think that I can only work with businesses that already have employees, but in all actuality, I can also help an owner go from solopreneur to employer. My mission is to share my knowledge and expertise in HR. My goal is to teach them about employee relations, employment law, and leadership to assist in their business growth.
Tell us about yourself
Before becoming an HR consultant, I worked at a large bank, personally assisting owners with their business finances. While there, I had the pleasure to speak to numerous owners about their financial troubles and their employee, recruiting, and lawsuit issues.
After years of giving away my advice for free, I was laid off due to COVID. I took that as my sign to start my own business. Those years speaking with business owners at the bank shed light on how often small businesses are sued, threatened with lawsuits (from both employees and customers), and have little to no knowledge of HR practices or techniques.
My passion now is to see small businesses thrive without fear of ending up in a courtroom or tied up in litigation. I also want to see business owners out networking and working ON their businesses instead of working IN their businesses.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment so far as a business owner is having multiple opportunities to speak in front of other business owners and teach them what I know. Many may not see this as a big accomplishment, but for me, this is huge. Being asked to speak at an event and being given opportunities to speak means I am being seen as a professional and expert in my field. That reassurance validates my choice to start my business and the direction I am going.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things is motivation. The motivation to keep going despite not getting in clients, revenue, or anywhere else. So many people start their businesses and fail because they get stuck in that valley of no revenue and give up. Motivation and faith.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Never try to be like someone else. There may be thousands or millions of other people doing what you do, but how to stand out is to be yourself. Your personality, how you treat your clients, and the experience you give, make your business unique.
- Do not waste your money on marketing, websites, or irrelevant supplies in the beginning. Do not go into debt trying to start your business, even an online one. Some businesses today make money without spending a dime on ads! If you think you need it, find a free version first.
- Find other small business owners and start networking. I recommend your local chamber of commerce. (Just Google chamber of commerce near me.) The chamber of commerce is solely for small businesses. I joined mine and have met some amazing owners and formed connections that have given me the faith to continue my business. They have given me ideas and have provided me with my first clients!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Continue to learn. Read books, take courses, or however you like to learn, just keep learning. Learn more about the industry you're in. Learn more about yourself, your finances, and growing and scaling your business. You will never have a successful business unless you continue to learn.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://virtuoushrsolutions.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virtuoushrsolutions
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtuoushrsolutions/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.