Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Wanda La Russa, a Professional Speaker, based in Dallas, TX, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I'm a national Professional Speaker, and I joyfully speak to women of all ages in-person and in teleconferencing formats.

Tell us about yourself

I'm a dynamic professional speaker with a larger-than-life, charismatic personality. Over the past 20 years, I have joyfully immersed myself in uplifting women of all ages by teaching, inspiring, motivating, and empowering them to enrich, improve and enhance their well-being, personal relationships, and professional lives. Although I enjoyed teaching elementary school, I recognized early on that I had an entrepreneurial spirit, thus retiring from being a schoolteacher and joining the direct sales industry.

I became a very successful independent consultant, led nationwide teams, achieved top sales, and was recognized by receiving awards for my team-building skills. Because of my successful leadership, I was also asked to be a trainer at team meetings and district and regional conferences. I was then asked by numerous event directors and meeting planners to speak to various groups of girls and women at retreats, sales training, community, and corporate events.

While finding my path to personal and professional fulfillment, I brought my education, training skills, and positive outlook to a number of endeavors, and those experiences led me to leave direct sales and launch my speaking business. What motivates me each day is knowing that I have opportunities to speak to audiences because I am altruistic, and my desire is to help or bring advantages to others.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishments are the written testimonials I receive from my clients after delivering a speech. Throughout the years, I’ve been consistently praised as a source of inspiration & encouragement, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to help others grow.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Giving up control! I like to manage ALL of my business affairs, but I've learned that I can not be in all places at all times. Having a Virtual Assistant (VA) is truly beneficial because I can delegate tasks and /or projects whilst I focus on revenue-generated activity! If you train your VA correctly, they will have the ability to execute your business practices efficiently and with ease.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Ask yourself these three questions:

  1. Who is my niche audience? It's important to know your specialized section of the population.
  2. What do I offer? It's important to convey your message of how your products and/or services will benefit your customers and clients.
  3. How is my reputation? People ultimately do business with people they know, like, and trust. It is imperative that you are trustworthy, respectful, and have integrity.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I warmly invite you to peruse my website to learn more, connect further and gain powerful resources that are regularly available. If you would like to keep up with my events/news and get life hacks/tips to help you live positively and love better relationally, you can sign-up for my digital bi-monthly newsletter by going to my website. Your information will not be sold, traded, or transferred…ever!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://wandalarussa.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/info.wandalarussa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wandalarussa/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wanda_larussa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wandalarussa/

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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