Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Wendy Baird Packard, Founder and CEO of Speaking Up With Wendy Baird Packard, located in Odenton, MD, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Speaking Up With Wendy Baird Packard. I am a Consultant/Facilitator/Coach/Event Speaker. My customers come to me for assistance in communication. I work with small businesses to help with employee retention. I assist everyday public speakers (managers, leaders, volunteer group leaders) and help them create memorable presentations and to be sure information is retained by their audiences.
The third area my clients come to me for assistance is looking for jobs. I help them communicate who they are in interviews and resumes, as well as give them a step-by-step plan to reach the dream job they are looking for. I provide assistance in one-on-one coaching, facilitate group classes and consult with groups or businesses on these topics. I also provided information on panels or conferences as an event speaker.
Tell us about yourself
On a third-grade report card, a teacher wrote, "Wendy speaks very well in front of the classroom." I now use that superpower to help others communicate effectively in many different areas. I have a bachelor's degree in Communication and have been observing and studying the way we share information for a very long time.
I have been in the professional workspace for many years. In the past 12 years, I have had the privilege to support my husband in the United States Army. During this time, I have watched many meetings and briefings that were important but ineffective.
Also, during this time, I worked with the Department of Labor, helping military members find new careers after they moved on from the military, and with Workforce Development helping small businesses to find employees.
I often saw how communication blocked service members from finding jobs, and small businesses created a culture of communication that led to a lack of employee retention. As I spent a decade looking at these problems, it motivated me to be a consultant in these areas. I want to maximize communication potential with a deep dive into cultural communication in business for everyday public speakers and job seekers.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Starting the business!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner and having a new business is all the hours you dedicate to your business and craft that are unpaid in the beginning.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Look at your financial situation. What level of commitment can you have to a new business and still have income? This will determine if your new business is a side gig for a while or if you are ready to jump in with both feet.
- Get a plan. What does your business need this week, next week, next year, and a few years moving forward? Get a plan, get information (competition in your area, government regulations), and understand your market.
- Build strong infrastructure, policies, guidelines, and training. The goal is to grow your business enough that you will hire staff to take on responsibilities so you can continue to navigate the direction you want to take your vision. As you start with putting things in place, when it is time to add to your staff, it will already be in place and guarantee staff retention.
Where can people find you and your business?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Speakingupwithwendybairdpackard
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendybairdpackard/
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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