Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jim Wilcox, Owner of Wilcox & Associates, located in Fort Wayne, IN, USA.

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

We are a Training/Coaching/Consulting Business. Our sole focus is to move individuals and organizations out of their comfort zones to affect the change they desire. To that extent, there are three things that we do:

  1. Sales Process (what to do) and Sales Methodology (how to do it). This is what Sandler has been known for over 50 years.
  2. Management and Leadership Development. Training Managers and Leaders the skills to grow their people - NOT dictate to them.
  3. Organizational Excellence. This is a journey with the owner (visionary) and 'right hand' (implementer) of the business to get to that next level of success, whether it's 20X growth, a sale, purchase, or some other vision that the ownership has. It's about growing from where you are today to where you want to be tomorrow using a methodical and strategic approach.

Tell us about yourself

My background is a little non-linear, but strangely all related. First of all, I'm trained as an ER & ICU Nurse. I spent ten years working mainly in ER (Trauma) and ICU. During that time, I was a trainer for several nursing certifications and a business owner of a specialized staffing agency. From there, I worked in Pharma Sales and ultimately in IT Sales, where I got to experience Sandler firsthand as a client. Having seen the impact on myself and my business, I was all in when I was approached to start this business in Northern Indiana.

What motivates me each day is seeing my clients transform and sharing their stories of success and failure. I believe that when we do our jobs well, everything else falls into place.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is witnessing massive growth in my clients, both financially and personally. That is as rewarding to me as any amount of money you could throw my way!

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

My self-awareness. It's very easy to buy into my own story. Having a good mentor or mentor is crucial to awareness, perspective, and humility!

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

  1. Go all in. DO NOT have a "B Plan" (We sometimes say 'burn your bridges').
  2. Prep yourself so that the first year WILL be difficult and know how you will navigate the hard times.
  3. Find the support network that will love you unconditionally, yet give you the hard truth when you need it.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I always end videos with the following:
Reach out if we can be a resource. Always happy to lend a helping hand or give a point in the right direction!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.wilcox.sandler.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wilcoxassociates
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sandler_wilcox
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3tThdjm

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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