Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Zetella Gooch, Founder of Gooch Consulting and Event Services, LLC., located in Jackson, MS, USA.

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

Gooch Consulting and Event Services, LLC. is a company that provides complete consulting and management for special events and celebrations. Our consultation is professional, backed by over 25 years of event planning and leadership experience. From corporate events, parties, promotional affairs, organizational events, weddings, or reunions, we can strategically plan, design, organize and supervise events from start to finish.

Our customers are those requiring "peace of mind" by our company overseeing the entire event and providing professional event planning expertise. They just want to sit back, observe, celebrate, and relish in the enjoyment of their event and not be encumbered with the planning, troubleshooting, last-minute details, or unexpected day-of specifics.

Tell us about yourself

I am an Accredited Event Designer expressing creativity at various events and special celebrations. That includes being a licensed strategic event planner, decorator, florist, and providing event rentals. Also, as a consultant, I pride myself on risk management, executive leadership, team building, and organizational performance. I am a transformational leader that motivates and inspires teams to achieve their mission.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner came in 2017. Through The Mississippi Business Journal, I was nominated and chosen as a finalist from women business owners for The Top 50 Leading Businesswomen in the State of Mississippi. I was selected from those phenomenal 50 businesswomen as a Top Ten Finalist for Mississippi's Businesswoman of the Year in February 2018. I don't know where I placed between the top two and ten; however, I was very honored to be amongst those beautiful and talented businesswomen and grateful for the distinction. A feeling of accomplishment is an understatement. Although I achieved the accolades, it was always a team effort.

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

One of the hardest things for me in business is going over and beyond the requirement to meet the higher expectations that I place on myself. Although most don't know, an event planner constantly troubleshoots behind the scenes. Most have no idea what goes into an 18+ hour day managing an event because patrons only see 3 to 4 hours of it. Nevertheless, shooting for perfection means that if you fall short, you still have provided outstanding services. The satisfaction comes from individuals afterward with referrals, compliments, and thank you for a job well done.

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

  1. Be passionate about your gift, and it will show in the results.
  2. Know that everyone won't be happy or excited about your plans or accomplishments; however, stay humble and know that you are God's servant, and your goal is to satisfy Him. Always put Him first by having integrity, being ethical, and prioritizing your client's needs. All things in business revolve around doing the right thing. Make it your mission.
  3. Don't be afraid to seek out help before jumping in, and don't offer services that you can't personally provide. Provide your strengths and not your weaknesses. Earn as you learn because you cannot master it all.
  4. Never think that you know it all. Being a lifelong learner will take you far. There are always new trends in the industry, innovations, and someone that can do it better. To compete, stay up to date on industry standards and be competitive with the product you provide.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Find a way to Network. Networking organizations are crucial to building relationships and having "word-of-mouth marketing." People are more likely to take a chance on someone who has used you and give a phenomenal referral instead of finding you through social media or a search engine. It is worth the investment in your business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.goochservices.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zetella.gooch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zetellagooch/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zetellagooch-mba-ctg-aed/

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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