Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ali Schiller, Founder of Accountability Works, located in Santa Barbara, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are an accountability coaching and consulting company. We work with individuals, small businesses, and management teams to incorporate an accountability framework into their lives, work, and company culture.
Tell us about yourself
I studied mechanical engineering in college, which gave me an appreciation of structure and a love for problem-solving. As it happens, the problem I've most enjoyed working with is the disconnect between what we say we want and what we do. Mindful accountability has been the most effective tool I've found, and I'm passionate about sharing that with others.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Teaching others what it means to be accountable. It's so empowering to know that your actions are in alignment with who you want to be as a professional and, more importantly, as a human being. I think one of the most painful things we experience is knowing that we could and want to be different from who we are and not doing the work to get there. Being accountable is all about doing the work and reaping the benefits. It's not easy, but the rewards are priceless.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
So many things. There are endless trade-offs between work time and family time, which is probably the hardest for me personally. I started AW when I had very young children. A decade in, I'm in a different place and grateful, but those early years were brutal.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Enjoy the process.
- Don't copy someone else's journey. Yours is more than enough.
- Surround yourself with good people who support you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://accountabilityworks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ali.schiller/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accountabilityworks/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/alischi
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/accountability-works/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alischiller/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.
