Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in professional development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bruce Clagg, owner of Advanced Career Solutions, located in Spring, TX, USA.

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

I formed Advanced Career Solutions (aka 'ACS') as a sole proprietorship in June 2011 to help clients with something(s) difficult yet so important...new résumés, cover letters, and interviewing differently (but more easily) to win the job offer. I've served thousands of clients throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Tell us about yourself

After many years as a Vice President and General Manager in the high-tech sector and having viewed 10s of thousands of résumés and interviewed thousands, I was recruited by a company that did what I do professionally today. I retired early, but my previous clients found I was easy to Google, and back into it I went but as the owner. Résumés, cover letters, and interviewing haven't changed in centuries. No wonder most job seekers have trouble. I can fix that and love doing it.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

With most new businesses failing in the first five years, I will soon be into my 11th year. The repeat business and referrals I receive from my clients are testimony to my writing and my processes.

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

The day never really ends. I want to be able to answer the telephone/respond quickly to an email or online request, as most companies do not. This is the genesis of a relationship that could carry forward indefinitely.

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

  1. Realize your true professional strengths and see if those would be attractive to your target market.
  2. Operating a successful business requires marketing, accounting, and other skills. Consider the funding you need to hire that talent if you cannot do it yourself.
  3. Marketing is essential, but the majority of my clients were referred to me through past clients that will probably return in the future.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Do what you love to do, and you will never 'work' a day in your life. Get organized, prepared, and follow your professional dream(s)!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.acsresume.com/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3cceyvc

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.