Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alex McElroy, Founder of Relentless Pursuit of Purpose, located in Chicago, IL, USA.

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

Primarily, my business consists of speaking to audiences large and small. I help leaders to lead with purpose and to remain faithful to their vision. I also offer customers to young entrepreneurs, business owners, and non-profit organizations. My talks and coaching services focus on the areas of leadership and purpose.

Tell us about yourself

Though living in my purpose now, I have experienced and overcome significant struggles and setbacks in my life. I suffered the loss of my father at a young age, dealt with drug and alcohol abuse in my college years, and found myself in an angry, depressed, and lonely place as I endured financial hell that resulted in bankruptcy and desperation. Thankfully, God used these arduous moments to reveal Himself.

Since uncovering my purpose, I have been instrumental in implementing the message of leadership and purpose in the business world. I have also worked in and enjoyed tremendous success in the mortgage industry and in insurance and financial services. I am also a dedicated husband to my supportive wife of fourteen years and a loving father to two beautiful daughters who continue to inspire and push me to be a better man. I believe that knowledge without application is useless, which is why I always leave audiences with tangible takeaways that can be implemented immediately. Life is too short to spend one more day not living in your purpose!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is not one moment, although giving a Tedx Talk from that famous red dot was pretty amazing. My biggest accomplishments come every time I see one of my clients or someone from an audience approaches me to inform me of the beneficial changes they have made in their life or business. Their success is my joy.

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

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is dealing with everything that comes with doing the job of helping people. Finding the time and money necessary to market, as well as creating a pipeline to be able to assist more organizations, can also be frustrating.

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

  1. Clarify and write down your vision statement. Repeat it with your team at least once a week.
  2. Clearly understand who you can help and why. Clients want to know what problem you can be the solution to.
  3. Focus on creating a legacy from day one instead of waiting until you are near the end of your life or career.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Leadership is a choice, not a right. Every leader should make a choice to serve those whom they wish to lead. Servant leadership should be the foundation of every leader. Successful and substantive leadership is about having a humble mindset, not making an arrogant overstep. It is an aspiration and not about subjugation.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.alexrmcelroy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RelentlessPursuitofPurpose
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexrmcelroy/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexrMcElroy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-mcelroy-467869b/

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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