Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Traver Butcher, CEO of All Shores Consulting LLC., located in Zionsville, IN, USA.

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

As our world increases in its international and cross-cultural diversity and people relocate to other regions of the country or even the world, All Shores Consulting provides engagement coaching and training for individuals relocating from one culture to another (internationally/domestically). We also provide training and consulting for business teams, companies, and humanitarian volunteers who work with individuals (coworkers, clientele, and business partners) from other cultures in order to best understand and work with each other.

Tell us about yourself

My interest in other cultures started as a young boy hearing stories from my great-grandparents about their years of living and working in multiple countries around the world. I also grew up in an area of the United States where there was Sioux (Native American) tribal influences through classmates, school assemblies where traditional tribal dances were performed, and even my high school graduation, where a traditional drum ceremony was performed. I'm motivated to do what I do each day by conversations with and comments from people who wish they had access to the services that All Shores provided when they relocated from one culture to another.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is just starting. It took me several years to take that step as I thought I had to have everything in place and perfect in order to take that first step.

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

As a new start-up business, one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is that it all rests on me. There is no staff to rely on to get things done. If I don't do it, it doesn't get done. It does bring a great sense of pride when something is accomplished, but it is a hard reality as well.

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

  1. Just start. Yes, there are certain things that do need to be in place in order to get going. However, you don't need to have everything in place; you just need to take the first step. Your business will grow, adjust, and readjust through time. Don't worry about getting it all right the first time. There will be parts of your business that will look completely different over time as you continue to learn and grow.
  2. Rely on your community (family/friends). This is the best piece of advice I received from a seasoned entrepreneur who said that these are the people who will be there with you every step of the way. They will provide encouragement when you want to quit. They will be the first to celebrate your wins with you. They will provide a listening ear when needed and will be those to brainstorm your new ideas as they come up.
  3. Network with other business professionals/leaders. Find a networking community in your area. Whether in the same industry or not, these are people who you will be able to learn from, grow with, and who will also encourage and challenge you in your professional endeavors.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

It is hard BUT be encouraged. What you have to offer is of value. Yes, not every new business succeeds, but keep moving forward. Suppose it does well…GREAT! If not, learn from it and keep pursuing your passions in new businesses.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.allshoresconsulting.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allshoresconsulting
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allshoresconsulting/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traver-butcher-553036a/

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.