Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Allison Bishins, Founder of Allison Bishins Consulting, located in Tacoma, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a social media marketing trainer and small business consultant. The core of my business is helping small and micro business owners to build community, generate trust, and create connections through social media. I also help business owners and professionals create efficiencies in their practices by letting go of unnecessary expectations and practices. Small businesses have greater rates of success when they are tied deeply to their local community - and I help this connection happen efficiently and effectively.
Tell us about yourself
I came to my business via a windy route - I went to graduate school for Urban Design and worked as an Urban Planner for years before shifting into Environmental Policy. After having my first child, I couldn't imagine going back to work 50-60 hours per week (as one does in Washington, DC), so I started a small business. I've owned several small and micro businesses over the last 10+ years, including vintage resale, handmade jewelry, event and craft fair planning, and business consulting. My varied background allows me to adapt and understand many different types of businesses and how I can - or can't - help folks grow their businesses.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I offer pro bono consulting for small, local businesses that are struggling. Sometimes this looks like on-demand video courses, other times, it looks like 1:1 Zoom consulting, while other times, it presents as a social media audit. I'm extremely invested in local businesses succeeding, so I've structured my revenue-generating business to make sure I can help for free when needed.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Not knowing if, how, or when to adapt or call it quits. I frequently say that I don't have any "failures" in my business because if you can learn and grow from an experience - it's not a failure. If you read a book but don't finish it, you haven't failed. In fact, not finishing may be a sign of growth, a recognition of your needs or desires, or a setting of a boundary. Learning from business mistakes is a similar process.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Lean into your local community. Not only is this a built-in form of support (70% of people look for local businesses to buy from), but it's also proven that locally-focused businesses survive economic downturns better. We saw many examples of this during COVID - businesses that already had relationships with local customers or local supply chains were able to communicate with their customers about their needs and challenges in a way national companies couldn't.
- Be your darn weird self. Folks are looking for authenticity and looking to support businesses that share their values. If you don't share about yourself, your values, and your "why," - folks can't resonate with it.
- Find your people. So many business owners - especially women - try to struggle through business ownership alone. Don't do this! There are people who want to support you - let them.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.allisonbishins.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllisonBishinsConsulting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonbishinsconsulting/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/allisonbishins
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonbishins/
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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