Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Emily LaRusch, Founder of Back Office Betties, located in New Braunfels, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Back Office Betties is a virtual receptionist and legal assistant company that caters exclusively to small law firms.
Tell us about yourself
One day I was in desperate need of some home services, but the small local companies I reached out to were giving me the cold shoulder (rude, right?). And that's when it hit me - there HAS to be a better way to support small businesses while also getting the service we all deserve. So, I took matters into my own hands and started this venture to spread my passion for great service and a little bit of cheer along the way! But what really gets me going is finding that special spark in people. Whether it's a team member who needs some career coaching or a caller who's looking for an attorney to help them navigate a tough time - I'm all about helping people shine.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I was a hot mess in school and had serious doubts about my brainpower. But as I hit my 20s and 30s, I started slaying it in my career and feeling like a boss...until I tried to start a business. Let's just say it was a humbling experience and brought back all those high school insecurities like a blast from the past. But you know what? I'm proud to say that the biggest win of my entrepreneurial adventure has been all the personal growth I've experienced. It took some serious guts to admit when I was out of my league and ask for help. I've developed resourcefulness to find solutions and the brainpower I didn't know I had to actually run this thing.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I have to admit, sometimes I feel like a clueless wonder. It's tough when you don't even know what you don't know! Even after nine years in business and becoming a coach to other entrepreneurs, there is still so much more to learn. I recently had a run-in with a veteran, serial entrepreneur who really shook things up for me. He was asking questions left and right that I had never even thought to consider. But you know what? Those questions led me down a rabbit hole of self-improvement, and I uncovered all kinds of ways to boost efficiency that I would never have stumbled upon otherwise.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- If you can't afford great coaches, read books from the greats. Last year, I set a goal to read a book a week and find at least one thing I can implement into my life or business. Those tiny steps lead to monumental shifts.
- Pivots are inevitable. Stay nimble, and don't stay so married to an idea or even the core business. Some of the biggest success stories I've witnessed firsthand was when the owner took a major pivot away from their current audience or product.
- Never be too proud to ask for help! In the beginning, I thought I had to keep up appearances like everything was always sunshine and rainbows. But you know what? That's a bunch of baloney! I finally wised up and joined the Entrepreneur's Organization, where I found a forum that is as eager to learn and grow as I am. And let me tell you; it's a game-changer! We can share anything, from the good to the ugly. So, don't be a lone wolf.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://backofficebetties.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backofficebetties/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/callbetties
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-larusch/
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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