Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chris Jarvis, Founder of Be the Giraffe, located in Southlake, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I wear two hats — Financial Fixer and Business Builder — helping entrepreneurs solve their most complicated financial, marketing, and strategic challenges. My clients are usually successful but overworked business owners who realize their time is their most valuable asset.
Tell us about yourself
After nearly killing myself building multiple businesses before finally selling one for millions of dollars, I am dedicated to helping entrepreneurs. I love building businesses, and helping innovators get more out of their businesses so they can live better lives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
In 2016, I was able to sell my company for millions of dollars — and pay back my main investor everything he invested PLUS $1,000,000. That was very fulfilling. In 2022, my TED Talk, "Surviving Ain't Thriving," was the #2 most-watched TED Talk for the year, with over 3.5M views.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Juggling business and your health is the toughest challenge because balance is B.S.! You can't become successful by living a balanced life. You must accept that success requires dedication and hard work. You must also work very hard at taking care of yourself — or entrepreneurship will kill you. It's that delicate juggling act that is hardest for most. That's why I created the Wild Factor — to help people realize what's holding them back.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Take the Wild Factor, so you know WHY you are running a business, and you know WHAT you hope to get out of it.
- Find mentors who can guide, encourage, and challenge you along the way.
- Break free from the herd. Do things differently, or you'll only become moderately successful.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://chrisjarvis.me/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChrisJarvisBlog/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisrayjarvis/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jarvischris
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjarvis/
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.