Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in consultancy but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Robert Gittens, Jr., President of BIMSync'd, LLC., located in Cartersville, GA, USA.

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

I help construction professionals implement BIM. BIM is Building Information Modeling, but that's the boring definition. Better said: BIM is 3D modeling and planning to develop what is referred to as a "digital twin." This is a digital representation of a real-world structure that is as exact as possible, so the owner can make building operation decisions like remodeling, or maintaining electrical, plumbing, and other life-cycle processes. It's science fiction, but real.

Tell us about yourself

I have over 25 years in the building and construction business on the planning and design side. My just prior employment is where I cut my teeth on BIM. After spending several years there and realizing that there was nowhere to advance at that company, I decided to strike out and create a business with the holistic approach of helping the entire BIM community get better. This goal is not a popular one with some because they see my global approach as somewhat of a threat to their business, but I lean on the John F. Kennedy quote, "The rising tide lifts all the boats."

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Once I built my customer base and developed a substantial list of prospects, I was able to help complete building a bachelor's degree in BIM Management at a local college. This was several years in the making, and it took a great degree of explanation to the state education board, but it has finally come to fruition. Subsequently, I have been asked for and have accepted the inaugural chair position for the BIM advisory board at Georgia Highlands College. The degree officially begins in Fall 2022 and is already showing signs of great interest and enrollment.

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

Honestly, staying calm when things look bleak. There are always worries about where the money will come from and is there anyone else out there that sees my work as valuable. My favorite novel is Moby Dick, which I have read nine times, and although the general subject of the book can be quite repulsive, Ishmael's drive to follow the insane Captain Ahab and ultimately simply survive the voyage is admirable.

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

  1. Plan well before starting. Not just logos and websites, but also solid contracts, detailed invoices, scopes of work, good accounting tools, if you do not have a CPA get one, etc. Also, make sure your significant other is on board with the decision.
  2. Keep good records and receipts. Track your work and take notes on every phone call. Record them as your state's laws allow. You never know when what you or the other person said might be important.
  3. Don't chase squirrels, dragons, or white whales. If your plan is solid, the path you are on will lead you to them when the time is right, and if not, that's okay too.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

When someone says you "can't," do not automatically say, "Oh, but I will." Pause for a moment, an hour, a day, longer, and make sure whether you should. There are many who will be jealous of what you are trying because they are too scared or comfortable to try, and that can lead them to talk you into doing the wrong thing. This is not always malicious, but human nature is such that we want what we cannot have, and if we cannot get it, we do not want anyone else to have it either. Trust your own mind while listening to everyone else's opinion. There is usually something to learn from, even the worst advice.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.bimsyncd.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertgittens/

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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