Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Janice Dacres-Jones, Founder of Biz Headstart, located in Kingston, Jamaica.

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

I help start-ups (1-3 years) build a solid foundation for business which allows them to scale fast when the opportunity for growth comes. I help them with idea/product/service validation, business strategy, HR strategy & policies, Marketing strategy, and organizational strategy.

Tell us about yourself

I worked in Corporate Jamaica for many years, progressing through the ranks and ending in the C-Suite. My first foray into business was with some friends, which did well until the 2009 recession hit, and things went belly up pretty fast. It was a pivotal moment for me because, in the aftermath, I started to analyze what went wrong and what we could have done differently. Many of the missteps could have been avoided. Needless to say, the lessons were many. It was then I had the thought that if we had a mentor or a coach, so many of the mistakes could have been avoided. I decided there and then that no one should have to go through the startup process alone. Very often, entrepreneurs assume they know all they need to know, especially if they have worked in senior corporate positions. Over 50 % of businesses fail within the first three years; my mission is to reduce that number and create more entrepreneurs.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Creating success for my clients. I operate on the principle that if my clients are successful, then I am successful.

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

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is managing everything. Until you have built out a team, the buck stops with you for everything. This means you work longer hours, and managing your work-life balance becomes challenging.

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

  1. People buy solutions to their problems, not just products. Find great problems to solve that many people experience.
  2. Get really clear about your vision, mission, and values; they provide a clear pathway and decision-making guide for your business.
  3. Create Standard Operating Procedures very early, and as you grow, you update them. They help you to save money, ensure things are done the same way always regardless of who does it, and helps you to troubleshoot very quickly when something goes wrong.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://bizheadstart.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/headstartja
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizheadstart/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeadStartja
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdacresjones/

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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