Adjust and Enhance - Blasius Consulting

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dennis Blasius, Founder of Blasius Consulting, LLC., located in Delafield, WI, USA.

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

My name is Dennis Blasius, the CEO, and owner of Blasius Consulting, LLC, located in Delafield, WI. We provide executive leadership coaching services to business executives, senior leaders, and team leaders, with a focus on mid-level to upper-level management.

My client base includes both public and private sector organizations and individuals. I specialize in helping senior executives and managers improve their overall performance, adjust, and enhance their communications style, optimize time management, balance work/life priorities, and clarify career path decisions.

Tell us about yourself

As a senior leader, I frequently found myself mentoring my staff…and I loved it! I decided that I could only serve others well if I improved my own skills and knowledge in this area. In 2015 I attended the rigorous International Coach Federation (ICF) two-semester Professional Coach certification training at the University of Wisconsin- Madison. This year of study dramatically improved my own leadership, interpersonal, and listening skills and provided the foundation for what has grown into a successful business.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

While profits are welcome, what I really have gained is a sense of fulfillment. I find purpose in knowing that what I do has a real impact. I help my clients leverage their strengths, further develop their leadership skills, and be the leaders that we all want to work for. In that way, I feel that I am contributing to society and the greater good. I enjoy hearing client success stories involving less interpersonal conflict, better performing teams, the successful completion of a critical project or initiative, or a promotion!

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

I quickly discovered that it takes longer to develop a client base than most beginning consultants realize. Social media, websites, etc., help, but word-of-mouth references and referrals from satisfied customers are better. That takes time; consulting businesses tend to grow organically, and it takes real perseverance to keep your business moving forward. The most important thing for me was to spend time identifying my ideal client and using that to establish my niche. I found that I most easily relate with middle to senior-level executives, and I have continued to focus on that group.

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

First, be sure that you really are interested in and enjoy the type of business you are contemplating. If you are simply enamored by the concept of being your own boss but have no real passion for the work, you’ll struggle from the beginning. Consider your personal values, including honesty, respect for others, open-mindedness, and curiosity. I enjoy working with people one-to-one. I truly enjoy giving my clients space for introspection, self-discovery, and goal-setting while eliciting client-generated solutions and strategies that will move the client forward.

Second, don’t underestimate your capabilities, and do take some risks! These are not crazy risks but challenges that will help you grow as a person and thus grow your business. For example, if you don’t feel that you are very good at networking or selling yourself, find situations or opportunities to practice those skills. Cold calling can be discouraging for some of us. Instead, consider reaching out and developing relationships with like-minded people in your industry. Join organizations, go to networking events, and take an active role by joining a committee. Look for partnership opportunities and develop a peer group that both understands your business and can relate when you have challenges.

Third, be realistic, both with the pace of your success and your time commitment. Work/ life balance is different for each of us and changes depending on the circumstances. Getting too far out of balance can create unwanted consequences. If you are determined that you are willing to work 16 hours a day, seven days a week, to make your business a success, you may find yourself burned out, discouraged, and alone! Take the time to disconnect, clear your head and cherish your relationships. And-- don’t forget to celebrate your successes!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.blasiusconsulting.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-blasius/

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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