Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bob Negen, Co-Founder of WhizBang! Retail Training, located in Grand Haven, MI, USA.

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

My wife Susan and I are the co-founders and owners of WhizBang! Retail Training. We work with small to mid-sized independent retailers.

Tell us about yourself

We have products, programs, and services that help independent retailers run successful businesses and, by extension, have better lives. I owned my own chain of kite and toy stores for 19 years, and I know the struggles and stresses of growing a retail business. After selling my business to my brother, who was also my partner, Susan and I started WhizBang! Retail Training so other retailers wouldn't have to go through the same bullshit I went through.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As a retailer, my biggest accomplishment was selling over 3 million dollars of yo-yos and yo-yo accessories in a little over 3 years. As the owner of our training company, my biggest accomplishment is helping thousands of retailers build better businesses, live better lives, and have an amazing impact on their communities.

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

Having a passion for your product but not having the skill set to run a successful business. As I say... "your passion for your product is not enough to make you profitable." This is why we created our flagship product, the Retail Mastery System. Its purpose is to teach the 11 essential skills a retailer needs to build a successful retail business.

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

  1. Mindset... in every industry, there are winners and losers. The winners are always focused on challenging their beliefs, working to keep things moving forward, and showing gratitude for their opportunity to do something they love.
  2. WWMCW (What Would My Customer Want?). Stay focused on what your customers want, not what you want, and things get a lot easier.
  3. Every problem is an opportunity. Every problem points to a skill that needs to be developed. This mindset not only dramatically diminishes stress but also unleashes unexpected growth, personal growth, professional growth, and sales growth.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://whizbangtraining.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhizBangTraining/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whizbangtraining/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whizbang-training/

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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