Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brenda Haire, Co-Founder and CEO of Joy of Pursuit, located in Chandler, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At Joy of Pursuit, we believe you should find joy in pursuing your goals, and we believe that having clear processes and a supportive community is a vital part. We work with small businesses to set up clear processes and publish books to position them in the marketplace. We also work with authors to help them create businesses around their books. Through our Author Business Network, we guide them through writing, publishing, marketing, and business building.
Tell us about yourself
I've had over forty jobs and have been working since I was twelve. I've never been fired and am not ashamed of my work history. I always worked my way up, out, and on to the next adventure. Many see this as risky and call me fearless. I'm here to tell you that fear was always a factor, I just chose faith instead.
I felt called to write in 2003, but after being told I was a "nobody" by a publisher, I struggled with my identity as a writer. Not one to give up, I pursued my dream, and after fifteen years of creatively avoiding it, I released my first book, Save the Butter Tubs!: Discover Your Worth in a Disposable World, in 2018. This book is a little Texas history, a little memoir, a little self-help, and a whole lot of love. I share my grandma's story of always knowing her worth and the story of discovering mine.
I was hired by my publishing agency immediately after the book was released and went on to become the president of the company. An entrepreneur at heart, once again, I left on top, and as an author in Christian nonfiction, Bible studies, Middle-Grade Fiction, and business, I use my experience to help authors become business owners and business owners to become authors. My passion is awakening the grace-given gifts in others and providing a path for them to have joy in their pursuits. I created the Author Business Network to pave the way for authors! My motivation is to help others know their worth. I believe knowing your worth changes everything.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I measure my success in two ways:
- My obedience to the calling on my life.
- The success of my clients. I celebrate the wins of each of those every step of the way.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As a visionary, the hardest part of running a business is staying focused. I am fortunate enough to be one of the rare individuals gifted as both a visionary and integrator, so this helps balance my big visions with practical processes. I still highly recommend working with an integrator to hold you accountable to your goals and company mission.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know your company's core components—Mission, Purpose, Core Values, Brand Uniques, and Vision—and screen everything you do through them.
- Set up proper systems from day zero. From tracking metrics to simple processes, systems are vital.
- Stay in your lane. Focusing on what comes naturally to you will excel you faster than any strategy.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.brendahaire.com/
Website: https://www.thejoyofpursuit.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoyofPursuit/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyofpursuit/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joyofpursuit
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joyofpursuit/
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.