Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Margarita de Guzman, Managing Director of Circle CRM Group Inc., located in Calgary, AB, Canada.

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

We are archaeological consultants, which means we go in before development happens to protect and record archaeology sites that might be impacted by new projects. Archaeology is provincially legislated and is one of the regulatory approvals that proponents might have to get, depending on their project. We also do some research and public archaeology to keep people informed and loving archaeology.

Tell us about yourself

I started Circle from my living room with a line of credit and a dream. I wanted to create my own potential and a sustainable workplace for archaeologists. Archaeology is cool in the eyes of the public, but it is one of the lowest-paying disciplines. I am striving to change the industry and show that archaeologists are worth more than the dirt on their boots.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I'm proud to have grown this business from a group of one to a group of many. We are now 30 archaeologists strong, and 50% are women and, I believe, are one of the leading archaeological consulting companies in western Canada.

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

I am "on" all the time and am always thinking about work. In the beginning, I loved the flexibility of being an owner, but now, time affluence is extremely lacking, so I am trying to prioritize taking time for myself.

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

  1. Keep an open mind. When I started Circle, there was little work, so I took jobs here and there to pay the bills. I am also open to different opportunities and am always learning.
  2. Establish your foundations so that as you grow, you are not just being reactionary but are prepared for that growth and everything that comes with it. This means having great people and processes, as well as a strategy.
  3. Network, network, network. You never know who you will meet, and the more people you know, the more people there will be to say great things about you. Also, having peers that are going through the same thing is essential. The people in my business groups have been essential to both the success of my business as well as to my mental health.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I watched a live Q&A with Magic Johnson through Entrepreneur Organization last year, and he said, "You can do well and do good at the same time." I strive for that and encourage all business owners to do the same.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.circleconsulting.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/circlecrm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/circledigs/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/circledigs
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaritadeguzman/

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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