Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lee Elberson, CEO of Clayborne Education, located in Charlottesville, VA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Clayborne Education is a highly personalized educational support company serving students in central Virginia, Chicago, and around the country. We work directly with families and school systems to ensure students are prepared for the next step in their academic trajectory.
From college (SAT/ACT/CLT) and graduate school (GRE/GMAT/LSAT) entrance exam preparation to subject tutoring and organizational coaching, our uniquely designed programs have yielded dramatic results for students from all walks of life. While our students vary in age, background, and goals, they all discover a love of education with our expert education coaches.
Tell us about yourself
I have always found great joy in educating others. With a background in experimental physics, I thrive on understanding nuanced systems and enjoy the process of breaking down complex concepts for individuals.
I am a third-generation entrepreneur, and starting a tutoring business was a natural merger of my passion for education and entrepreneurship. I enjoy the fast-paced environment of running a small business while still maintaining the ability to work directly with students.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Arriving at a position where I can leave the company for a few weeks and feel 100% confident in the company's success in my absence. I think a key element to this peace of mind is having a reliable business partner with complementary skill sets.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The feeling of the need to be on call 24/7 to "put out fires." As the business scales, the "fires" only get larger despite having more team members to assist.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Pursue an industry that aligns with your passion because there will be times when it'll take 100% of your time to keep the business going. Passion goes a long way towards bridging long stretches of being overworked.
- Don't be afraid to give up equity. Having 50% of something large is better than having 100% of nothing. If you find a good fit for a business partner, don't be apprehensive about giving up equity.
- Charge what you're worth, and don't undervalue your service. As you continue to improve your product or service each year, you should be charging more for your time.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.clayborne.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClayborneEdu/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ClayborneEdu/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClayborneEdu
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clayborne-education/
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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