Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Amy Climer, CEO & Founder of Climer Consulting, located in Asheville, NC, USA.

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

I have a consulting practice, and I work with business leaders who want their teams to be more innovative but don't know where to start. I teach them a creative process that helps them lead innovation in their organization. My clients are in a diverse range of fields and have ranged from small non-profits to large organizations like the Mayo Clinic, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the University of Wisconsin. The work ranges from multi-day training, keynote speaking, emceeing conferences, and coaching. I also created a creativity and teambuilding tool called Climer Cards, which many trainers and facilitators use in their work.

Tell us about yourself

I started my career leading groups through intensive wilderness leadership experiences and teambuilding programs. I was an Outward Bound instructor and have led up to 21-day wilderness expeditions in the U.S. I also worked in higher ed and developed a curiosity about how creativity develops in teams and why some teams can innovate easily and others can't. I eventually pursued a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change so I could go deeper into studying creativity in teams. The research I did then is still an integral part of my work with clients. I love working with my clients! The new insights they gain and those ah-ha moments they experience keep me motivated. I feel so grateful I get to do the work I do.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I'm proud of a lot of the work I've done over the last 14 years, including finishing my Ph.D. while running my business, giving a TEDx talk about my research, and speaking at and emceeing big events. However, I think the biggest accomplishment is still being in business after 14 years and that each year is better than the last. Over that time, I've helped hundreds of companies be more creative, and it feels good to know I've made a difference in their lives. I truly love owning my own business!

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

There is always a lot to do. It can be challenging to decide what to do, when, and how much time to put into each thing. Figuring out which work really matters for your business is tough but so critical. There are a lot of "advisors" telling you what to focus on and that their way is the best way. It's hard to sort through who to listen to and who not to, but so valuable when you get that figured out.

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

  1. The entrepreneurial journey includes a lot of ups and downs. Somedays, you'll feel happy and proud and thrilled to be running a business. On other days you'll feel doubt, frustration, and alone. This is normal. When I realized this was just part of the process, the rough days became a lot easier. Now, they barely phase me, and those ups and downs have evened out.
  2. Have faith in yourself. If you are doing the work with integrity, learning from your mistakes, and pivoting when you need to, it will work.
  3. Let go of what doesn't work. I'm someone with a lot of ideas, but not all of them work out the way I hope they will. I've learned that the best thing you can do is to drop the ideas that aren't working. As soon as you do, you can move on to better ideas that will make a positive difference.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://climerconsulting.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/climerconsulting
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyclimer/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amyclimer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyclimer/

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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