Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Heather Bennett, Founder and CEO of Creative Brand Coach, located in Chicago, IL, USA.

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

Advising and helping entrepreneurs, businesses, and executives for over 20 years with their personal, professional, and business goals.

Tell us about yourself

I started my advisory work as a side hustle. Realizing how much founders and business owners needed guidance to grow and scale their business, I moved to coaching and advising full-time. Seeing the success of my clients both while working with them and years later is what motivates me. Helping someone take what they are passionate about and turn it into a thriving business is immensely fulfilling.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Writing Fun and Fulfilling Careers One Question at a Time. My clients had been asking me for years to write down the methods I use with them to share and help a broader group of business owners. What surprised me was how quickly the book became a valuable tool, not only for people who have never worked with me but also for my clients. My books speed up the process of creating strategies and plans to help my clients reach their fiscal and professional goals faster and more successfully.

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

Knowing when to outsource. You can't be and do everything. The key to a successful business is to have self-awareness of your strengths and weaknesses. Then, find the right people to do the tasks that are not worth your time or outside of your skill set. This is especially hard for start-ups when funding is tight, and the viability of the business still needs to be proven. Asking for help and creating your own trusted Board of Directors to lean on for advice are two ways to de-risk a growing business.

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

  1. Explore. When you have an idea for a business, take the time to understand the marketplace, competition, and your ideal customer.
  2. Take care of the basics. Find a business attorney and an accountant to keep your budget on track and to protect you and the business legally.
  3. Networking. Don't underestimate the power of having and building a strong network. Remember, the keys to great networking include: give-to-get, follow-up, and consistency. Be there for your network, and they will be there for you.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://creativebrandcoach.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativebrandcoach/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativebrandch/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/creativebrandch
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-h-bennett/

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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