Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in consultancy but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Robert Blackwell, CEO of CyTech Services LLC., located in Washington, DC, USA.

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

I am the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of an Information Technology (IT) consulting firm CyTech Services LLC. We specialize in cybersecurity, cloud computing, program and project management, networking, software development, and systems engineering. We support larger defense contracting companies with our expertise in the respective disciplines. We pride ourselves on being the pinnacle of excellence.

Tell us about yourself

I am a Washington, DC Native, and I received my education from the University of Maryland University College (Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management & Masters of Science in Cyber Security Management and policy). I have several (15) of the top industry certifications Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), to name a few. I believe in the mantra that it takes a village, and as it says in Proverbs 27: 17, “Iron Sharpens, Iron.” At the age of (13), I knew I wanted to work in the tech field. I had an opportunity via the Mayor Marion S. Barry DC Summer Job Program, which provided me with my first exposure to technology. Who knew that I would later join the same fraternity (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.) as Mayor Barry? I refer to this because you never know how your actions can positively influence others. That experience laid the groundwork for my entry into the technology field. The following people are the catalysts that motivated me to start my own business my wife (Merissa), my father (Robert Sr.), my two fraternity brothers Shueyb Ali (CEO of World Services LLC) and G.C. Murray II Esq. (CEO of Association GC). Each one of these individuals saw the potential in me to go out and be successful. My wife watched me work for several large companies (Verizon, CACI, & Jacobs Engineering), and one day she said, “Why don’t you start your own business?” For as long as I can remember, my father preached to my siblings and me that we had the intellect and ability to do whatever we set our minds to. If we remember this, “You get in, what you put in, and if you’re not going to do it right, don’t do it at all.”

My fraternity brothers were there for me every step of the way, providing guidance and mentorship. Therefore, I decided to take a shot. What keeps me motivated? Being in a position to provide for my family, as well as being in a position to guide and assist others.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was when I was able to provide a scholarship to a young woman who is now studying at the University of Southern California. I awarded her with the first Robert A. Blackwell Cyber Apprentice Scholarship. That moment alone was probably the best moment I have experienced as a business owner.

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

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is learning to say no. As a business owner, you feel the pressure of wanting to do an excellent job at all times. Where in reality, it takes a village, so learning to say no and relying on your team can be difficult at times simply because no one sees your dream the way you do, because it is not their dream. Saying no also coincides with time management. Things should be done with balance; in order to be successful as a business owner, you must maintain balance.

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

  1. Buy into your dream; it will not be all peaches and roses at all times. However, remind yourself of why you started your business and use it as fuel to push forward.
  2. Find balance in your business and your day-to-day activities. Rome was not built in a day, and neither will your business. Pace yourself; it is a marathon, not a race.
  3. Remember that it takes a village to surround yourself with the right people that have your best interest at heart.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I would like to personally thank Subkit for taking the time to conduct this interview with me. It is a blessing and pleasure.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.thecytech.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-blackwell-6b799913/

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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