Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in leadership development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dave Rudin, President of Advance Leadership, located in Crystal Lake, IL, USA.

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

Advance Leadership is a leadership and personal development company that helps businesses and organizations develop their greatest appreciable asset, people - enabling them to achieve greater results through more effective leadership.

Tell us about yourself

I am motivated by the belief that better is possible, that people are valuable, and that the catalyst necessary to crystallize potential into results is leadership. Having worked largely in the non-profit sector for 30 years, I believe that engaging and developing mostly volunteers has helped shape a deeper understanding of leading others beyond the more external motivations like monetary compensation. Dangling the "carrot" of salary or paid benefits as an incentive toward productivity has certain limitations, and effective leaders need to find ways to connect with their people in more ways than that alone.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As a solopreneur, obviously, building the business to the point that it is sustainable on its own has brought a great sense of satisfaction.

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

One of the hardest elements of being a business owner for me has been developing and refining my primary target client. The temptation to be everything to everyone is great. But as I've honed my approach from "net fishing" to "spearfishing," I've begun to find the kind of long-term relationships I've always desired with businesses and organizations.

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

  1. Do the hard work of really trying to get laser-focused on what your real deliverable strengths are.
  2. Intentionally surround yourself with people who can speak into your life and personal growth regularly.
  3. Be patient. Growth, particularly business growth, is a marathon, not a sprint.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I believe that good leaders are dealers of hope. When you train and develop leaders, you can give hope to a company, a community, and even an entire country.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://advanceleadership.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdvanceLeadershipLLC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advance.leadership/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/advancelead
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daverudin/

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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