Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with David Richman, founder of Butterfield Enterprises, Inc., located in Granada Hills, CA, USA.

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

Butterfield Enterprises, Inc. is known for transforming businesses, helping companies and organizations better manage and motivate their employees, and assisting individuals to reach their optimum goals. The Company's mission back in 1973 remains the same as today. "To assist small to medium size companies, and individuals at any stage in their careers, to enhance their maximum potentials and professionalism through in-depth training and consulting."

Tell us about yourself

In 1973, I founded Butterfield Enterprises, Inc., a highly respected Sales and Management training and consulting firm in Southern California. I'm a Trainer and Keynote Speaker with degrees in Psychology and Business. I felt sharing my knowledge, expertise, and, I believe, somewhat humorous outlook on who we and, how we perceive, and how others perceive us would be helpful to anyone wanting to grow in the business world. I've been referred to as the "Salesperson's Salesperson," and I work diligently to be the finest trainer and advisor possible.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Aside from helping companies and individuals reach and exceed their goals for the last fifty years, which is what I feel the greatest pride in, the following accomplishments also mean a great deal to me:

  • I've been recognized as a superior speaker and requested to speak before the International Toastmasters, Phi Delta Kappa, an international association of educators, and some small and large companies and organizations.
  • I'm a Charter inductee into the "200 Club" for Sales Professionals exceeding 200% of their Sales Goals.
  • I'm a six-time recipient of The Learning Tree University's "Faculty Award" for continual excellence in teaching. The Award is a combination of opinions from students, the teaching staff, and management.
  • I'm also the winner of numerous Sales and Management awards, including the prestigious "President's Award" for managerial excellence.

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

As a business owner, I find very few difficulties in day-to-day activities. Every business is different, and the commonplace issues that tend to cause problems are also different and, at the same time, somewhat the same. Quite frankly, I can't remember any great difficulties I've encountered. Be honest and ethical, treat all people with respect, maintain consistency, and always do what you say you'll do, and your business normally runs smoothly.

As a manager, personnel complications can arise. However, if you make your key priority the motivation of your employees, the Company will almost always run well.

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

  1. Make sure you know what exactly you intend to do. That means not only what your day-to-day activities will be but what your five and ten-year forecasts are. Have a written Business Plan.
  2. Be an expert at your business. Don't open a restaurant because you enjoy eating out and you believe you'll make money as an owner. You need to know how guests are seated, what meals the cooks need to prepare first and why, how to inventory and order food, and every other detail of the restaurant industry.
  3. Be an aggressive marketer. Never sit back and wait for the business to come to you. You must force the business to come to you. Become a marketing expert or hire one.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.butterfieldenterprises.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.richman.90/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-richman-b1263a46/

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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