Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dawn Wellott, founder of SmartMomGig.com and Work Gap Solution, located in Denver, CO, USA.

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

SmartMomGig.com was established to match business owners and US-based independent contractors/freelancers, then connect them via our secure proprietary platform. Imagine Upwork, but for women in the US.

Tell us about yourself

Time and time again, I've seen women ranging from senior executives to front-line workers give up their career, promotions, and even their jobs because they needed to make a choice. COVID-19 showed us that work could be done from anywhere and anytime. The perception that work needs to be accomplished in a 9-5 work day is officially archaic and obsolete. SmartMomGig.com offers flexibility and freedom to support a new way of life by giving us a new way to work.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Every day my children "see" the process, the amount of work and passion it takes. And regardless of all that, showing them that failure is part of the process and acceptable but fail fast, then get up quickly and adjust course. Showing them to go for their dreams, regardless of the opinions of others. I hope this same ambition is injected into the freelance entrepreneurs we help to establish. Showing women that working in a non-traditional workforce will have trials but, overall, how amazing it can be to have work that supports the freedom in your schedule. Women no longer have to choose, and that's something we can all get behind.

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

If only I had a crystal ball, I could have saved so much time and energy. When forging a new path, things are not clear-cut. Knowing where to go for support and guidance was like a needle in a haystack. There are many government systems and resources, but if your company doesn't fit the mold, it can be difficult to take advantage of those. I've lost friends and partners along the way. I wasn't prepared for how far I would need to push my mission and how that passion couldn't be expected from all. Just because people like your idea does not mean they will put their money behind it. Most supporters will find 100 things wrong with every one thing they like. And those are the supporters! Having thick skin is mandatory. And no matter what, no matter the odds, just keep going!

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

  1. Embrace change. If you don't incorporate change into your business plan, then you will hit a wall. Technology and how we use it is never evergreen. Get in front of new thought processes. Consider how your processes can be more efficient and effective. Early on, discern how changing landscapes could affect your business, for the good or bad. Stay agile in process and concept. If you can, try to make one change a month that helps align your business with a changing demand - whether it be the people, process, or product your business supports. It is entirely up to you to acknowledge the change and find creative ways to make it serve your business.
  2. Ask for help in finding resources. Sometimes the biggest resources are friends or friends of friends. But you have to ask. Assuming that people know what you need and will automatically make the connection for you is a surefire way to fail. People typically don't want to be assumptive or feel like they might insult you by assuming you need the help. If you see an opportunity for support, it's 100% your responsibility to ask for the introduction, the guidance, the mentorship, or whatever the connection might be.
  3. Believe in yourself more than anyone else does. People can feel your energy, your commitment, and your intentions. If you only "half-ass" believe you can accomplish your goals, then others will instinctively know it. If you aren't a believer in "Fake it, till you make it!", then entrepreneurship may not be for you. You have to start somewhere and have a clear idea of how you want things to go. Then you need to paint a step-by-step picture for others to follow along. Decide what your destination will be and set yourself up for success by planning out how you will get there. Then, never look back! Go for your goals with all the fervor and intention you can muster each and every day!

Where can people find you and your business?

SmartMomGig.com
https://www.smartmomgig.com/
https://www.facebook.com/SmartMomGig/
https://www.instagram.com/smartmomgig/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/smartmomgig/

Work Gap Solution
https://www.facebook.com/workgapsolution
https://www.instagram.com/workgapsolution/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/work-gap-solution/

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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