Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Deborah Biddle, Founder of The People Company Consulting Group, located in Madison, WI, USA.

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

The People Company Consulting Group is a diversity, equity, and inclusion consultancy that provides training, assessment, strategic planning, consulting, leadership coaching, and diversity practitioner certification. The People Company Consulting Group provides relevant advice, coaching, strategic perspective, and educational solutions for multiple industries, including healthcare, technology, higher education, insurance, manufacturing, service, and non-profit organizations. We value the unique circumstances and success factors of every client. We work with you to imagine a high-performing environment and develop solutions to help realize your "what if" goals. Together, we work with you to clearly define your diversity and inclusion vision of success, so we can move toward creating your unique strategy.

The People Company Consulting Group training—combined with diversity, equity, and inclusion coaching—ensures employees at all levels understand how diversity, equity, and inclusion factor into their work, decision-making, problem-solving, business opportunities, and business growth.

Tell us about yourself

I started my company after working in career transition for a few years. It was during the time when incidents against communities of color were being exposed, and healthcare and educational disparities were prevalent in my community. Out of a strong desire to see people treat one another more equitably and inclusively, especially marginalized people, I set on a path to address the disparities in a space where I have expertise--the business community. I have worked in corporate America for over 25 years. It's a world I am comfortable in and understand. So, I launched my business with the intent to change the hearts, minds, organizational culture, practices, and processes in the workplace.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I've been able to build a successful business with high-quality work, strong relationships and high trust with clients, a highly effective and supportive team, diligence, and faith in God.

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

The work never ends. Creating space for myself and my family has been hard. There's always something else to do. So, prioritizing my home life has been the biggest challenge for me.

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

  1. Be focused on your goal, trust the process and trust God.
  2. Work with people who understand your vision, want to work with you, and have some people around to encourage and lift you up when times are hard.
  3. Do the research and work to get where you want to be.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Entrepreneurship is not for the faint at heart or the lazy. It takes vision, grit, dedication, and perseverance. Ask lots of questions. Network. Help other people accomplish their dreams, too!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://ppl-co.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PPLCOLLC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pplcollc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PPLCOLLC
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3A1Pi38

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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