Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Luda Safransky, Founder of DELT Strategy, located in San Diego, CA, USA.

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

DELT Strategy provides Business Development and Strategy consulting services to companies in the Architectural/Engineering/Construction (AEC) industry who are eager to grow their business. We support businesses in their growth efforts, helping them to both establish their goals and achieve them. In addition, we offer a variety of training opportunities for both teams and individuals, including interview preparation, business development, strategy, training, networking, and more.

Tell us about yourself

As many of us in the AEC industry like to say, I got into this business by accident 17 years ago. I was a freshman in college and needed to find a job. I saw a job posting in the newspaper of the local architectural firm looking for an administrative assistant, and I applied. I got the job and worked with the firm for the next 6.5 years while getting to learn more and more about the industry and getting both my Bachelor's and MBA degrees. Eventually, I was promoted to do Marketing, but my ultimate passion has always been Business Development and Strategy. I was working hard on building my personal brand and my relationships, and I enjoyed doing that.

My next job was at an international construction company. I had been there for 10 years and definitely learned a lot about the construction side of the business. I helped the company with its business development efforts and acquiring new work. I also got an opportunity to lead their internal women employee resource group for the last two years I was there as well as facilitating different pieces of training and team-building events.

As of January 2022, I decided to take a leap and open my own Business Development and Strategy Consulting Firm. I am passionate about helping others, and I am so happy that I get to it every day now. Opening my own business was not an easy decision, but I can now say with certainty that it was the right one! I am continuing to work in the same industry, which is definitely a big plus.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is watching my clients grow and win projects that we work on a strategy for together. It takes a lot of time, effort, and money to pursue work in the AEC industry. Therefore, seeing positive results always puts a big smile on my face.

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

There is no doubt that you have a lot of responsibilities as a business owner. You are responsible for your own business, and you are also responsible for your clients as well. I think the hardest thing for me at times is that I'm on a one-person team, and I am used to working in team settings. However, I always welcome the challenge since I am a strong believer that every challenge makes us grow.

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

  1. Believe in yourself. You are your biggest cheerleader. You know yourself, and you know what you are capable of. The hardest part for me was the financial responsibility and moving away from a pretty good steady income. However, you always make things work!
  2. Have a plan and get a mentor. Spend time brainstorming and talking to others who have similar businesses to learn more. Ask them about both positives and negatives. Get all the administrative tasks (name, website, business plan, cash flow analysis) done before officially opening your doors, so it doesn't take time away from looking for your first clients once you are officially open. There is a great FREE resource I learned about called Score.org that provides an enormous amount of mentoring and support for new business owners.
  3. Support group. Surround yourself with like-minded people who have been on your shores and who will support you with advice and guide you through the process.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

We only live once. It's ok to try new things. What is the worst that can happen? Don't let the feeling of fear stop you. I always had a goal of opening my own business, and I kept telling myself that in the end, I would rather look back and say that I tried than look back and regret never trying. Thankfully, my business picked up fast, and I am grateful every day I wake up for each one of my clients and the work we do together!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.deltstrategy.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delt_strategy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/delt-strategy/

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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