Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Divya Parekh, CEO of THE DP GROUP, LLC, located in Cary, NC, USA.

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

We help driven leaders, experts, and entrepreneurs position their experience and expertise into a thriving and recognizable online presence. Many have the knowledge and skills for successful impact but have yet to be discovered by their audience because of a lack of visibility. They may be doing several things right, but creating an undisputable authority presence is problematic without the proper positioning. Being recognized as a trusted leader is crucial for attracting prospects and making a lasting impact in your industry. That's where we come in. With my expertise in mindset coaching, authority positioning, and passion for empowerment, I guide my clients in creating a confident narrative that showcases their expertise without sacrificing authenticity. This is just the first step. We then work together to build authority assets and social proof that empowers experts to command attention, solidify their status as trusted leaders in their field, and create a lasting impact.

Tell us about yourself

What got me started in this business was a pivotal moment when my coworkers got laid off. It was a grueling experience, and I felt powerless to do anything about it. Seeing my colleagues lose their jobs while hoping I would not lose mine left me feeling empty and unfulfilled. I then realized I wanted to steer my path and positively impact people's lives. I knew it was time to reflect and decide what my life's next phase would be. Failures and successes educated me alike that no man or woman is an island. I realized that progress resulted from meeting people where they are and developing robust relationships with people. I came to treasure those connections, and I had an epiphany that I enjoyed enhancing relationships and helping people on my team more than doing actual projects. That understanding led the transition from the corporate world to an entrepreneur, coach, and consultant.

Since 2010, working with others has gotten me up in the morning, and it keeps me going when things get tough. I just can't get enough of seeing people thrive and succeed. To be honest, it's more than just a career. It's a calling. When I see the potential in someone and know I can help them reach it, it's like a fire that ignites within me. I firmly believe that every person has inherent value, and it's my mission to help them realize their full potential.

One of my most rewarding experiences is seeing someone have an "aha" moment. You know, that moment when everything just clicks into place, and they suddenly see things from a different perspective. It's like a lightbulb moment and one of the most fulfilling experiences I've ever had. Being part of someone's transformation journey truly motivates me. Seeing them go from a place of uncertainty to one of success and achievement is an incredible feeling. Whether through coaching, mentoring, or simply providing guidance and support, I'm honored to be part of their journey.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As an entrepreneur, my journey has been full of twists and turns. At times, it has been a real roller coaster ride! I've faced many challenges, including closing a company and starting a new one. Let me tell you, that was tough! But I also know that failures are valuable learning experiences.

One of the most significant setbacks I've faced was when I broke my shoulder. It forced me to take a break from my business, and I went into debt during that time. I was feeling down and didn't know how I would bounce back. It was tough to stay positive, and there were times when I felt overwhelmed and discouraged. But I refused to give up. I took responsibility for my situation, and I made a plan to pay off my debt. It wasn't easy, and there were moments when I wanted to throw in the towel. But I kept pushing forward, even when things were stacked against me. And you know what? I did it! I paid off the debt and got my business back on a solid footing. It was an absolute joy.

As an entrepreneur, I've learned that uncertainty is a constant companion. The pandemic was no exception. When I had to put my retreat plans on hold because of the pandemic, I realized the significance of pivoting and adapting to changing circumstances. We adjusted our services to meet the needs of our clients during the pandemic. And we kept the business going strong. Developing a deep understanding of resilience and determination has helped me weather the storms. My experiences have taught me that challenges can be opportunities for growth and learning. And I'm excited to see what the future holds.

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

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is the responsibility of making important decisions that can have a significant impact on the success or failure of the business. As a business owner, you have to decide about everything from the products or services you offer to the pricing, marketing, hiring, and managing of employees. These decisions require careful consideration and analysis and can be stressful and time-consuming. You also must consider factors such as market trends, competition, and the economic and political environment. As the business grows, the decisions become more complex, and the consequences of making a wrong choice can be more severe.

Another challenging aspect of being a business owner is the need to wear multiple hats and juggle multiple responsibilities. You may have to be the CEO, CFO, marketer, salesperson, customer service representative, and more simultaneously. This requires strong time management skills, the ability to prioritize tasks, and the willingness to work long hours.

Finally, owning a business can be emotionally challenging. Be prepared to deal with failures, setbacks, and rejection. Maintaining a positive attitude and staying motivated when things are not going as planned can be difficult. However, with the right mindset and a willingness to learn from mistakes, you can overcome these challenges and succeed as a business owner.

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

Starting, running, and growing a business can be challenging but rewarding. It requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, you can take several key steps to increase your chances of success.

The three tips to get you going with your business are:

  1. Find a problem to solve - One of the most important things you can do when starting a business is to identify people's problems. Then you create a solution for it based on your experience and expertise. This could be a product or service that makes their lives easier or solves a pain point they are experiencing. Do some market research to find out what people are struggling with, and then create a solution that meets their needs. Remember, your business has to be focused on providing value to your customers.
  2. Be sure to have a resilient mindset - Running a business is not always smooth sailing. There will be challenges, setbacks, and failures along the way. It's essential to develop a resilient mindset, embrace change, and adapt to new circumstances. Remember, every failure is an opportunity to learn and grow. With the right mindset, you can turn obstacles into opportunities.
  3. Build a strong reputation and network - People work with people they trust, like, and know. It's vital to position yourself as an authority in your industry and build a strong reputation by providing high-quality products or services, being reliable and responsive, and delivering value to your customers. This can help you build a network of loyal customers, referrals, and partnerships that can help you grow and sustain your business.

I hope these tips are helpful to you as you embark on your journey as a business owner! Remember, starting and growing a business can be challenging. Still, you can guarantee your success as a business owner with the right mindset, proper positioning, and support. So why wait? Take the first step today and start building the business you've always wanted.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.divyaparekh.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divya.parekh.790/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeyourmessageamovement/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coachdivya
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/divyaparekh/

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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