Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Jermaine Johnson, Owner of Dream Team Consulting Firm, located in Columbia, SC, USA.

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

Dream Team Consulting (DTC) is a full-service Organizational Development firm specializing in the enhancement of day-to-day operations and the recruitment and retention of qualified individuals. Utilizing a team with a combined experience of 60 years, innovative tactics, and proven theories in the field of Organizational Development, DTC can handle any challenge thrown it's way. DTC has built a reputation as a trusted firm providing optimized support for organizations of all sizes with exceptional outcomes. When it comes to consulting, we are simply the best.

Tell us about yourself

I got started years ago by doing a lot of volunteer work. I started a non-profit organization to help disadvantaged people to learn life skills and soft skills in order to make them more employable. I created partnerships with various businesses that agreed to hire the individuals upon successful completion of my program. After doing this for a few years, I discovered that there were a number of companies and industries that were looking for employee development. At that point, I decided to create a consulting firm that would assist with leadership and employee development while still offering volunteer services. My heart is truly in this, which is why my company has become so successful since 2018.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is helping more than 20 people since 2018 to start their own profitable businesses. Some of these businesses are side businesses, and some are now full-time occupations. To help people create not only financial freedom but freedom with their time is just amazing to me, and I love every aspect of what I do.

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

One of the hardest things is dealing with the day-to-day. As I am the owner, when problems arise, I must be the person to handle this issue. As an owner, even when you delegate tasks, the responsibility ultimately falls on you. When you start a business, it becomes your baby, so it's even more difficult to allow others to oversee parts of what you invested and created.

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

  1. Don't leave the day job until the income from your side business matches the day job money. This way, your family and lifestyle will not take a hit.
  2. Try to work in the industry of the business that you wish to start before you go out on your own so that you can learn as much as possible about that industry to minimize mistakes.
  3. Make sure to have a good tax person or CPA to assist and keep you legal.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

There's nothing like waking up every day and working on the company and product you created!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://dtconsultingfirm.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJermaineJohnson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjermainejohnson/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dr_JLJohnson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jermaine-johnson-sr-517b289a/

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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