Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lisa Dupras, Owner of Elev8 Consulting, LLC, located in Lanoka Harbor, NJ, USA.

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

Elev8 Consulting is a company that specializes in 1-on-1 coaching for the personal needs of job seekers and overworked women. Our services include career coaching (resumes, LinkedIn profiles, interview preparation), hypnotherapy, and life coaching services.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Lisa Dupras; I'm an entrepreneur! I worked many years as an HR Manager in healthcare and then in project management for a Fortune 500 company. During COVID, I decided to retire and establish Elev8 Consulting. I believe that my past work and life experiences have prepared me well to help others. I live at the NJ shore and volunteer my career and hypnotherapy services whenever possible. Helping people experience personal success is what motivates me every day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I was recently accepted to teach a series of classes at my local library. While this may seem very small, I'm really excited to bring my help and advice to a greater group of people. I also think giving back through volunteerism is extremely important.

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

Marketing! Having a background in HR and IT did NOT prepare me for the work required to promote my business. I had to create my own marketing plan and start posting content to social media accounts. I had to teach myself all about websites and how to attract business to them. In fact, I didn't think I'd have to promote my business at all!

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

  1. Being an entrepreneur is not easy! It's easy to get very involved and consumed in your business; it's basically YOURS. Make sure to make time for family and extracurricular activities.
  2. Don't underestimate the time you need to spend outside working with clients. You always have emails read, marketing things to try, websites to build, etc. Try and evaluate how much time you spend, streamline your work, cut it back, or get help.
  3. Getting clients is hard work. They just don't fall into your lap. They require nurturing and development. When they start coming in, treat them well.
  4. Be persistent. As cliché as it sounds, do not give up. I had to learn how to do videos and speak in front of the camera. For other entrepreneurship can be extremely stressful, and founders may find that they initially encounter a lot of rejection. Do your due diligence by ensuring the idea is viable. Get the support of trusted mentors and advisors, and push through the challenges.
  5. Be creative. The average millionaire has about seven streams of income. There is a lesson to be learned there—if those who are thriving financially are always looking for ways to earn more, I believe that businesses can thrive in much the same way. As long as it is consistent with the business' value proposition, there is no limit on how creative founders can get in generating revenue or reaching their audience.
  6. Stay true to yourself. The market, your industry, and even your customers will change in business once you identify your "why," stay true to that. Being consistent communicates credibility, helps you to stand out among competitors, and streamlines your process and decision-making.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.elev8hypnosis.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.dupras/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.hyp.tists/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dupraselev8coaching/

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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