Recruit, Retain, and Manage an Engaged Workforce - Lynn Leary

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in human resources services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lynn Leary, CEO of Employment Practices Counsel, Inc., located in Charlotte, NC, USA.

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

EPC is a human resources services company. We work with businesses of all sizes as well as government and nonprofit organizations to deliver innovative and insightful management systems, employee relations solutions, training and development, and other resources that drive employee engagement and satisfaction, as well as deliver efficiencies that support both company and employee growth. We provide recruiting, onboarding, management and development coaching, and employee relations services.

Tell us about yourself

I started my career as an attorney, initially as a criminal prosecutor. After several years I left that field and went to private practices and a labor and employment attorney. The birth of my daughter led me to rethink my legal career. My priorities changed. I was no longer interested in becoming a partner or working 60-70 hour weeks that were needed to rise to the top. I left that role from corporate America, which allowed me a little more flexibility. I was in that role as Director of Employee Relations for more than 15 years. Throughout that time, I always aspired to be my own.

One day a fellow attorney asked me for some assistance with a business training and coaching project. That request led to others and even request from other business for assistance. I loved what I did in corporate America, but I saw how I could continue to do what I loved but do it on my terms. What started as a side hustle eventually became my full-time gig. I love what I do. I get to work with businesses from different industries that are facing different challenges, and that is what keeps it exciting and interesting for me.

I love walking into a new client's workspace and learning what they do and who they are. Sometimes my role is as simple as helping them identify a new payroll system, sometimes, it's as serious as investigating claims of harassment, or it might be working with them to identify and implement new systems or programs that drive employee engagement and satisfaction.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment was hiring my first employee. That's when I knew that it was going to be okay. Not only could I afford to hire someone else, but that meant that I was growing, and businesses were trusting me to advise them on their operations. I hired a young lady who was interested in growing her human resources career, so I became an employer and a mentor.

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

One of the hardest things was setting boundaries. Because I was on my own when I started, I had a tendency to want to be available for anything and to take on every project. I soon found that I was working all of the time. I had to learn to reign that in and learn to balance my time as well as manage client expectations.

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

1. Have a plan. It doesn't have to be a 100-page business plan but more of a plan of how you want to focus your time and energy.
2. Don't be afraid to ask for or seek out help. I was an attorney who knew nothing about running a business. I participated in a couple of community-based programs designed to help business owners scale their businesses. I took classes to learn about marketing, accounting, and other essential areas where I had no experience. Initially, I was responsible for all of these areas.
3. Don't be afraid to let go of something that is not working for you. Just because you started with a particular service or product does not mean you have to continue with it if it is not profitable or if it is not serving your overall mission or purpose.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.epcounsel.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/epcounsel
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epcounsel/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/employment-practices-counsel/

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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