Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in training and education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mike Flynn, Owner of Engenius Learning, located in San Jose, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Engenius Learning is an after-school, supplemental learning, supporting children from kindergarten to college in almost every academic subject.
Tell us about yourself
I have been in the tutoring business for 36 years. I got started tutoring for SAT prep, had a great deal of success at that, and started adding subjects that I was able to tutor. I specialize in children that, for one reason or another, have slipped through the cracks and are struggling in school. The reason this interests me is that I was this child. I moved schools three times in second grade, which caused me to have a number of learning gaps, ultimately crushing my confidence. From that point forward, I got labeled incorrectly as having a learning disability. It wasn't until high school that I found a teacher who really believed in me and helped me realize that I could succeed, and she showed me the way how.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have adapted my business model to survive four recessions and a once-in-a-generation pandemic. Business is hard, but I have been able to keep things simple and offer frictionless ways to help struggling students.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Knowing when to change direction. Many failed businesses give up too early, while others hang on too long. It takes a great deal of perseverance to survive the ups and downs of business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Never ask your employees to do something you wouldn't. Employees will follow you if they know you are a leader willing to do the work.
- Your customers are not your friends, but that doesn't mean you treat them as transactions. Customers need to feel as if you have a real interest in them.
- Find something you are passionate about. If you do not have passion for your business, look for something else.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.engeniuslearning.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EngeniusLearning
Twitter: https://twitter.com/engeniusprep
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-flynn-engeniuslearning/
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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