Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elesha Keaton, Owner of ENK Professional Services, located in Stockbridge, GA, USA.

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

As the proprietor of a Virtual Administrative Service, I specialize in rendering administrative support to entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized business owners throughout the United States. My services are exclusively virtual, enabling clients to focus on running and expanding their businesses while I effectively manage their administrative workload. My adeptness in handling diverse administrative tasks gives entrepreneurs and business owners the valuable opportunity to enhance their business operations and growth potential.

Tell us about yourself

That is a great question and one I think about daily. I can never come up with an answer better than I love what I do, and I knew I could turn my passion into a business of my own. I am saving business owners' overhead and other employee expenses yet providing them with the same service they can get from an EA in the office. One thing that motivates me daily is the freedom to work a flexible schedule. It's easier to meet deadlines without the added stress of your daily office politics. This also leads to more productivity. This keeps my clients happy, and when my clients are happy, I am happy. I guess that says a lot about me in general. I've always been customer/client-focused and started my career in customer service at 16. I was recognized for my natural customer service and communication skills and was offered a promotion from cashier to customer service. From that point, I realized I truly enjoyed customer service and administrative support. In my business, I offer both.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is starting and remaining in business for 16 years and throughout the Pandemic. The Pandemic made me step up my game as the world began to realize what remote was and how beneficial it was. So my biggest accomplishment is for me to be in business today after such a long time.

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 will to keep pushing when things get low. Losing clients is a major obstacle sometimes; you want to give it all up and go back to the security of working for someone else. Then you realize there is no more security in the workforce than in the business world. Losing a client is no different than losing a job. When you have that mindset, you pick yourself up and move on.

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

  1. Start a business you are passionate about. Don't start a business because there is the possibility of making a lot of money. Yes, that is a great perk, but you don't want to end up with something that you will be miserable doing. Starting a business is not meant to be part-time unless you are purposely starting a part-time business.
  2. Invest in your business! Many people start a business and automatically want funding to make it grow. First, loans have to be paid back. Investing in your business is also doing the research. How much could you even afford to borrow? Most investors will want to know you've invested in your own business, and often, lenders will require you to be in business for a minimum of 6 months and be profitable.
  3. Have a business plan! This is so important. I hear many business owners say their business plan is in their heads. That is not a business plan; that is a thought. A business plan is a comprehensive document that outlines your business and how you intend to grow. It's a plan of action you can reference to make sure you are staying on track or if you need to pivot and try something different to get to where you want to be. It is also a tool many lenders request. A good business plan with 5-year financials can be the difference in how much you qualify for.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.enkprofessional.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enkprofessionalsvcs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enkprofessionalsvcs/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elesha-keaton/

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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