Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and leadership development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Erica McCurdy, Managing Director of McCurdy Solutions Group LLC, located in Peachtree Corners, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My professional services businesses focus on improving communication, mindset, and performance. The parent company, McCurdy Solutions Group, works with transitioning senior military in the SOF community and senior leadership experiencing tension or change. My second company works in the family space and provides communication services (voluntary and court-ordered) for high-conflict families whose actions hurt their children.
Tell us about yourself
The pathway to entrepreneurship has not been straight or easy. As a child, I questioned everything and tested every rule and limit. That drive defined my achievements from pre-school into adulthood. Don't tell me I can't or it isn't possible, especially because of my age, gender, or exposure. I remember a life defined by what people told me I couldn't do, followed by the reckless pursuit of those achievements. I was told women didn't "do" technology, so I learned to program and became a technology executive. I worked with innovative technologies. I was told women didn't do blue-collar work, and I pivoted — starting, building, and selling a residential sanitation company. I took risk after risk, forging a life and career that looks quite different than most but is filled with opportunities to make an impact. My two current businesses focus on helping others take their best next step. My clients motivate me. Our relationships are built upon trust and authenticity. I cannot imagine doing anything else.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It's so hard to say what the biggest accomplishment is. I don't consider it a competition for the best or the biggest. Each time a client finds success, it's the biggest accomplishment, and we celebrate. Perhaps the more important accomplishment is that enough people have trusted us so that we can confidently continue to provide our services to others.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
So much of being a business owner is hard. I used to think the hardest part was not giving up and getting a traditional job. That stress has long passed, but it was a little demon that popped into my head many times over the first five years. The hardest part is probably focusing on the "business of your business." Things like billing, taxes, communication, pipeline planning, staffing, and marketing. Pretty much the hardest parts are all the things that are NOT working with clients.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Done is better than perfect - Probably the BEST advice I could give. Don't let yourself get bogged down in the details. Your logo and website are fine, and your company name is fine, just like they are. Until you are a HUGE company, stop obsessing over things that don't matter. Get the basics done and get back to building clients.
- Be willing to give it time - Building a sustainable business is not a straight line. Low lows will follow great highs. Set generous timelines and deadlines to measure success.
- You are not in competition with anyone - Stop measuring your success by looking at others. Keep your eyes on your prize. Looking left and right only slows you down.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.mccurdysolutions.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mccurdygroup/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.