Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in consultancy but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Erin Barr, Owner of Erin Barr Consulting, located in Highland, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I provide Human Resources consulting services to small and medium-sized businesses. After years of working for corporations in a variety of industries, I was inspired to work with small businesses that may not have any HR support. My team is small, and our approach is to be strategic while supporting the day-to-day needs of clients on an individual basis. HR is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and we tailor our services to meet the needs of businesses and business owners.
Tell us about yourself
I've been in HR since 2007. In my years working in the industry, I've gained so much experience in many functional areas. This has helped lend itself to creating this custom model for clients and being able to support them in a wide variety of areas.
I really value people and business. Since the pandemic, many of us have learned that life and work can no longer be mutually exclusive. Helping businesses build models that allow people to bring their whole selves to work while maintaining the professionalism needed to support the business is really a cornerstone of why I do what I do.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I started my business in October of 2020 and have grown my client roster since that time, but also maintained several clients since the business's inception. Being able to build those relationships is so important to me and allows me to support the businesses and clients that I work with in the best way possible.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, I've found a lot of perks and balance in my life that I didn't always have before. Having said that, it is really difficult to turn off my work brain and focus on leisure. I love what I do; that passion propels me forward, and my excitement tends to get the best of my schedule!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
There are so many things that I've learned along the way! Here are 3 tips that I think could help anyone, no matter what business they are starting:
- Do your homework. Understand your competition and the industry.
- If you are going to have employees, understand what that takes from compliance, tax, and payroll perspective.
- Think about how you are going to ENJOY running your business. It's a huge accomplishment to start your own biz, and it should be something that, while difficult, ultimately stokes your passion and enhances your life.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.erinabarr.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notyourhrlady/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinabarr/
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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