Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in human resource services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rachel Weaven, Human Resources Consultant of face2faceHR Swindon, located in Calne, United Kingdom.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I run an HR consultancy where I support businesses that don't have the capacity to have internal HR but have employees, so they still need guidance on how to manage anything they come up against. This can be anything from taking on their first employee to managing absence, performance, or conduct concerns.
I am also a Licensed Insights Practitioner, so I enjoy running training sessions with teams on how to improve communication or HR essential skills. My clients come from all different sectors and, most of the time, come to me if they have a concern with an employee. I do get some to come to me saying I want to have HR in place, which is great and gives us a chance to get things in place upfront. I'm like an insurance policy, you might not need me, but you are covered if you do.
Tell us about yourself
I have been in HR for over 15 years and fell into it. I was previously interested in media, so I loved being creative, designing, and taking photos. However, that wasn't to be, and I fell into HR by working as a receptionist in the HR department. I have always been a people person, and I love being able to help them solve their problems to move forward. I took the step to go it alone at the end of the pandemic. I wanted to help more business owners be proactive with their people. I am a big advocate of looking after your staff, so they look after your business, so rather than firefighting, I like to encourage companies to put things in place so we can reduce conflict. My business is now two years old, and it's going from strength to strength. I am also working with others on some collaboration projects, which is really exciting.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Actually, running my business is something I had always thought about but never ever thought it would be something I could actually do, and I am loving it.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Trying to be everyone. Accountant, Sales. Marketing, IT, etc. There is so much to running a business that it can feel really overwhelming. Taking a step back and allocating time in your day to work on specific items has helped me, and when you are in a position to do so, know that there are some awesome people out there that you can outsource to or even employ to do the areas which are not your strengths which then allow you to focus on what you do.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Surround yourself with like-minded individuals; they support you so much when you're having your not-so-good days!
- Be kind to yourself - it's hard work but so rewarding.
- Celebrate your wins - no matter how small they seem, shout about them.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://face2facehr.com/hr-consultant-swindon/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/face2facehrswindon
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/face2facehrswindon/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelWeaven_HR
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/RachelWeavenHR/
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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