Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andreas Dankelmann, Founder of FifthAscent LLC., located in San Francisco, CA, USA.

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

Fifth Ascent is an EOS Implementation and Talent Optimization firm helping leadership teams to create and align behind a compelling vision and strategy. We build engaged, cohesive teams that consistently achieve their goals.

We work with business owners and leadership teams of privately held businesses that are typically between 10 and 300 people in size and, most importantly, are growth-oriented.

Tell us about yourself

Over the past 20+ years, I have lived and worked in five continents, working with and developing teams and businesses in a variety of industries. While investing in and helping run and grow multiple entrepreneurial businesses, I learned the simple, practical tools that help business owners and their teams to achieve the growth they want. When teams learn how to communicate more effectively, solve conflict and make better decisions, magic happens. That's what get's me out of bed every morning.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

After exiting from my previous investment, I started Fifth Ascent 3 years ago with the mission "Better Work, Better World!" Since then, I have been able to grow consistently, even through the pandemic.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

As an avid triathlete and multiple Ironman finisher, I've learned that consistency is the key to success. Everyone can work out every day for one week, but doing it consistently, day after day, week after week, month after month, requires grit, resilience, and a whole lot of intrinsic motivation.

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

  1. Start by really understanding why you want to start your business. Get really clear about how your vision for your business aligns with your personal values and goals.
  2. Get a coach or mentor. You don't have to make all mistakes yourself, really!
  3. Build your team early. You can't be good at everything! Be honest with yourself. What are you really good at, and what do you suck at. Then find the right people to complement your skills.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.growbeyondboundaries.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fifthascentllc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fifthascentllc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreas-dankelmann/

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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