Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michael Oden, Founder of Final Step International Inc., located in Carson, CA, USA.

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

Final Step International is a personal and professional development company that educates women professionals and entrepreneurs to shift their mindset to improve confidence, become more assertive, and stop second-guessing themselves in the workplace.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Michael, and I am the founder of FSI. I have interviewed thousands of individuals, couples, and professionals who have struggled with their emotional health for the past 20+ years. I have a master's degree in Counseling Psychology. I have advanced knowledge about how your communication style, behavior, and beliefs impact your performance in your personal life and in the workplace. I am an award-winning writer and published author of the series titled "When Nobody's Home," assisting individuals in understanding their past behavior in order to empower them to move forward with confidence.

I started this business in 2013 because I wanted to reach a larger audience. I wanted to give people the gift of knowledge that would give them the answer to make better decisions for themselves and more confidence.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The fact that I am a business owner. To be honest, I do not consider myself to have that entrepreneurial spirit. What I am is a teacher at heart. I enjoy teaching and inspiring people to become better versions of themselves. A big accomplishment for me is trying to be organized and productive on a daily basis. And learning how to sell my product. That is a big deal on my end.

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

For me, it is being organized and learning how to prioritize my responsibilities. I try to remember to dot the "I's" and cross the "T's."

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

I would say:

  1. Know the effort, time, and struggle it will take to get the business started. This is no joke.
  2. Be realistic in your goals. Fantasy is different than reality.
  3. Make sure you have passion for doing what you do. You had better love what you do.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://finalstepinternational.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFinalstepint
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finalstepint/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlinaTNBM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/final-step-international-inc/

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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