Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Frederik Daneels, located in Rahden, Germany.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the founder of Beyond Freelancing, where I help other freelancers with the growth of their businesses. There are many people out there teaching you how to grow a business, but not many out there who will teach you how to simplify once you are on that almost unstoppable rollercoaster of exponential growth. What to do if you find yourself in the freelance trap, meaning that you have too much incoming work and no room, time, and energy for anything else? This is where I come in and help to (re)shape the business so it becomes exactly what you need to live life to the fullest on all levels. And for each of us, that is totally personal.
Tell us about yourself
I made the transition to freelancing 11 years ago. The main motivation was freedom. I wanted to decide for myself when to work, how to work, and also how much I would be earning. It was a big step to get out of that golden cage of earning a steady and reliable income. Little did I know that being my own boss could be at least as rewarding financially as being on a payroll. I get out of bed each day, knowing that I can shape my day according to my own wishes. I am motivated to work on and for my business, knowing that I have all these options to do something or not. I put in the work because I have found something that helps other people who then show their gratitude. When somebody thanks you for your work and you notice the positive impact that you have, then that is where motivation keeps on coming.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have changed people's lives. Not only that of the business owner but also that of the employee. There was once a situation where the owner of a small business said to me that he could use me full-time in his business: "I need someone like you next to me, but I am never going to find that person. Would you consider becoming part of this company?" I was, of course, flattered, but I replied to him that he already had this person in his company. She was the lady who did the administration and was exactly the person he was looking for, but he hadn't noticed her. She got promoted, and since then, the company has been skyrocketing, and both the lady and the business owner have improved their work and personal life. I am really proud of this.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The most difficult thing is to switch it off. For most business owners, it takes some days to really get into the holidays and enjoy the time off. Or they might not even come to that point. It's difficult because there is always something to work on, to improve or a customer that might need attention. Having real-time off is getting increasingly more difficult and will become one of the things that business owners will consciously have to deal with even more.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Growing is a natural thing; everything grows as long as you give it attention. The key is to guide the growth, be on top of it and decide the direction it has to grow.
- Start with the basics and go back to the basics in case something doesn't flow smoothly. The basics are most likely to be structure and strategy that are not aligned.
- Take care of your communication. Not only what you say is important, but even more, it's what you do. The impact is biggest when people experience you and your actions. That's when they start talking about you and your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.beyondfreelancing.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederik-daneels/
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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