Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in skills development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jennifer Stewart, founder of Gateway Productivity, located in St. Louis, MO, USA.

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

I help women business owners eliminate technology frustration and stress by patiently training them to use their technology efficiently. I'm Jennifer Stewart, owner of Gateway Productivity. Three deep-seated beliefs drive what my company stands for.

  1. Technology should not be frustrating, embarrassing, or stressful. Everyone has the right to understand their technology and to be taught in a way that makes sense to them.
  2. Effective training takes deep listening and a customized experience. I genuinely hear my client's technology frustrations and pain to determine what training will work best for her. From slow, step-by-step instructions to non-technical explanations of how the technology is working, I am consistently checking back to see how my client is feeling about the process.
  3. Each of my clients is on the planet to make a positive impact on the world, and I will do everything I can to help her with that. I patiently train my clients so that they can spend less time fighting with technology and more time sharing their brilliance.

At Gateway Productivity, I am inspired by these three beliefs as I create free, easy-to-understand YouTube videos, give customized training to teams and organizations, and train my clients one-on-one and in groups.

Tell us about yourself

I came from a job in a corporate environment, and I couldn't see my day-to-day work positively impacting anyone's life. From day one of starting my business, I knew the purpose would be to improve my clients' lives. I actually began as a home organizer, but I realized quickly that it wasn't the right fit. After working with a business coach, I discovered that what I really love is training people on technology. I put the technology training with the organizing, and that has evolved into technology and productivity training, including organizing email and digital files.

My passion is the light-bulb moments when my client learns something new that changes her life and increases her digital productivity. I love the connection I get to have with my clients as they share their technology fears and frustrations, and I am able to help eliminate those with patience and understanding.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I am incredibly proud to have been in business for over ten years. I'm honored to have been able to impact my clients' lives for this long positively, and I'm ready for another ten years!

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

I've had a hard time knowing what opportunities to take and when. I'm not usually a big-picture thinker, so it's tough for me to figure out the grand business vision that guides decisions that will affect the future of my company. I have had to lean on colleagues and coaches over the years to help me make some of the big choices that have determined where my business is headed.

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

  1. Be yourself! So many people try to be who they think their clients want them to be. Instead, we should be ourselves, and then the right clients will be drawn to us.
  2. Make 100% sure you LOVE what your business stands for and does for the world. You'll have a hard time selling something you don't love and believe in.
  3. Don't be afraid to invest significant money in yourself and your business to make sure you have the support you need to be successful. If you don't have a clue how to do something, hire someone who is a pro and can save you time, frustration, and money in the long term.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Please remember that you don't have to know it all. In fact, it's better if you don't because you should be focusing on what you do best and how you best impact the world. Get help for the things you have challenges with - don't beat your head against the wall trying to make yourself learn those things. It's okay to ask for help. I promise!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.gatewayproductivity.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifercstewart/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.