Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Julie Goodall, owner of Genesis Consulting, located in Cambridge, VT, USA.

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

Chaos coordinator, efficiency expert, money maven, financial sense maker - whatever you call me, I’m here to make your business easier. Entrepreneurship can be exciting and empowering. It can also be scary, isolating, and sap all your time, money, and social life. As entrepreneurs, we do all the things and wear all the hats for a while. But that’s not only unsustainable; it’s not healthy. No one person can be expected to be an expert in marketing, HR, finance, IT, or systems, AND do their one thing better than anyone else. It wouldn’t be fair to the rest of us. So, we seek out those experts to help us with those things that are outside of our genius zone or we just plain don’t like. It frees us up to do only (ok, mostly) the things that bring us joy.

That’s where we come in. Our experts can help you with your bookkeeping, budgeting, payroll, systems, and probably a few other things. We give you peace of mind and restore your sanity. You don’t have to go it alone. We’re here to help.

Tell us about yourself

As a serial entrepreneur, I know that running a business is not for the faint of heart. Most business owners I know are so busy working in their business that they are too busy to work on their business. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to spend your time focusing on the things you love? The reason you got into the business to begin with? That’s what we do. We make the back-office noise go away, leaving you to do the parts you love that only you can do.

My name is Julie Goodall, and I understand entrepreneurship. My superpowers include not only an intimate knowledge of bookkeeping and back-office systems but enough empathy to make even the most burnt-out entrepreneur feel at ease. If you want to work with someone who genuinely understands your feelings of overwhelm and doesn’t judge you for it, you’ve come to the right place.

It is not only my pleasure but my privilege to help business owners take their time back while simultaneously taking their business to the next level.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Helping others achieve their goals. I believe we all have a gift to offer the world, and often people go into business to do just this, but before long, they're caught up in all the necessary evils of running a business. They're unhappy, burnt out, or have made costly mistakes. I get to make the unpleasant stuff go away so they can return to doing what they truly love.

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

Boundaries. When you own a business, it's not like a traditional W2 job. Your work doesn't end at 5 pm Monday through Friday. You're always "on." Always thinking of ways to improve, reach more people, make more money or spend less. If you're a people-pleaser like me, you say yes far too often and prioritize everyone but yourself. It can be challenging to maintain those boundaries, take time for yourself and say no when you need to. You can't pour from an empty cup.

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

  1. Don't "should" on yourself. You're great at your one thing but don't feel like you "should" know how to market your business, understand your profit and loss or be an expert in HR. You're exactly where you should be, focus on your thing, and give yourself some grace.
  2. Seek and accept help. No one can do it all. There are experts in every field, and free and paid resources you can tap into. You don't need to struggle. Also, entrepreneurship can be incredibly lonely and isolating. Connect with other business owners. They understand what you're going through and can offer commiseration and support.
  3. Create and maintain your boundaries. This includes time blocking yourself first, vacation, days off, lunch breaks, time for professional development, etc. Put these in and prioritize them. Be careful what you say yes to. As my coach always says, if it's not a "hell yes!", it's a no.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

The world needs your gift. Don't give up, even on the hard days. It's worth it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.genesisconsultingcorp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GenesisConsultingCorp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesisconsultingcorp/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgoodall/

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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