Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Zoe Poulton, Founder of Glass Ripple Consulting, located in West Byfleet, Surrey, United Kingdom.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Glass Ripple Consulting specialises in using the power of connections to accelerate business productivity and growth. For me, connection means alignment of the people and business strategy, cohesion within teams, awareness of needs (of both self and others), support within teams, and connecting individual aspirations and motivation to the wider business strategy and goals.
I work with small to mid-sized businesses to help them discover the power of creating these connections to help accelerate both productivity and growth whilst creating a work culture that fosters a sense of belonging. I also work with individuals on a 1:1 basis.
Tell us about yourself
I love to connect with others and really understand what they need to help them thrive. For me, this can be with individuals who are reaching a crossroads in their life where they want something different but don't know what and are not sure where to start! It can also be with businesses - from those who are starting out and need some support to those who are scaling and not quite sure how to bring their teams along as they grow.
I started Glass Ripple Consulting to help people understand the connections and the ripples that are created through connection and use this knowledge to help the individuals and the business reach their future objectives.
Each day I am motivated by helping others take this step - the lightbulb moments when they realise how much power is behind making those connections - I've been teaching and coaching for years, and so I live for the 'ah ha' moments! For me personally, running my own business gives me flexibility in my own life and the freedom of choice on who I work with, and I always look to work with companies where our values align.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Finding my own voice! I spent a number of years in an industry that was quite restrictive, and I often had to conform to ways of working that I didn't always fully believe in, so for me, the ability to use my experience and qualifications in a way that feels authentic to me, and feeling comfortable doing so, is a huge achievement and one that I'm immensely proud of.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
You can sometimes feel like an island! You are fully accountable for the whole business and responsible for all the key decision-making. There can also be a lack of stability (income and support), and this can be hard. To foster that supportive environment, I've reached out to my networks and created support groups where we can all help each other going through similar situations. Not only do you get to talk to someone who is in a similar position, but you also get different perspectives coming into the mix, enabling you to make more informed decisions.
I'm starting a podcast in the new year to further share and connect with others through both thought leadership pieces, practical advice, and interviews with others - the podcast is called The Wild Clarity Podcast and was actually born from a coaching conversation with a friend who proclaimed the chat gave her 'wild clarity,' so The Wild Clarity Podcast was born!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't feel you need to do everything at once - walk before you can run - not because you can't do it all, but because you will most likely burn yourself out doing so! Enjoy the process, and remember why you started in the first place - I have it written on a post-it stuck to the wall in front of my computer!
- Speak to EVERYONE. Get as many different perspectives as possible, from those who already run their own business, to conversations with family and friends, to having coffee with your ideal clients. Find out what they really need, not what you think they need.
- Find your own voice. The world is full of entrepreneurs, and when you speak to others, you will get a whole host of ideas but anchor your business to your own values and look wider at what impact you want to have on the world.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.glassrippleconsulting.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zoe.s.poulton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glass.ripple.leadership/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoepoulton/
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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