Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Inés Guardia, Co-Founder of Guardia Consulting Business, located in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a boutique sustainability consultancy based on ESG criteria. We serve clients based on their requirements, among which they most request are baseline studies, identification of interest groups and relevant issues, due diligence processes in human and labor rights, as well as supplier development.
Tell us about yourself
I am a sociologist with a doctorate in political science, always interested in social movements and struggles to achieve recognition of vulnerable groups. My professional career began in Caracas, Venezuela, at the academy, where I dedicated myself to teaching and researching forms of social and political violence, a Once I immigrated to Mexico, I continued teaching for the first two years. Then I dedicated myself to sustainability consulting as a way to generate sustainable development and achieve social peace. For 15 years, I have been dedicated to consultancy in family and transnational companies developing sustainability management, establishing management systems in social responsibility, and meeting customer requirements.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Undoubtedly the greatest achievement has been to achieve recognition of the human rights and labor standards of workers, as well as to establish policies and procedures aimed at achieving equal opportunities in companies. On the other hand, encouraging companies to develop social and environmental investment projects is something that fills us with pride because we are convinced that developing local suppliers and promoting local commerce improves the social indicators of the areas of operation. Getting shareholders and directors to understand that a good business practice is to consider ESG criteria and advance in their performance is undoubtedly what makes us continue this work.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Guaranteeing business continuity, keeping track of customer payments, and combining with consulting work are issues that micro-enterprises have to deal with every day. On the other hand, trying to convince business owners that sustainability is the only viable way to save the planet and ensure the continuity of life itself are difficult issues to achieve.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You should be convinced, prepared, and passionate about what they do.
- Do not give up in the face of obstacles. Insist and foster alliances as a way of expanding the services they offer.
- Plan in the short, medium, and long term, define objectives, allocate resources and incorporate technology and innovation into their operations.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://guardiaconsultores.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guardiaconsultores
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gcb_catedra/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/guardiarse
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gcb-catedra/
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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