Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jim Hall, CEO of Hallmentum LLC, located in Minneapolis, MN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Hallmentum is a training company. I provide workshops and training programs on a variety of topics to a wide audience. Most of my recent clients are in government because I previously served as Chief Information Officer in local government. I also work with the private sector. My most popular training program is the Leaders Program, where current leaders can hone their leadership skills, and new and emerging leaders can learn how to be successful leaders.
Tell us about yourself
My background is in Information Technology but quickly found myself in management. I have worked in the private sector as an IT manager, in higher education as an IT director and campus Chief Information Officer, and in local government as CIO. I decided to change tracks into consulting because I used to meet with local IT leaders, where I frequently heard from first-time CIOs who needed help getting established. I always helped out because I knew what it was like to learn it on my own, and I love helping people to learn new things. That's when I realized I could turn my career towards IT leadership training, so I set up Hallmentum to provide training and workshops.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
When the pandemic started, I transitioned from providing in-person training to doing everything online. I will never forget the great feedback from one of my clients who commented, "I've been part of a lot of training programs, and this is the first one that I didn't want to end." That was such a wonderful comment to hear. I love it when we have that great connection to the program.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As a small business owner, you have to wear many hats. Especially in the first year, you get to make a bit of everything: marketing, sales, and finance. With my background in IT, I was able to set up my own website and get all the technology in place, but becoming a good marketer was a learning experience.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Focus on your strengths. Don't jump into something you aren't ready for. Consider your experience and go with what you are best at. That's where you deliver value.
- Don't take No personally. Especially when you get started, you'll talk to a lot of potential customers, only to hear No. This is part of the game. Thank them for their time, and move on to the next client.
- Don't let Perfect get in the way of Good. You're going to improve every time you deliver a service to a client. You don't have to be perfect the first time. Deliver a quality service, and take time after every engagement to reflect on what went well and what you might change, so you can continuously improve over time.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://hallmentum.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hallmentum/
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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