Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Annette Harris, Founder of Harris Financial Coaching, located in Jacksonville, FL, USA.

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

I create financial coaching courses, provide business consulting and resume services, and provide informational resources at Harris Financial Coaching for African-American women and military veterans. As a member of both of these groups, I realize the need for financial literacy for women and military veterans entering and exiting the military service.

Tell us about yourself

At a young age, I watched my mother manage our family's finances, and throughout my career, I have worked with employees to explain compensation and benefits options. In this process of service to others, I developed a deep-seated passion for financial literacy education after noticing a gap in employee understanding of benefits and retirement planning, especially in the military veteran and minority communities. I'm motivated every day when I see a smile on someone's face when they better understand their financial future and how to navigate it.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment was participating in the Take it To the Top Challenge pitch competition with The Black Women's Roundtable and winning $5,000. This let me know that I was getting my message across and that someone was willing to invest in my dream.

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

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is staying diligent and committed to building my dream. At times, there may be silence, and reaching prospective members of the community who may need financial literacy assistance can be difficult and disparaging. However, I always keep in the front of my mind that everything takes time, and if I continue to build it, they will come.

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

  1. Find A Mentor - Having a mentor will allow you to reduce the mistakes of being a new business owner. You will also be able to ask questions and present your ideas to a trusted resource, someone who has your best interest in mind. Your mentor can help guide your business to the next phase in the life-cycle of entrepreneurship.
  2. Start Your Business - Don't let imposter syndrome stop you from starting your business. If you have the knowledge and skills to create a product or service, do it today, and don't let what your family and friends think about your business deter you. You never know how much support you will receive when you officially launch your business.
  3. Make Connections - Making connections by joining your local Chamber of Commerce and by collaborating with like-minded business owners can help you grow your business. Even if they offer the same product or service as you, who their customers are will be different. It can help you expand your reach and increase your credibility with your target market when a similar business owner supports you.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Thinking of starting a business, changing careers, or need financial guidance and have questions? Book a 15-Minute consultation with me today, and we'll move you closer to clarity, confidence, and aligned action. https://calendly.com/harriswealthcoach

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.harriswealthcoach.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harrisfinancialcoach
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harriscashcoach/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/harriscashcoach
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harriscashcoach/

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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