Inclusion Is A Business Strategy - InclusionINC

Team Subkit -

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shirley Engelmeier, CEO & Founder of InclusionINC, located in Minneapolis, MN, USA.

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

For over 21 years, InclusionINC has been linking Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity to business success. Through our Learning Over Time™ and Strategic Consulting Framework, this practical business-centric approach consistently yields improved engagement, productivity, innovation, and retention. Our globally researched inclusion behaviors, proven platform, and methodologies are customized to meet client business outcomes and Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity needs. Clients are primarily Fortune 500.

Tell us about yourself

First, I have to tell you that Inclusion and Diversity work chose me. I knew nothing about it when I started - except that it was mine to do. Previously, I worked for consumer products companies, the last of which was Frito-Lay. I formed InclusionINC in 2001 as a reluctant entrepreneur. I had started a consulting practice within another organization. When they closed the business, I needed a livelihood. This was my passion, so I started InclusionINC.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Staying in business! It's been 21 years. The other biggest accomplishment is that I am able to live my passion.

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

Securing clients which leads to revenue. The ups and downs of providing your own paycheck are a huge deal.

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

  1. Consider whether you have the stick-to-itiveness to withstand the ups and downs of finances in a business start-up.
  2. Ensure you are highly adaptive as business changes occur and new services may be required.
  3. Make sure you have one key fantastic person who supports you along the way - both in the ups and downs.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.inclusion-inc.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirleyengelmeier

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/LeaderInclusive
https://mobile.twitter.com/inclusioninc

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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