Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mike Knapp, Founder of Incrementa (un)Consulting, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

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

We guide the owners of small and medium businesses to build a business they LOVE and grow it predictably.

Tell us about yourself

I started my entrepreneurial path more than 25 years ago. Frankly, I didn't love my first business and successfully exited. I learned that I love helping other business leaders find a better way and solve problems, and I started down the path as a management consultant. Today my practice has evolved from consultant to coach and advisor. Instead of being the hero and solving problems, I work with owners and their teams, helping them to level up so they can achieve their goals.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I could talk about the businesses I've built or the number of companies I've helped, but that's not truly it. My biggest accomplishment is discovering my true purpose and aligning it with my areas of genius to make the biggest impact I can.

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

Loneliness. As a business owner, you often have nobody to talk through things with, be it the challenges you're having, your vision and strategy, or simply what's on your plate right now.

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

  1. Get incredibly clear with your business and share that clarity constantly. Know where you're going, how you're going to get there, the culture you want to build, the impact you're going to make, and how everyone can be part of that.
  2. Find a community or coach that drives you to be your best self. This could be a peer group or individual coach who challenges you to think differently, stay accountable and drive forward with your vision.
  3. Take time to get OUT of your business. As a business leader, it's so easy to go from fire to fire, dealing with the daily stuff. Set aside time to step out and work ON the business. This is when you do the most important and valuable work. Make working on the business a discipline and protect this time fiercely.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.incrementa.ca/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikevknapp/

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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