Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jonas Lundgren, Co-Owner of InGenius U.S. Inc., located in Fort Wayne, IN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
As the Owner of InGenius, I put my efforts into helping people and businesses improve by using the methodology of People, Processes, and Technology. With years of experience in helping various companies improve, I have learned a lot about best practices and what does not work well. People are arguably the most crucial part of the triangle. In any project, large or small, we work with people in the client's organizations one way or another. They take part in mapping and improving the processes; we might have to train people in new technology or a methodology. It could involve coaching & mentoring an employee.
Process - we do process reviews through process mapping in various ways. We identify KPIs and Metrics to drive the process and the overall business. Identifying the crucial interface between the processes and "input & output" as this area is often where we find problems and opportunities for improvement.
Technology - we identify, plan, and build the necessary infrastructure to support your business in various ways. Identifying the right tools to be more efficient and save time and money. Starting with the end question, what do we want from the technology from a business perspective? We specialize in implementing Business Intelligence and Building a Modern Data Estate, but we can implement or consult in broader aspects of technology support such as cloud services and other infrastructure tools.
The customers are smaller to larger companies that want or need help with process improvement, that want to increase employee engagement, and believe in empowering their people with data to turn into new insights with business intelligence or saving time by automation.
Tell us about yourself
I would describe myself as a pragmatic business leader, passionate about innovation and Positive Change. I have held various positions as Managing Director, Supply Chain, Operations Director, and Business Controller, with hands-on experience managing established companies, mergers and & acquisitions, and turnarounds.
Extensive experience implementing Business Intelligence, ERP systems, and other technology solutions. 25+ years of international experience in leading various organizational business units to become more profitable while increasing the engagement of its team members. These past experiences and know-how are what I apply to my current role as a management consultant.
At the beginning of my career, I had a choice to either become a consultant or work with a larger corporation. I ended up the latter; as years went by, I turned into an "internal consultant" and felt more inclined to help small and medium businesses where help and support are needed and appreciated.
I have always wanted to start my own company for quite some time, so when circumstances presented themselves for me to do it, the decision came naturally but not without some hesitations. I decided to make the jump; that is what motivates me, to accomplish something that I set out to do and to know that I am doing something I am passionate about every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Establishing my own company in the United States and hitting the ground running are my biggest accomplishments so far. Taking that step, despite the uncertainty of what lies ahead, knowing you are responsible for your own business successes and failures. Other minor accomplishments are the networking, connections, and partnerships with people and companies in the same industry that I have done during these past six months.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Starting something new is not easy, and it takes time. Getting a new and continuous flow of clients will take time. I have been in a multi-national corporation most of my career, and creating new connections and building trust between people and companies is not an easy thing to do. Building new connections and making my business capabilities known is what I am working on every day as a business owner; it means a lot of networking, phone calls, and video meetings. As a new business owner, it's unnerving at times when the doubt sets in now and then, but it's also exciting knowing I built this and every day I am doing something I love.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Think through what it is you want to do. If you like what you are doing and have a passion for it, everything becomes easier.
- Don't expect to get the business running in a short period; if it does, that is a nice bonus,
- Be prepared to build your business long-term, look at what your goals are for the next 2-3 years and 5-10 years, and build for the future.
- Seek support from someone, a mentor, a friend, or a partner. You can bounce ideas with someone who can be straightforward with you and help you along the way. Make connections with others that you can work with in some manner; it's always more fun to work with others than be by yourself, that's what I think, at least.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://ingenius.us.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-lundgren-04420725/
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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