Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shawntay Skjoldager, Founder of Instructional Design Company, located in Redington Beach, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We support authors, entrepreneurs, and client companies with the development of learning solutions, such as eLearning, instructional videos, and workshop materials. We also help clients with their L&D team and project management. Our secondary customers are career changers who are looking to make a move into the work that we do. We provide online education and coaching to help them develop the skills that they need to work in our field of Learning & Development.
Tell us about yourself
Since I was young, I have always found myself helping and training others. I never saw it as a vocation or future profession, however. I was too shy to talk to people I didn't know and had no idea this field existed. Once I graduated college and got my first professional job, I started attending training workshops and loved them. I remember sitting in one of the classes thinking, "I want his job." Even so, I didn't want the job of being in front of the room, so I passed it over.
I went on to work for many years in other roles until I eventually found my way back. This time, I was willing to stand in front of the room and talk to others. When I made the mindset shift that I could facilitate training, it paved the way for me to design and lead learning experiences for others, which later transitioned into building learning experiences for others and teaching others how to do what we do.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Working with a small but mighty team of people I enjoy being around and collaborating with every day to support our clients and our students in our instructional design program.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Making sure that the business is healthy at all times and that revenues will continue to stream in.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Believe that you can do it even when you have no idea what you are doing.
- Be committed every day to work your business like a business vs. a hobby.
- Get support as soon as you can so that you can focus on the most important things in your business that others cannot do for you easily.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://instructionaldesigncompany.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Instructional.Design.Company
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawntaymichelle/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theinstructionaldesigncompany/
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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