Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jay Myers, President of JBM Enterprises, located in Collierville, TN, USA.

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

I am the current President of JBM Enterprises and past Founder/CEO of Interactive Solutions(which I sold in 2018). My current business is small business consulting, public speaking, teaching, and a part-time columnist for Systems Contractor Magazine (an AV trade publication). I am also the author of 3 books(Keep Swinging, Hitting the Curveballs, and most recently, Rounding Third and Heading for Home). My customers are entrepreneurs, small business owners, and business school students who have not only purchased my books but have also paid to hear me speak at various conferences and business events.

Tell us about yourself

I started my audio/video technology business(ISI) in 1996 after being fired from a local telecom company (on my 39th birthday). I built it into a $20m company with 55 employees and offices in 4 states. In 2018 I sold my business to the largest audio-visual integration firm in the world(AVI-SPL). These days I am motivated to leverage my experience to help other budding entrepreneurs and small business owners to chase their dreams and achieve the kind of success that they have dreamed about!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I believe that selling my business to the largest audio-visual company in the world was my biggest accomplishment as a business owner. I would also add that becoming an award-winning author of three books (about my business) was a major accomplishment. Finally, I was honored to be selected as a speaker at TEDx West Monroe, which has been a career highlight!

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

One of the hardest things about being a business owner is maintaining the discipline to stay focused when there are so many issues that can distract you on a daily basis (employee problems, customer and vendor crises, cash flow challenges, etc.).

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

  1. Take the time to build a high-quality business plan and update it on a regular basis... having a plan doesn't guarantee success but not having one almost always leads to failure.
  2. Don't be a martyr! Reach out to anybody and everybody that can help you with your business, who could also serve as a mentor etc.
  3. Expect the Unexpected... no matter how much planning you do, there will always be unforeseen challenges and obstacles in starting and growing a business. Your ability to meet those challenges and move forward will be the key to building a successful business.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Starting and growing a business is not for the faint of heart! It takes focus and dedication, as well as tremendous resilience, to face the inevitable challenges that will come your way. My advice? No matter what happens, believe in your business and yourself, and Never ever give up... and always Keep Swinging!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://jaymyersceo.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jay.myers.583
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myers5599/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jbmyers
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamyers/

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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