Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jeff Bond, CEO of Chat With Leaders Media, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We're a strategic podcast and all-hands event production partner that elevates businesses and leaders who are building a more sustainable world for future generations.
Tell us about yourself
I have always been passionate about genuine servant leadership and understanding how to put that responsibility into practice for the benefit of others. My parents always showed me how to serve and treat others with the golden rule, which sparked a life full of curiosity about how leaders, particularly in business, can use their influence as a force for good in the world. Though I've fallen short many times in my own life, I've never stopped pursuing my desire to become a better leader at home, in the community, and the workplace. It's a lifelong journey, and I love the fact that there is always something new to learn and share with other leaders that will benefit our future generations when acted upon.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I took a huge leap of faith to start our bootstrapped agency amid the pandemic when resources were limited at home, and there was no certainty that I would have success. Over the first few months, I wondered if I would even find my first customer! However, I was confident in the marketplace demand for strategic podcasting as a driver for business growth through key stakeholder relationships and jumped all in. Lo and behold, we served 11 clients during our first full year in business, added a surprisingly successful business line around supporting company all-hands events, and built a team poised for continued growth in the years ahead!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Patience is hard to exercise as a business owner and generally in life. However, I've found a lot of confidence in my faith background that all good things come in due time, and I put my trust in the long-view approach vs. rushing growth at all costs. That mentality gives me peace when I'm feeling anxious or impatient with progress and helps me slow down to focus on serving our people and customers well.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Define your business's purpose, mission, vision, and values and ensure it's something about which you're genuinely passionate.
- Find reliable contract partners to outsource those business tasks that are not your strengths.
- Serve your people and your customers with sincere devotion.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://chatwithleaders.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithleaders/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/
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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