Place for All Things Business Analysis

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Karaleise Wahrmann, Founder of Karaleise | Business Analyst Training, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.

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

We provide training in the Business Analysis space helping aspiring professionals start and grow their careers as Business Analysts. Our services include online courses, 1-on-1 consultations, workshops, and other career improvement products. Our target audiences are recent college graduates looking to understand what the real world of work is like for a Business Analyst, as well as seasoned professionals looking to switch careers to become Business Analysts. We also serve related roles such as Product Owners, Product Managers, and Scrum Masters who also benefit from the information and services we provide for those working in the software development and technology fields.

Tell us about yourself

I first started working on my business partly out of the despair. I was working on projects where I felt no one was advocating for the users but instead was focused on churning out more and more features without really understanding the user's needs, and feeling that I couldn't change that mindset. The other part of the reason I started this business was the frustration I felt when I looked for resources on Business Analysis. What I found I was not satisfied with. I decided to be the change I wanted to see in the world.

What motivates me every day to keep going are the emails and private messages I get telling me how my services have helped someone launch their career. Messages where someone reports that they landed a job and can now improve the lives of their family through my help. It's priceless to be able to help people in this way, it's the fuel for me to continue.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is the trust I have been able to build with my customers. They know I am telling them the truth about the job, they have the confidence in me to let me guide them to start their career. They use my advice to help them land their job when they have had no experience and felt like they couldn't break in. I help them find the confidence to keep going and not only break into Business Analysis but perform well in the job as well!

I am also proud of the book I wrote on the BA job market - available on Amazon. Also, very proud of the BA Fit Test model that I created to help people check if they are a fit for the role based on their everyday activities. Also proud of the consultations I offer to help aspiring BAs have someone to advise them on starting their career.

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

Marketing. Deciding on what marketing approach to use to grow your business is made more difficult with so many options. Knowing your customer base well enough to know what will work for them is a big challenge.

There is also the time it takes to work on your business. As a business owner, you often feel you are always at work, and it often causes you to miss out on social activities, family, and friends because you have to stay focused on your business!

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

Focus on bringing value first. It's better to go an inch wide and a mile deep on one thing than to go a mile wide and an inch deep on many things.
You are a big part of your product. Add your personality where you can.
And finally, be consistent and have faith. Don't give up. Fail fast, adapt, and try again.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://karaleise.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karaleise
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kara_leise/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karaleisebatraining/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.