Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kate Scherr-Adams, owner of KS Solutions Consulting, LLC., located in Baltimore, MD, USA.

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

People and planning. KS Solutions Consulting provides quality consulting with the needs of our clients and their wellness at the forefront. For over 11 years, we have served a range of nonprofit and government agencies to navigate organizational challenges and build strategies to effectively achieve positive community impact. We pride ourselves on being effective, knowledgeable, and people-centered.

The wellness and people-centered piece is core to our work. We care about the people doing the work and what they think, feel and experience. This is a big part of our success.

Tell us about yourself

I’m an active community volunteer leading the Civics Club with middle school students, serving on the Friends of Herring Run Park board, and regularly volunteering in the community. I’m a nature-lover and a trained hike leader. I have lived in Baltimore City with my husband and pup for 20 years now. I’m originally from Columbia, MD, a unique community that continues to play a large part in my values and perspective. I have over 20 years of experience in nonprofit and government senior leadership roles.

My passion for helping organizations achieve their missions led me to launch KS Solutions in 2011. I focus on being a thought partner and skilled strategist for clients, as well as being their right-hand person to help get work done. My goal is to bring perspective, calm, and organization to a project. I often feel like a therapist and/or coach in my role, and I enjoy that part of the work.

My motivation comes from liking to connect with people (and to connect them to others) and feeling really great about helping these professionals do community good in various ways. When they tell me they feel more relaxed or confident at work due to my help, I feel like I scored a goal! I feel like we are all winning when they are proud of their successful outcomes.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

There are several accomplishments as a business owner, but the main one is being able to sustain 11 years in business supporting myself. And in tandem with this, hearing from clients that the work we did together helped them succeed. This feels like a huge accomplishment. If I need to make a living, why not do it for people whose work is to help other people? They deserve it! When we help them do better, it benefits all of us.

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

One thing that has been challenging, though super beneficial, is developing my own cadre of a support team for me and my business. Developing relationships with people like mentors, colleagues, coaches, and editors with whom I can tap into for assistance and guidance.

Some of my most valued colleagues are busy with their own work, and we may even do similar work so we could compete for the same contracts. Learning to develop the relationships so they are truly give and take (emphasis on GIVE), respectful, and supportive of one another is invaluable.

I also learned that there are some aspects of support that I need to pay for - editing, admin support, various specialized expertise, etc. The help and knowledge are worth it.

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

  1. Talk to several other small business owners/ freelancers. Ask what they have learned – What is challenging for them? What methods or tools do they use? How did they get through difficult times?
  2. Plan before you quit your 9-5. Consider going part-time, possibly. It can take a while to build up enough business to match a full-time salary, so be realistic. Make a budget and speak with others who work independently.
  3. Be ready to work really hard. Yes, you can manage your schedule more than an employee of an organization. I have much more freedom now than when employed by someone else. However, I have to remain self-motivated and organized and work a good number of hours to get it all done. Being self-motivated is very important.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I have found that being gracious, supportive, and a clear communicator has helped me succeed. That is not always how businesses are run, but I have found, at least in my area of work, that this really matters.

I will also share a saying that is on my office wall “courage over comfort.” That means putting your courage first and your comfort second – try new things, take risks, and go for it!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.kssolution.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katescherr-adams/

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.