Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jason Kline, Business Consultant of Lakeland Consultants, located in Grosse Pointe, MI, USA.

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

Our company is dedicated to providing top-notch strategic consulting services to businesses across a range of industry verticals. We are experts in data analytics, strategic planning, financial analysis, and business intelligence, and we have the experience, expertise, and knowledge to help businesses succeed in today's fast-paced, data-driven world.

Our team of experts is comprised of seasoned professionals who have a deep understanding of the challenges that businesses face today and the skills to help them overcome those challenges. We are passionate about delivering value to our clients and helping them achieve their goals. Whether it's improving their financial performance, increasing their competitiveness, or enhancing their overall business intelligence, we have the tools and the know-how to help them succeed. We believe that success in today's business world requires a combination of smart data analytics, strategic planning, and expert financial analysis. Our goal is to help businesses achieve their full potential by providing them with the guidance and support they need to succeed in a fast-paced, ever-changing business landscape. With our cutting-edge solutions, our clients can take their businesses to the next level and beyond!

Tell us about yourself

I founded this consultancy business because I have always been passionate about helping businesses succeed. My journey in the corporate world began as a technical sales specialist in aerospace, which led to a role in technical consulting. This is where I discovered my love for data and its power to drive business growth. Over the years, I've gained a wealth of experience working in various industries and was consistently struck by the lack of access that many businesses had to the type of strategic consulting services that could help them thrive. Through working for large firms early in my career, I felt limited in my ability to make a significant impact on businesses. I longed for a more personal and hands-on approach, one where I could build strong relationships with businesses and really understand their unique needs and challenges. So, I took a leap of faith and started my own consultancy business. I wanted to create a company that would focus on providing tailored, data-driven solutions to businesses of all sizes across multiple industries. I also wanted to empower businesses to make informed decisions and help them achieve their full potential. My passion and motivation for starting this company stem from a deep desire to make a real difference in the world of business. I have a passion for data, a strong commitment to excellence, and a belief that every business, no matter how small, deserves access to the same level of strategic consulting services as the largest corporations. With this new consultancy business, I'm ready to help businesses reach new heights and achieve their dreams!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Our biggest accomplishment as a new business and as an owner came with the first big engagement that would allow us to really start the company and show our expertise in action. The project was with a large health insurance client that needed a rigorous review of their business KPI and a bottoms-up model for their revenue streams. Though it was a very new industry to the team, we were able to quickly get on board with the client, assess their pain points and deliver a result that really drew attention throughout their organization. It leads to a follow-on project, which is always great in this business, to develop the strategy and analytics to create a new healthcare network for their business. That project is still underway, but the early results and direction are both very promising, and it continues to be our greatest success with a client overall.

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

The consultancy business had been gaining steam since its initial launch and was establishing a reputation for delivering high-quality strategic consulting services to its clients. However, one day, our company faced a difficult dilemma that tested its values and commitment to excellence. The team was approached by a potential client who offered a large and lucrative project. The client was from an industry that was a little outside our expertise and known to have both legal and political challenges. The team was torn between the potential financial gain and their commitment to doing work that was not only financially rewarding but also aligned with their values and ethical standards. After much discussion and soul-searching, the team ultimately decided to decline the project. It was a difficult decision, as we knew it would have a significant impact on the bottom line. However, we believed that our integrity and reputation were more important than any short-term financial gain. The group of us gained a newfound respect and trust for each other for making the tough call, and we believe future clients will appreciate our company's willingness to put its values and ethics above financial gain.

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

I have learned many lessons over the years, and the top three tips that have helped me start, run, and grow my business are:

  1. Stay focused on your vision and values: Starting a business is a big step, and it is important to stay true to your vision and values. Make sure you are passionate about what you do and that your business is aligned with your personal values. This will give you the motivation and drive to overcome challenges and succeed.
  2. Build a strong team: Running a business requires a strong and dedicated team. Make sure to hire the right people and build a culture that encourages teamwork, collaboration, and growth. Your team should share your vision and values and be committed to helping the business succeed.
  3. Embrace change and innovation: The business world is constantly changing, and it is important to embrace change and innovation. Stay on top of trends and technologies, and be willing to adapt and evolve your business model as needed. This will help you stay ahead of the competition and continue to grow and succeed.

Where can people find you and your business?

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lakeland-consultants/

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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