Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Anneli Beronius Haake, Founder of Language Teacher Rebels, located in Brighton, East Sussex, United Kingdom.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a Language Teacher Rebel. Apart from helping adults learn Swedish, I also help language teachers set up their own online teaching businesses.
Tell us about yourself
I started teaching Swedish in 2007 to supplement my income as a Ph.D. student. Since then, I've tried and tested most things as a one-woman band in terms of setting up an online language teaching business, and I'm more than happy to share my strategies (and also what hasn't worked!). The freedom you get as an online language teacher is a big motivator, but above all, I really feel that we, as language teachers have such an important role to play. We can build bridges, share cultural knowledge, and encourage integration.
Helping someone to learn a new language is so much more than drilling vocabulary and grammar. You're helping someone to communicate and find their own voice and personality in a new language, as well as opening their eyes to a new culture. And by using technology, we can reach so many more people. Right now, with what's going on in the world, I really feel that this is badly needed.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to help many hundreds of people to achieve their language goals (get a new job, move to Sweden, communicate with their in-laws, and so on). And building up my own platform (sales, marketing, social) to support that.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The thing that is also the best thing about being a business owner is that you decide. Sometimes it can be hard to trust your intuition and believe in yourself. And it can also be draining to feel that it's all down to you. But on the other hand, that's what gives you freedom!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Take 'imperfect action'!
- Find your clients and give them what they want/are asking for (don't just sit in your room for months creating something you don't know if people want).
- Sometimes, you can save both time and sanity by asking an expert (could be a coach, a tax accountant, or whatever). Don't be afraid to invest a little bit into your business, even if you're starting from scratch.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.annelihaake.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/languageteacherrebels/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-anneli-b-haake/
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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