Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lee Cockerell, Founder of Lee Cockerell, LLC., located in Orlando, FL, USA.

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

Training and development Consultant, Public Speaker & Author on Leadership, Management, Culture, and Customer Service.

Tell us about yourself

I dropped out of college, served in the Army, and then started my hotel and entertainment career with Hilton Hotels for eight years, Marriott International for 17 years, and the Walt Disney Company for 16 years. I started as a banquet server and retired as the Executive Vice President of the Walt Disney World Resort. My motivation is teaching. We need less bosses and more teachers.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I work all over the world teaching organizations how to hire them right, train them right, and treat them right to increase employee and customer engagement and commitment, which drives a robust improvement in business results.

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

Understanding it is all about people and leading people with empathy and discipline while being fair and firm. Remembering that to be excellent, every detail matters.

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

Make sure you can communicate why anybody should do business with you. What value do you bring? What's in it for the customer? You have to be an expert in your business; you have to be organized and disciplined, so you keep your promises by being reliable and credible, which develops trust with your employees and customers. And, of course, have enough capital to fund your venture and the ups and downs of the economy.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

It's never too late to get better, so don't underestimate your influence and what you can accomplish.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.leecockerell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/createmagic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leecockerellmagic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeeCockerell
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecockerell/

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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