Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Merri Lemmex, managing partner of Lemmex Williams Training Inc., located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are an organization that provides management, leadership, and project management skills training customized to our client's vision, values, strategy, and culture. We offer value by taking our comprehensive library of existing training and customizing its organization's needs and budget. Our customers are organizations large enough to need supervisory and management training assistance but are not large enough to employ an experienced training staff. We bring the skill and content and professional facilitators to any organization. We also do it in a way that speaks your language, uses your examples, and explores your challenges to provide training that sticks. We are just as comfortable in a corporate boardroom as we are on a factory floor or on a job site. We excel in providing training for new leaders who don't know they need it or are afraid to try it.
Tell us about yourself
I have been in training for decades, joining the family business permanently over a decade ago. Training has always been in my blood, and even when I tried different occupations, I always gravitated back to training. Working with someone and having them discover something that works for them keeps me coming back. Those "light bulb" moments are my pride and joy and make me feel like I can make a difference and an impact on organizations.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think that us navigating the 5+ year downturn in the oil industry, quickly followed by a worldwide pandemic, and keeping the business thriving and growing is probably the biggest accomplishment I have as a business owner. Looking forward, there are certainly more positive opportunities to come.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing as a business owner is that only another business owner understands what you go through. I have had lots of people compare their stress to mine, or suggest that since I have a company, it is like printing money. They want to start a business because it looks easy enough. This is not just a job. As business owners, we are responsible for everything, all the time. It can weigh on you without a great support system. And it also leaks into your personal life if you don't set boundaries.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First of all, I would suggest people have a plan. It is not a guarantee of success, but you have to have a solid business plan. Second, I would suggest you are very realistic about money. Do you have enough to start your business, build your business, weather downturns, and continually look to build your business? Third, you need to have the work ethic that gets you up in the morning and does the things you might not want to do to keep going. There will not be anyone there cheering you on until you make it, so be prepared to put in the hard work.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
As they say, if your job is something you love, you'll never have to work a day in your life. Well, that's not exactly true, but being able to say at the end of the day, "I love my job" is a great feeling! If you can find a way to run a business in a field you love, you're halfway there.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.lemmexwilliams.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lemmexwilliams
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lemmex-williams-training-inc./
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.