Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christi Scarrow, Partner at Lighthouse Nine, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

I offer management consulting and leadership development to senior-level leaders in corporate organizations. My clients are large multinational companies and small start-ups in both the corporate and not-for-profit sectors.

Tell us about yourself

I am passionate about supporting people through change. Whether it's through speaking, training, or team workshops, I love to see the transformation people go through to become more confident and courageous in their work.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is publishing a book. It's a scary process to put your thoughts out there for the world to buy (or not buy).

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

The hardest thing about being a business owner is staying focused on your long-term goals. There are a lot of 'get rich quick' offers out there, and as an entrepreneur, I am easily drawn toward the next shiny object. You need to weather the storm and stay focused on your core values and strengths.

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

  1. Be clear about the value you offer - just because it's a good idea doesn't mean anyone will buy it. Everything you do should be focused on serving the needs of your customer.
  2. Believe in yourself - you will have ups and downs. Prepare for those and be realistic about what you can accomplish.
  3. Don't try to do it all yourself - when it's your baby, it's hard to let go and give control to someone else. No one will ever do it the same as you. They may not be as motivated to succeed as you. But if you try to go it alone, you will be missing out on opportunities to think differently and ways to grow.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Business ownership takes courage - courage to have difficult conversations, courage to let go of controlling every aspect, courage to do things differently from before, and courage to take risks that others wouldn't. Keep going.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://lighthouse9.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christi_scarrow/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiscarrow/

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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