Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lissa Callahan, Owner of Keep It Green Advisors, located in Amber, OK, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is mostly accounting and some tech advice. I often help clients find industry-related software to improve business and workflows and better understand the functions of the software they use. My clients include retail and service-related businesses, digital subscription models, and real estate investors and syndicators. When I meet my clients, they often have issues with the software.
Tell us about yourself
When I was in school, I found I had a knack for accounting during my studies. I saw what I learned as "would have been good to know" when I helped my family with their books for their business in the past. Upon graduation, I did not start in accounting right away but instead went to work for a logistics brokerage firm. After a couple of years of working in operations, the company's owners brought me a stack of paperwork. They asked me if I could get their accounting set up and current since their CPA would no longer accept what they had been giving and wanted real financial reports. I became the accounting department they never had before and remained in that position for two years. Later I worked for a law firm and again did the accounting for the firm. I knew leaving that position that I never wanted to be an employee with all my efforts going to one person who often largely undervalued what I could do. I believed there were people who could see the vision of well-organized processes, and doing the right things at the right time would make their life easier and business more profitable.
My daily motivation is that this is my business, reputation, and work. My clients value what I do for them and appreciate that they have the reporting they need to make decisions to grow their business. The financial records I provide help them draw a map for their business. I truly enjoy seeing a business grow, develop and run more smoothly.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Building from day one on a computer loaned from a friend and a 30-day trial from Microsoft office. I used these two things to get a free starter plan with a freelance platform and begin searching for clients. From almost no initial investment, I had grown this business and increased my income significantly from when I was an "employee" working to make others' dreams come alive. I am now an employer, working differently to not hold anyone in their position but teach them to repeat what I have done! I want anyone who works for me to have the opportunity to leave me and do what I have done.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Qualifying the client has been one of the more difficult things to do. Just because they have the money and the work does not make them a good client.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Get started! Market your skills; someone needs you. Do not doubt yourself, and just do it!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
No one will do it for you, and you not doing it is holding you back. You have to get up every day, focus on what will move the bar towards your goals, and work on those things.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://keepitgreenadvisors.com/
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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