Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Margaret Heffernan, an Entrepreneur, CEO, Writer, and Keynote Speaker based in Bristol, UK.

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

My business is researching and writing about decision-making. I write and publish books on the subject. I deliver keynote addresses and run workshops. I teach as a Professor of Practice at the School of Management at the University of Bath, and I mentor the CEO's of major global firms.

All of the work I do feeds everything else. My customers are readers, decision-makers, and organizations of all kinds.

Tell us about yourself

I am motivated by curiosity, especially regarding ways of thinking that appear common but unsuccessful. Why do we ignore the obvious? Why do we think we can predict the future? What would need to change for us to drop these bad habits and develop new ones?

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I think the biggest accomplishment for any business owner is to stay in business by maintaining the respect and trust of their customers.

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

There are 2 important and difficult things each business owner must do. The first is: to learn to say no. Entrepreneurs always have more ideas than time, and focus is essential. The second is to remember that the business is not about you; It is about those you serve and the community of people and resources without which you cannot achieve anything.

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

  1. Keep going. If you stop, you know what will happen. If you keep going, almost anything could happen!
  2. Ask for help. Nobody ever succeeded alone.
  3. Give credit to those who helped you.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

It isn't all about money. Sure, you need cash to keep going. But you also need people to trust you. You need the knowledge that people will share if they care about your work. You really can't do anything alone.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.mheffernan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Heffernan.Margaret
Twitter: https://twitter.com/m_heffernan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-heffernan-ab5205/

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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