Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Meshell Baker, Founder of Meshell Baker Enterprises, located in Dallas, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Meshell Baker Enterprises delivers Sales and Confidence Keynotes, Talks, and Coaching. It was founded to help female founders, women business owners, and sales leaders empower their salespeople to develop high-performance resilience and unstoppable confidence. I leverage my 25+ years of sales and leadership success in more than a dozen countries to inspire energetic and collaborative communication. My clients acquire the knowledge, skills, and support to individually integrate success principles and fundamentals, resulting in markedly improved confidence and sustainable increased sales results.
Tell us about yourself
The decision to start a business was the result of my love and desire to support my sister Daphne's care. Daphne almost died in 2009, and I realized my periodic trips from Austin to Dallas weren't enough. At the time, I was a successful B2B Biotech Sales Rep residing in Austin, Texas, where I had taken on the role of Daphne's live-in aide and caregiver. Yet I soon discovered I was unable to successfully maintain the demands of my sales role, traveling 80% of the time and facilitating Daphne's care. While Daphne was thriving and happy, I was overwhelmed and overwrought. I knew the choice was either my job or my sister. For me, this was a no-brainer; I gave a 30-day notice for the job.
Six days after giving notice, I attended a women's conference. I met a woman who later became my mentor, coach, and wise counsel. She invited me to attend my first-ever small business networking event. Hearing the speaker share her journey, the memories and lifelong dreams of entrepreneurial success came roaring back. In an instant, I remembered who I wanted to be. I remember that when I was 13 years old I had three successful businesses: baking, babysitting, and sewing. Within weeks, I organized in my apartment building's rec room a vision board gathering for friends, colleagues, and women from my church. That day I experienced the birth of my business and passion. And I have never looked back.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of my greatest sources of pride was becoming an award-winning keynote speaker after delivering a keynote at the Women's Economic Forum Conference in London, UK. Recently, another feather in the cap proud moment is becoming a published author in a powerful anthology book of women in B2B Sales. The book Heels To Deals: How Women Are Dominating in Business To Business Sales. Even with the many challenges, great dips in income, and mistakes, I believe I am here to ignite confidence. I am truly blessed to be living my life's purpose, which is to leave people excited to live with more joy and enthusiasm.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Maintaining a growth mindset, generating a consistent stream of revenue to sustain the day-to-day while acquiring the funds to hire and onboard team members to scale and facilitate a constant and growing demand for my services. Yet difficult does not mean impossible. As any successful business owner will state, a business only grows when the business owner grows.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My top 3 tips can be found in my favorite acronym for the big in Dream B.I.G.
- B is for Belief
Hone in on and harness the belief in what you're setting out to do. Get crystal clear on your why — your reasons and your dreams. This is what will propel and compel you to keep going through the difficulties, the doubts, and the challenges, that you will experience. There is no success without trials to overcome, and it is your belief that fuels you on your journey to obtaining your dreams and desires. - I is for Imagination
Imagination is a powerful internal force that is available to you that allows you the ability to see all that is abundant and available to you. Imagination is with you when your bank account is low (empty), when somebody quits or doesn't give a deliverable, and when a deal crashes and burns. You can remain strong and self-assured because you emotionally engage in these challenges with a favorable imagination. You will think of thoughts of solutions and success versus doom and drama. You are so inspired that when people are speaking to you in an unfavorable way, it has no effect. Your imagination fuels your belief. - G is for Gratitude
Practice gratitude. If you do not understand and believe on a daily moment-by-moment basis that things are working in your favor, you will continue to create and attract scarcity, lack, and insecurity. This will limit your ability to stay focused on why you started. Gratitude empowers you to see what's possible when there's nothing there. When you truly believe your dreams are possible, why would you be anything other than grateful?
Dream B.I.G... you deserve nothing less!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://meshellrbaker.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeshellRBaker
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MeshellRBaker/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeshellRBaker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meshellrbaker/
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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