Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Meridith Elliott Powell, Founder of MotionFirst, located in Asheville, NC, USA.

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

I am a business strategist helping my clients turn uncertainty into a competitive advantage. My clients are CEOs and C-Suite Professionals who are highly successful and want to take their organizations and teams to the next level.

Tell us about yourself

I earned my stripes working in several industries, helping them navigate tough and challenging shifts in their industry. I am attracted to disruption. When I hit 40, I wanted to go out on my own. By this time, I was a master's certified business strategist, and I started working with CEOs and leaders helping them transform and grow. 2008 hit, and everyone struggled - I saw an opportunity - wrote my first book - Winning In the Trust & Value Economy - and my business took off. Since then, I have found a wonderful niche in helping my clients shift how they think, feel, and react to the great uncertainty in the marketplace.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Thriving through the pandemic... I make my living traveling around the world, speaking on stages, and engaging with audiences - my industry blew up - and over half of those in my industry did not make it through. The rest struggled. I was able to turn my business around within two months, and I had two record-setting years and now entering my third. I cracked the code on the biggest challenge facing business today - uncertainty. And now, my mission is to share it with others.

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

I think balancing workload and finding downtime. When you own and run a business, it is easy to work 24/7. When a client needs you, a new opportunity comes in, or an employee wants your attention, you feel obligated to act. Years ago, I read a Buddist quote - a master in the art of living is someone whom you never know if they are working or playing as it all looks the same. I live by that.

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

  1. Love what you do - if you do not wake up and want to do this seven days a week, don't do it.
  2. Protect cash flow - it is king - without cash coming in, the business will fail. Keep expenses low.
  3. Find a mastermind - a group of people that are your mentors, coaches, and champions - whom you can learn from, help, and vent.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Just that times are challenging out there, but I think this is one of the best times to be in business. When the market is uncertain, your customers need you more than ever - embrace uncertainty.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.meridithelliottpowell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeridithElliotPowell/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powellmeridithelliott/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/meridithpowell
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meridithelliottpowell/

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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