Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Janet MacDonald, Owner of MycampusGPS Education Consulting, located in Halifax, NS, Canada.

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

I help Canadian high school students find and win scholarships for university. I offer small group workshops and one-to-one consulting. I work with grade 10 and 11 students to help them prepare for scholarships the smart way. And I work with grade 12 students to help them find scholarships and write their best applications. My customers are students and families from all over Canada. I also offer popular scholarship information sessions to schools and organizations.

Tell us about yourself

I'm a former university admissions officer. I was an Assistant Registrar of Admissions at Dalhousie University and an Admissions Officer at UBC Vancouver. I also have experience as the coordinator of a university scholarship program. While doing this work, I noticed that many students were missing out on scholarships simply because they didn't know much about them. They didn't know how to find them or how to write the applications. Many didn't even know that they qualified for scholarships! They needed to know more about scholarships, so I started mycampusGPS to help them navigate the process. I have spent my entire career working with students. I love it! I enjoy helping them see and appreciate their accomplishments and playing a small part in helping them reach their potential.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishments are the wins of my student clients. I'm over the moon when they tell me they have won an award. I actually dance in my office sometimes! The other accomplishment is when students learn something about themselves. My work involves helping students understand what they've learned and how they've grown from their experiences. It's music to my ears to hear them say, "I never thought about it that way before. Thanks."

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

Making all of the decisions all of the time. Of course, that's also the best part of being a business owner!

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

  1. It can be a grind a lot of the time. Be prepared to work a lot, consistently.
  2. Find your niche and make a name for yourself by providing quality work.
  3. If you love the work, most of the time, it won't feel like work.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.mycampusgps.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mycampusgps
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mycampusgps
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetmacdonald1/

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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