Clean Energy Solutions - NEC Technical Services

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Liz Mills, Co-Founder and Vice President of NEC Technical Services, located in Rockville, MD, USA.

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

NEC Technical Services, Inc. is a certified small women-owned business that provides engineering, technical, regulatory, operations, clerical, professional, and staff augmentation services to Fortune 500 companies and federal and state government entities. We specialize in the energy industry and are proud to be a part of clean energy solutions. We are headquartered in Rockville, Md., and have employees throughout the United States.

NEC Tech was born out of the request of a client. In 2008, a client wanted to work with a certified woman-owned company, so we were up and running in a matter of weeks. We were very fortunate.

Tell us about yourself

I am a single mother to an intelligent, outspoken, and ambitious daughter, a third-generation small business owner, a lifelong learner, a domestic violence survivor, and a lover of ’80s music. I enjoy helping our clients solve their problems, and I love helping people further their careers.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is when we are able to employ or find an assignment for someone who really needs a job. Hiring someone who has been out of work for an extended period of time is very rewarding. I know that I am having a positive impact on the quality of their life.

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

Time management. Being a small business owner and a single mother, it can be difficult to balance my business and family life. I would like a few more hours in the day to accomplish everything that I want to do.

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

1. Hire people who are smarter than you. Surround yourself with people who have different strengths and experiences than you do. The diversity in skill sets will lead to a stronger and better company.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You are not the only one with questions. In fact, often, many people have the same question as you, and unless you ask, you will not know. This leads to my third top tip, listening.
3. Practice active listening. Listen to your client’s wants and needs. Do not go into a meeting or submit a proposal assuming that you know everything about a client or their business. Listen carefully because your client usually knows what they want, but they need help getting there.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://www.nectechnicalservices.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nectechinc/

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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