Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rick Newton, founder of Newton Institute, LLC., located in Claysville, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We provide purpose-driven tools for purpose-driven leaders so they can elevate their leadership, teams, and organizations to a whole new level of effectiveness and flourishing. We love working with mid-market leaders and organizations that want to make a positive difference in our world!
Tell us about yourself
After a successful career as a management consultant, I started my first company, Newton Consulting (now Aspirant), to fundamentally change the consulting industry - from profit & growth-focused to one focused on customers. Operating by values (such as integrity, humility, and servant leadership) and helping our employees' professional and personal dreams come true.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Positively impacting the lives of customers, partners, and employees with whom we have the opportunity to serve - and the communities where we live. Three practical ways we've done include:
• Our Connection of Hope program at Aspirant, which supports those affected by domestic violence.
• Our tools at the Newton Institute, which help leaders answer foundational questions about themselves and their organizations (1) Who Am I? (2) Why do I exist? and (3) What am I supposed to be doing?
• Catalyzing and facilitating regional revitalization and economic development in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being responsible for the employees that look to you for leadership, guidance, mentoring, and financial stability... and then making mistakes that cost good people their jobs.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know Yourself - understand your strengths and weaknesses, so you can build a team around you that makes up for your weaknesses. There's no such thing as well-rounded leaders, only well-rounded teams.
- Know Your Customers - Listen to your customers. Make sure you know their real and perceived problems and how you can help solve them. The market is truthful (and ruthless) as it relates to your products & services. If they aren't buying from you, adapt to solve their problem, not the one you think they have.
- Know Your Employees - Care enough to understand how each of them is designed. What are their strengths and weaknesses? What interests them? What lights them up like a Christmas Tree? Do this so you can put them in roles and on assignments where they will flourish and contribute most. Employees don't quit their jobs... they quit their bosses.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
The best leader you'll ever be is one that is authentic to your design. Learn this about yourself.
The best teams are ones where team members know their (and each other's) design. A good leader gives this gift to the teams they lead.
The best organizations know WHO they are (their DNA) and WHY they exist (their purpose).
As you can see, what differentiates the Newton Institute is its central focus on DNA. We believe doing comes out of being. We've found that the key to flourishing leaders, teams, and organizations is by awakening, activating, and aligning design and purpose.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.newtoninstitute.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ricknewton777
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/newtonrick/
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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