Transform the Way You Do Business - Orion Global Solutions

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ellen Williams, Director of Advisory & ESG Services at Orion Global Solutions, located in New York, NY, USA.

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

Orion Global Solutions is a digital transformation consultancy and Salesforce implementation partner. Our services include technology review and new platform selection processes, development of strategic technology roadmaps, and implementation of the Salesforce platform. Our goal is to align our clients' business processes with the best technologies to increase efficiencies and growth. Our customers vary in size and represent a wide variety of industries. We do specialize in high-tech, retail/consumer goods, manufacturing, and financial service/private equity organizations.

Tell us about yourself

My first introduction to computers was in the late 1980s when they put one on my desk and asked me to "learn it." I did. In the early 1990s, I became a computer consultant specializing in financial software for small businesses. Over the years, I've learned a lot more, and I now run the Advisory and ESG services division of my organization. I am motivated by the ability to share my knowledge every day with clients who are focused on their own industries and hire us for our expertise.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I have spent my career switching between solopreneur and employee. During my business owner years, my biggest accomplishments were the relationships I developed. After being unexpectedly let go from an operations position at a marketing firm, I was unsure of my next step. When I decided to take another leap of faith and start another solopreneur adventure, I reached out to a few people I respected, and they all hired me. Each one hired me for a different technology-related service, and by that new business was born.

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

Being a business owner has many rewards and challenges. One of the hardest things I found was having to wear different hats when speaking with my clients. I would be the customer service person and the collections person. These are two very different conversations. The best way to tackle everyday juggling is with transparency and honesty. Developing relationships based on respect and tough conversations will be easier.

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

1. Make sure you understand marketing, sales, and finance. You don't have to be a whiz at each of these. You do need to know the value they have in growing your business.
2. Outsource the stuff you're not good at. If you don't have enough capital to do this from the start, do it as soon as possible. Investing in a bookkeeper or a virtual assistant sooner than later will free your time for things ONLY you can do.
3. Be proud of your business and talk about it as much as possible. Networking events and social media are the obvious venues, and talk with your family and friends too. Bring enthusiasm to the conversation and get them excited for you. Tell stories about how you decided to become a business owner and what you are passionate about. Memorable stories get retold.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.orion-gs.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellenwilliamsny/

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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