Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Quadri Olanlege, Founder of Oro Advisors LLC., located in Rego Park, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a small business consultant and advisor, focusing on providing local entrepreneurs with the support needed to get started, identify useful resources, and grow their businesses.
Tell us about yourself
My family immigrated to NYC from Nigeria, where being an entrepreneur is a way of life. And brought that entrepreneurial spirit with them here where they've been hustling for as long as I know. Following college, I started using my skillset to help my mother upgrade her hair salon, helping her install a POS system and social media to help her promote herself. This ultimately led me to a job with NYC Business Services, where I discovered a passion for developing communities through small business support and gained expertise on the different resources available throughout NYC.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to support others during their time of need. The last three years have been a trying time for small businesses, and being in a position to support them by helping them access emergency financing and find alternative solutions to their challenges has really helped bring meaning to my work.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Managing your time and expectations! I work a full-time job in addition to this consulting practice. Therefore, time is scarce and must be managed wisely. I've also found it helpful to be transparent and level set throughout a project for either my salary position or business (clients), as folks typically respect that and, at times, admire your management skills.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run, and grow a business today?
- Start! Too often, we spend too much time in our own heads convincing ourselves why it won't work or the timing isn't right. But I've experienced that it's better to start than to continue to contemplate the perfect situation. Ideas change, and you never know what might inspire you.
- Be consistent! Nothing worth it was built overnight. If your business isn't hitting the milestones you anticipated, be analytical and try to understand why, then implement the changes, but don't give up.
- Find something that motivates you (other than money). I feel the monetary value always fades over time, especially as a business owner, because it's not always convenient, and if you have a primary income, it can even be more challenging to stick with once challenges arise.
Where can people find you and your business?
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quadribolanlege/
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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