Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Susan O'Connor, CEO of Paradise Workplace Solutions, located in Jupiter, FL, USA.

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

Paradise Workplace Solutions is a communication, HR, and coaching consultancy that helps mid-size and large corporations improve their business results by improving relationships with their employees. Our customers range from large pharmaceutical and medical device companies to smaller technology and consultancy groups.

Tell us about yourself

Having worked in large corporations, I saw the disconnect that occurs when a company grows so large that its focus on processes and systems begins to deteriorate the culture and connection employees have with their leaders. I like to help growing businesses establish good communication practices to build a healthy culture and break through the roadblocks major corporations have in their way to ensure employees have the information and connections to leaders they need to perform at their best. I have been passionate about working with leaders to improve their communications and build long-lasting connections with the employees they are responsible for.

In 2017 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and lymphoma and had been completely asymptomatic. It took us by surprise. Everything was caught early, and I have been cancer-free for five years. The diagnoses made us realize we weren't living a healthy lifestyle nor the life we wanted to live. My husband and I decided to leave our corporate jobs and move from New Jersey to southeast Florida because we wanted a different environment. One that allowed us to enjoy being outside year-round and one that wasn't so pressured by a false sense of urgency. The distance can help clear one's vision. Once here, we decided our best option to continue doing the work we love was to start Paradise Workplace Solutions.

Actually, the Paradise part of our name comes from how we feel about living in Florida. We wanted to make sure that we always looked at our work from a position of positivity, and Paradise does that for us.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We established Paradise Workplace Solutions in 2019 with nothing but our experience, passion, and a desire to continue helping businesses--large and small. Three years in, we have expanded our client base to new industries like manufacturing and technology and continue to see revenue growth year over year. Our biggest accomplishments are that we have a repeat, satisfied clients and that the business allows us to live the life we desire. It doesn't get better than that.

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

One of the hardest things about being a small business owner is planning/marketing for future work while balancing current client work.

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

  1. There are numerous free or low-cost resources to start a business--the library, SCORE, and networking. Use them.
  2. Talk about what you're doing and ask for advice. People get put in your path at the time you most need them. It's in most of our nature to want to help others. Ask how someone started their business or the best advice they would give to someone who is just starting. Or whatever issue you're currently dealing with. The information is out there, and people love to help others.
  3. Put your fears in the background. Don't be afraid to take a leap into the unknown as long as you do it with passion and some research. Fear is the biggest obstacle to success. Don't let it limit you and your business plans.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I have never been happier in my career as I am now choosing who I work with and learning what it takes to own a business. I'm a lifelong learner, and my energy level continues to increase as we settle into growing our business and ensuring our clients are delighted with our work.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.paradiseworkplacesolutions.com/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3wDBom1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paradiseworkplacesolutions/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParadiseWorkpl2
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-l-o-connor/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.