Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Paul Toffanello, CEO of Toffanello Consultant Services Inc., located in Vancouver, BC, USA.

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

I am an author, first, with published books for middle graders and young, emerging readers. The latter are softly spooky stories to spark the imagination of youngsters. The middle-grade series, The Popchuck Chronicles, is a trilogy of suspenseful, spooky, and mysterious stories of three friends who discover the world of the supernatural all around them.

I am also a private therapist and consultant who works in education and health, and I have been extremely successful in helping not-for-profit businesses recover during difficult times.

Tell us about yourself

I am the CEO of Toffanello Consultant Services which offers professional leadership, support, and guidance in education, health, and business. My most recent consulting work has been with Algoma University and Constance Lake First Nations, and I have supported many organizations and individuals in Ontario and British Columbia.

I am a retired Director of Education who has served many roles throughout my educational career, including Superintendent, Secondary School Principal, and Vice-Principal. For over 17 years before being in administration, I was an English secondary school teacher after teaching elementary school in my first ten years in education. While in education, I wrote several professional documents and articles and was instrumental in the formation of the Literacy & Numeracy Secretariat in Ontario, which provided direction and support to all schools across the province in the arena of student achievement. I have written professional educational documents, speeches, articles, and advice for writers.

I am an accomplished author, and besides my professional writing, I have written a trilogy for middle-grade students called The Popchuck Chronicles. I have presented my novels to students in over 700 schools across Canada and the United States, Japan, Scotland, and Korea, meeting with Students, Teachers, Principals, and Parent Council groups. I have also written a children's illustrated series called In Blackburn Hamlet, a softly spooky series of stories for emerging readers. As well, I write screenplays for television. I have delivered workshops to Principals, Teachers, Health Care Workers, and Business Leaders on healthy workplace environments and leading & managing, among many others. I am also a professional Counsellor, Executive Coach, and Mentor working with leaders, managers, and individuals requiring personal, one-on-one care.

I currently live and work in Vancouver, B.C., and Northern Ontario. I am currently working on the fourth novel in The Popchuck Chronicles series and the fourth and fifth stories in the Blackburn Hamlet series. As well, I have begun writing my first full-length novel.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being successful in each endeavor of my career. I have succeeded in publishing novels/children's stories, working as a Consultant, and working with people in private counseling. There is no one biggest accomplishment. It is a dynamic view of success, and I have been very satisfied with my career and the learning I have gained over the years.

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

Marketing on my own. Although necessary, it is time-consuming and takes away from the actual product and interactions in my lines of work.

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

  1. Don't give up. Just when you think you're about to do so, take a breath and try to see the bigger picture. Look for the "helicopter view."
  2. When you succeed, thank everyone who has helped you along the way. No one ever really succeeds without the support and kindness of others.
  3. Be compassionate in all relationships. You never know when someone is struggling and just looking for support. Be the one to offer, encourage and hold up those who reach out to you.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Age is not a factor in success. If you're 65 and still dream of starting that business, then start that business. Always remember that there may be curves and corners on your road to success; don't worry about them. Turn the corner.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website:
https://toffanelloinc.com/
https://www.thespookyauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.toffanello
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespookyauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hattersmack/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3IcwrWy

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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