Build the Business of Your Dreams - Perrow Advisory Services

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jennifer Perrow, founder of Perrow Advisory Services, located in Richmond, VA, USA.

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

Overcoming growing pains and scaling an existing small business beyond its own limits takes more than pure grit. To grow a business to its full potential, business owners need to step into the CEO role with confidence, commitment, and the right support system. I created Perrow Advisory Services to enable them to do just that.

When leaders and teams work with me, they are motivated and committed to taking the steps necessary to reach their goals. Clients know that I am empathetic yet practical and will help them effectively implement strategies to grow their businesses in far less time than they ever could on their own. I’ve been told my calm yet passionate approach cultivates a sense of assurance and momentum that helps leaders and their teams move forward. My unique ability to see the high-level view and tiny details offer a different perspective that helps my clients see their next steps and progress toward success much more effectively. Leaders get the guidance and support they need to take their companies to the next level.

99.9% of all US businesses are considered "small," and they create 64% of all new jobs. Small business IS the backbone of our economy. Let’s grow it together!

Tell us about yourself

I believe every person exists for a distinct purpose, and every business has a distinct purpose, too. After years of searching, I finally figured out that my passion and purpose in life is to help others realize their full potential.

Whether as a recruiter matching individuals and companies, co-founder and CEO of a 7-figure IT services company helping small businesses maximize their technology or the director of operations for a regional property management firm developing and implementing processes and procedures - I realized I’d actually been living my purpose all along.
However, it took getting fired to spur me to find a way to do it on a greater scale. Now I work with business owners and entrepreneurs nationwide and can’t imagine doing anything else. With the right frameworks, processes, approaches, and support, growing businesses can become the exceptional industry leaders they were always meant to be.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

With nearly 15 years of business ownership across three different companies, I've got a lot to be proud of. One of my biggest accomplishments occurred when I had the IT company. We were early adopters of the Managed Services model and were highly successful in converting our company from pure Time & Materials to being a true MSP. This came with an increase in profitability but a short-term decrease in revenue that caused a very scary cash flow issue. I am proud that I asked for help and listened to the support I received. We quickly grew to a 7-figure business, and I've used the lessons I learned to help myself and my clients ever since.

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

The loneliness. As a business owner, you are constantly making decisions - both short-term and those with long-reaching implications. The weight of the financial implications of business ownership, not just making money but understanding cash flow, knowing when to re-invest into your business, taking risks, playing it safe, and realizing that people are counting on you for their livelihoods. It's a lot, and the stress is real. It's easy for self-doubt (hello imposter syndrome) and fear to take a front seat and slow you down.

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

1. Get super clear on your vision. Who do you want to serve, what products/services do you want to provide, and how big you want to grow.
2. Know your 'Why'. The only thing guaranteed about starting a business is that there will be tough times. Deeply connecting with your 'Why' will help you push through.
3. Build your support team. Great companies are not built in a vacuum. Owners need a team in their corner - cheerleaders, advisors, accountability partners. Identify your team early and reach out to them often.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://perrowadvisoryservices.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.perrow/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferperrow/

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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