Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in language education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Steve Ford, Owner of Private English Portal, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I have been teaching English online since 2007. In addition to that, I have an ever-growing YouTube channel with over 300,000 subscribers and 20 million views worldwide. This visibility has enabled me to attract students from all over the world, ranging from CEOs and high-level managers to teenagers and children. One of the most remarkable experiences I've had was teaching Ukrainian children and teenagers after the Ukrainian-Russian war broke out last year. This experience has inspired me to new heights, and I am now offering English courses and webinars for general, business, and exam preparation.
Tell us about yourself
What first got me working on my business? I have taught at the top English schools in Canada, Brazil, and France. Nevertheless, it had always been my dream to open up my own business and teach online. Back in 2007, I felt that the time was "ripe" to launch my business. At the time, online learning was a novel idea, and it wasn't long after that I created my website and Youtube channel. In a very short period, I started to get students and gain visibility on Youtube. What motivates me today is what has motivated me from the start: being able to use my abilities and experience as a teacher to reach out and teach millions of people the world over and to make a living while doing it.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Business contracts with companies such as Qualcomm, Merck, Novo Nordisk, and Peg Perego, in which I taught CEOs and high-level managers
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Having to innovate, to develop a new template after the one you had been using becomes obsolete.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
A focused mind, a proper skillset in your field, self-discipline and the audacity to push beyond your comfort zone - all of these are a recipe to pave your own way to success.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.privateenglishportal.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/englishwithsteve
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/englishwithsteve/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeppyClub
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-ford-62b34848/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.