Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Traci DeForge, Founder of Produce Your Podcast, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

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

Produce Your Podcast is a full-service turnkey podcast consulting and production agency focused on business growth-focused podcasts. Recognized as an industry leader in producing branded podcast content for businesses since 2016. Businesses trust us with their brands because we deliver results. Our success is driven by delivering customer satisfaction with cutting-edge creative concepts and white glove service. We are internationally recognized for our systematic approach to designing and building podcasts focused on revenue growth.

Tell us about yourself

I've been obsessed with audio storytelling and radio since childhood. I used to sleep with a radio underneath my pillow at night. I was fortunate enough to build a career in Broadcast Radio, which led me to ultimately become a podcaster who needed a full-service podcast agency. There wasn't one like Produce Your Podcast, so I created it. I believe that you can change the world one voice at a time. Podcasting provides a platform for people to change conversations and make an impact. I am proud of the podcasts we put out and the lives they touch.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I've been blessed with multiple accomplishments as a business owner. Each has led me to an opportunity to engage on a bigger platform so I can make a bigger impact. I'm very proud of the businesses I've built but, more importantly, of the contributions, I've made to those building businesses on their own, whether as a consultant, a podcast producer, or a mentor.

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

I think the sheer magnitude of the amount of responsibilities of being a business owner is the hardest part. I take these responsibilities very seriously. There are always multiple facets to take into consideration when it comes to hiring, marketing, asset allocation, etc. One decision can influence a multitude of other decisions, so you have to evaluate everything with the information you have at the time and then leap forward and hope the net will appear!

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

  1. Accountability. You are responsible for yourself and your business. The buck stops with you, so always accept responsibility for actions taken by yourself and others because how you handle a mistake is often more critical than the mistake itself.
  2. Business Plan 101: Everything takes twice as long as you think it will, and it will cost twice as much. Plan accordingly.
  3. Focus on Business Development First. Founders wear many hats, and it is not unusual for business development to get put on the back burner when there are daily fires to put out. Hire someone as soon as you can to focus on growing your client base or selling your products because that will fuel the engine of everything else and enable you to scale more quickly.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://produceyourpodcast.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracideforge
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracideforge/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tracideforge
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracilongdeforge/

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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