Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michael Arnold, Owner of Protean Quality Systems, LLC., located in Anderson, SC, USA.

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

I teach manufacturing companies to fish when it comes to solving their own problems. I provide Lean Six Sigma, Leadership, and Soft Skills training. I also provide on-site and remote Six Sigma problem-solving as a Master Black Belt.

Tell us about yourself

My grandpa passed when I was nine months old. I only remember him from my grandma telling me I sat on his knee and watched Neil Armstrong step onto the moon. I grew up wanting to be an astronaut but found out the maximum height was 6 foot 1 inch tall. I couldn't reach my goal because I was 3 inches too tall. I decided to become an engineer and build taller spaceships. I now solve problems by changing the way it has always been done.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment? I exceeded my first-year revenue goal and doubled it in the second year without advertising for new customers, just word of mouth. This has led to multiple streams of revenue for my business.

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

Finding the time to do all which needs to be done, such as satisfying customers while also looking for new customers.

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

My top three tips for growing a successful business.

First, leverage who you know to make sure everyone knows you are open for business. Do not sell to them. Just make them aware.

Second, find someone who has done what you want to accomplish and either ask them or pay them to teach you how.

Third, do not spend more money than you make. This may work for an internet start-up but not for a small business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.themichaelarnold.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/successfulstorytelling
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/successfulstorytelling/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-arnold-dtm-mbb-10179311/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/protean-quality-systems/

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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