Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Quinton Aiken, a senior software engineer and dedicated mentor based in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I make online courses in order to help software engineers become better developers. I also provide 1-on-1 mentoring and often give free webinars.
Tell us about yourself
As a completely self-taught programmer, I know how difficult it can be to find a path toward that first entry-level job. I also know what it's like to yearn for a dedicated mentor who can help break down complex goals into simple, digestible tasks. Before becoming a software engineer, I was a Physics and Math tutor. Teaching is one way to practice the art of empathy, and nothing brings me more joy than seeing the fog clear and a convoluted idea suddenly makes sense to my students. It is a beautiful thing.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment was when Educative reached out to me to make a text-based course on any topic that I'd like to talk about. I have been an Educative member for years and have used it countless times to brush up on interviewing skills, so when I got the chance to create my own course, I was honored! The course will be on web application security and should come out sometime in March or April of 2023.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
It can be difficult to market yourself successfully. With so many people promoting online content, it can sometimes feel like a crowded space. Connecting in a meaningful way with a niche demographic is challenging.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Put making great content ahead of everything else. Don't worry too much about self-promotion, followers, income, etc., until you have a product that you are unapologetically proud of.
- Treat everything as a learning experience. After you complete a project, reflect on what you learned and think about what you can do better next time.
- Set concrete short, medium, and long-term goals. What can you commit to doing in your daily routine that will make success inevitable?
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://quintonaiken.gumroad.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quintonlouisaiken/
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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