Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in human resources but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Martin Bani, Owner of Reliance Impact, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

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

Reliance Impact is a recruitment agency that genuinely cares for the careers of the candidates we work with; our goal is to change the lives of candidates by connecting them with the best companies in Ontario. Our Customers are Construction companies and Construction professionals across the Greater Toronto Area.

Tell us about yourself

I am a blessed human who somehow got lucky with my passion for business. Growing up, I always had severe social anxiety and would avoid social interaction at all costs. For some crazy reason, the anxiety would go away when I would do anything related to business. At 10 years old, we would sell chocolate bars to raise money for our School. My friends and I would go to the fluent neighbourhoods and sell the bars for double the price. Winters included a lot of snow shovelling. I also remember spending hours on Kijiji looking for the lowest possible Playstation/Xbox so that I can sell it at double the price.

University wasn't for me; I dropped out early and did Door 2 Door Sales which was awesome! Loved it. The sales experience led to recruitment. I spent years learning and mastering my craft working for someone else and eventually decided to go out on my own. It has been the best decision of my life! The beauty of recruitment is you are changing lives! I don't need any more motivation than that. I don't care about the money. I don't care about the nice cars. I just care about taking care of my candidates and clients.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is just starting! There's no better feeling than working crazy hours knowing you're building something special.

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

One of the hardest things as a business owner is managing your emotions. I've come to realize that business will have a lot of ups and downs. There are going to be moments where things are always great. Then you go through the bad moments, which feel like you're in the middle of the storm. Controlling those emotions and just doing the work is what I've been trying to do to control those emotions.

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

  1. Think Long Term! Your brand is what will keep you in business.
  2. Do the right thing; working with integrity will pay dividends in the future.
  3. No matter what industry you're in, it is small, and everyone talks! Phone calls are made behind the scenes, and you are likely being talked about. Make sure those conversations are about the positive experience of dealing with your company.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Chase your dreams, and see what happens. At least if you fail, you won't regret not trying.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://relianceimpact.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relianceimpactinc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relianceimpact/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinbani/

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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