Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in organizational development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sarah Wilkins, Co-Owner of Reverb, located in Seattle, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Reverb is an HR consulting company focused on people operations, leadership development, and coaching. As exceptional people partners, we help startups and nonprofits scale. Through our flexible, customized solutions, we meet companies where they are and build healthy, inclusive cultures that engage and inspire.
Tell us about yourself
With over 15 years in management consulting and people operations, I found Reverb and joined first as a Practice Lead. After 3.5 years of working with our founder and CEO, Mikaela Kiner (and the rest of the team), I knew Reverb was where I wanted to commit to long-term as a partner and co-owner. I'm passionate about the work we do with our clients to build the best workplaces for employees. We are innovating and bringing our clients the leading practices in our industry. Our team at Reverb is exceptional, kind, and principled and makes every day fun and interesting. Outside of Reverb, I'm motivated by my six-year-old daughter and creating a world and workplace that's inclusive and supportive of people like her.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner so far is working with our team to launch new products and services that meet clients where they are and get them the support they need. An example is our HR Starter Package, which was designed for busy leaders building people-first teams and cultures, and includes access to over 20 customizable templates plus all the tools and resources you'll need at a budget you can afford early in your startup.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Not knowing what the future will bring. The current economy is hard to predict and know where and what to invest in, given the uncertainty. It's important to be transparent with your team and also provides leadership through challenging times without knowing all the answers.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Take care of your people. They are the most important thing in your business and what will drive its success. Set up a people-first and inclusive culture from the beginning.
- Don't be afraid to try something and fail. You are in a position to launch, test, and refine things. As a small business, you are in a position to pivot and find what's best for your clients and company with a speed that larger companies aren't always able to.
- Always seek feedback from your customers. This includes not only customer satisfaction but asking them what they want out of a product or service and what's top of mind for them. Knowing your customers is key to keeping your business relevant and serving their needs.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://reverbpeople.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reverb_people/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahwwilkins/
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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