Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in consultancy but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rick Kievits, Founder of Foster Leadership, located in Des Moines, IA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My consulting business provides services to promote the development of your leaders today and the letters for tomorrow. The programs are custom designed based on customer needs, are pragmatic, and have integrated accountability.
Tell us about yourself
What got me started was uncovering a passion for developing others through leadership coaching. This frustrated me in my current role, eventually leading me to start my business. What motivates me are my children and my passion. My children motivate me to remain authentic and true to myself. To try new things and to pursue what I enjoy doing. I would like them to have these opportunities, and when they arise, to go after their passions as well. My passion gives me energy. When I receive energy, I am at my best. When I am at my best, I deliver my best work, which allows others to receive my best.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The biggest accomplishment must be contracting my first client and completing a 6-month leadership development program with this client, both in-person and virtual while being employed full-time for another organization and having three young children.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, it is not having too large of a safety net to depend on. Including a safety net in your strategy when transitioning to having your own business is sound, but too large of a safety net will hold you back. It did, and in certain ways still does, hold me back.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be transparent with your partner, and do not move forward if your partner isn't on board.
- Include your network by sharing your aspirations, what you're working on, etc.
- Have clarity on your financial foundation. What income do you need? What expenses will you add to your budget? What does your monthly income/expense statement look like?
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I started my business less than one year ago. Thus, I am still in the very early stages, and by no means would I consider myself successful. There is a lot I have yet to learn and some safety nets I have yet to remove. This article is what I have learned and done within the last eleven months.
Where can people find you and your business?
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3c1Ef1u
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickkievits/
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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