Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Blane Després, Founder, and CEO of Ripple Deep Consulting, Inc., located in Kelowna, BC, Canada.

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

I help men master their anger and resentment as well as focus on their life purpose through an application of systems thinking, behavior science, education, spiritual considerations, and a tailored curriculum.

My 2nd company offers subscription-based decision-making software that applies systems thinking, graphics, and guided applications. Great for consultants and in-house decision-makers, from solopreneurs to multinationals.

Tell us about yourself

Running my own business in the internet solutions industry in the late 90s on top of completing a Ph.D. in applied systems thinking in business and education in partnership eventually led to creating software on the Salesforce platform that tied together decision-making, systems thinking, big picture thinking, behavior science, spirituality, philosophy, sustainability, and improved survey and reporting techniques. I got excited about the usefulness of systems thinking and the interplay of human practices, beliefs, and relationships, whether for commerce or for living. Still pumped about it and the possibilities.

On a personal side, I wanted to overcome anger in my life. Anger is all around us, but at least I could deal with my own and do. I applied for my work in ST, education, life experiences, design and building, teaching, research in leadership, decision-making, business development, entrepreneurship, speaking and writing to working with men, in particular, with anger issues. To see men master anger in their life? That, to me, is powerful because it spills over into all their relationships, from home to the boardroom.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Helping people, seeing them come more alive, hearing them talk about their transformation and the benefits to themselves, others, and their organization.

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

The amount of time demanded to get the business going and continuing. So, from concept to proof, to attracting paying clients/customers, to gaining traction and expanding, it all occupies a large amount of time. Sustaining the passion over time is a close 2nd.

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

  1. A purpose: What do you want to achieve? Why? How passionate are you about it? Who will it help, and how do you know?
  2. A plan: What does your idea look like? How could you achieve your purpose through your plan?
  3. What I call "Infrastructure": Who is/are the decision-maker(s)? What resources do you have or do you have access to? Are the resources adequate, etc.? What is the timeline or timeframe to achieve your purpose and plan? What actions/steps are needed to accomplish your purpose, plan, and Infrastructure? What is the communication model that you will follow, and is it adequate? [This is a start]

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Treat everyone the way you would most love to be treated.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://rippledeep.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blane.despres/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blanedespres/

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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