Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tania Van Thof, Content Owner and Director of RockED Inc., located in Marietta, GA, USA.

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

We just turned one year old as a startup this year. RockED is in a league of its own. We create and offer social media style training to the automotive retail space through our very own mobile app. Think MasterClass meets TikTok. Our clients range from small volume dealerships to entire auto groups.

Tell us about yourself

As a young creative adult, I gravitated to the beauty industry and worked my way into the corporate arena pretty quickly. At the same time, I became a dedicated automotive enthusiast and toyed with the idea of making it a career. Too many people doubted a "beauty girl" could make it in a "male-dominated" industry as a salesperson, and so I was up for the challenge.

For the last 15 years, I've not only proved many people wrong by growing my career and leading teams, but I proved that scared 20-something-year-old right. I now get to be creative again and collaborate with other skilled and talented creatives at RockED. Helping our clients support and elevate their dealership associates with relevant, real-world training and development is full circle for me.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I'm not the owner of the startup, but as an early employee, I'm very invested in the success of the startup and am fully committed to its success. My biggest accomplishment as an early shareholder is being part of shaping our brand, its company culture, and having a voice that is valued. From the perspective of a content owner and creator at RockED, my biggest accomplishment is positively influencing the lives of others and helping them avoid the struggles and setbacks that I encountered as a young salesperson. Training is still not seen as a priority and is often viewed as a last resort or afterthought. When in fact, leading with training, coaching, and development is the easiest way to grow your team and its culture.

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

As an early employee and shareholder, it's the risk and uncertainty of a young startup that is the hardest to wrangle. I believe in taking strategic and calculated risks, and RockED is positioned really well in the industry, especially in a post-pandemic environment. Do your research and assess your risks when choosing a new venture, whether a startup, a new company, or starting your own business.

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

When I left a stable, cushy corporate America job to join RockED, a company of 10 employees at the time, I definitely felt the panic of the uncertainty. Take the risk, this is my first tip. We've all heard it, no risk, no reward. Next, network like your life depends on it. It's very true that it is all about who you know. Maintain those connections, you never know who will remember you. And last, believe in your abilities and your value. You possess skills, knowledge, and character that no other person in the world has.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Most people think of networking as a box they have to check and feel awkward or forced as if you want something from them. I like to think of it a little differently. Connections are never a one-way avenue. Who knows, that person you're networking with right now may remember you and say your name in a room full of opportunities.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.rocked.us/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rocked-company-inc/

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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