How to Build a Business the Smart Way

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jim Beach, Host of School for Startups, located in Atlanta, GA, USA.

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

My radio show is on 39 AmFm stations and growing. My customers are the Fortune 500 companies that financially support the show. Companies like IBM, Accenture, Facebook, and many others pay to share their corporate messages with entrepreneurs. I do lots of training too.

Tell us about yourself

I have been an entrepreneur for 30 years since I was 24. I grew a business to 700 employees before I was 30. I am not a big "why" guy. I don't need a big cause like saving the Earth to motivate me to get up. I love the Earth, but I don't think every business is designed to save it. Some businesses are supposed to pay bills! I love being an entrepreneur because I like to work when I want. If I want to earn more, I work more. I do what I want. That is reason enough. I have run businesses that sell products I would never use. But I love the money. More money allows me to do more of what I love. I believe entrepreneurship is NOT about creativity, risk, or passion. Most businesses are copies, you should not risk more than 5k to test an idea, and I reserve passion for religion and family.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Employing 700 people? Or getting invited to a Star Wars world premiere (sitting next to Tony Robbins)? Being in a UPS ad? Being called the Simon Cowell of venture capital by CNN? You choose.

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

Stopping work is the hardest for me.

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

Find a problem.
Figure out a way to solve it.
Test the solution for as little as possible.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://schoolforstartupsradio.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theschoolforstartups
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneurjim/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/entrepreneurjim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesabeach/

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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