Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Robert Solomon, Founder of Solomon Strategic, located in Napa, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
In a world known for mega-conglomerates and deep specialization, Solomon Strategic is an anomaly. For starters, it is anything but a mega-conglomerate; instead, you might think of it as a micro-conglomerate, given the solo practice is run by me, Robert Solomon, its founder, who, with the assistance of my COO/CFO/CTO/wife, Roberta, pretty much run the place on our own. And rather than claiming one area of expertise, I actually am what you would call a true generalist.
Trained as a direct marketer who embraced digital early on, I’m known for my expertise as a brand strategist and new business developer. I’m also an accomplished writer, a published author, and an expert speaker and workshop leader who is also certified as an organizational and executive coach, particularly skilled in job search.
As varied as these disciplines are, they share a single objective: they are about changing the behavior of a company, a client, an employer, or a consumer.
Tell us about yourself
Wanting to write a book and strike out on my own, I left my position as an advertising agency CEO and founded Solomon Strategic in 1999. My mission ever since has been to help people of all types and tenures get better at fostering enduring relationships with clients and colleagues based on trust.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Writing all three editions of my book, "The Art of Client Service," the most recent of which was published by John Wiley & Sons.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Finding that next client who you can help.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Don't give up.
Don't give up.
Don't give up.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
At heart, I am a teacher – my graduate degree is not an MBA
but in literature, given my earliest ambition was to be a university professor — having conducted workshops with audiences of all types, sizes, and tenures on a wide range of marketing subjects. My goal is to serve as a mentor to others.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://www.solomonstrategic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robert.solomon.355
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RJSolomon
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-solomon-79092a/
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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