Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Robyn Hatcher, Founder of SpeakEtc., located in New York, NY,  USA.

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

I am a professional speaker, leadership consultant, and executive coach. My business focuses on helping leaders develop both the mindset and skillset to manage their message, manage their people, and manage themselves. Our clients include executives, mid-level managers, high potentials, and leadership teams -- from global companies to small businesses & start-ups.

Tell us about yourself

I am an introvert born into a family of extroverts and consequently was labeled “shy.” Not only was I labeled shy, but Shy also became my literal nickname. Through various twists and turns, I was forcing myself to do theatre in high school. I began to develop confidence, skill, and presence and became a professional actor.

One of my support jobs as an actor was teaching English as a second language, and while teaching, I recognized that I had expertise in being able to see and develop the gold in people and successfully guiding them to bring it forward. I expanded that expertise to teaching and coaching native English speakers.

As I continued to develop my expertise, I experienced incredible satisfaction seeing the impact my coaching, speaking and training were having on individuals' confidence, personal impact, and success. The ability to positively impact the lives and futures of individuals and organizations is what motivates me each day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being able to be continually sought after by organizations and individuals and have one of my most successful years during a global pandemic.

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

Realizing the fact that 80% of your business is going to be about finding more business.

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

  1. Invest in help before you think you need or can afford it. I feel like I waited too long to hire an assistant and invest in products and services that could help propel the business.
  2. Get support from like-minded groups and individuals. I’ve been a member of several groups and associations during my business journey (National Speakers Association, New York Women in Communications, Savor the Success, Ladies Who Launch), and I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today without those memberships.
  3. Know and connect with your “Why.” Too many people go into business because they see other people doing something and making money at it. But unless the business you go into is intrinsically connected to who you are, what you stand for, and what you’ve been put on this earth to do, it will be difficult to sustain. Continually ask yourself, “Why” am I doing this, and why am I the perfect person to be running this business? If you don’t have an answer to those questions, perhaps you should reconsider.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://robynhatcher.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpeakEtc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robyn_speaketc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpeakETC
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynhatcher/

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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