Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Paul Orlando, Founder of Startups Unplugged, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

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

Helping startups and innovation groups succeed at higher rates and faster.

Tell us about yourself

Years ago, I worked in product development for a large organization and noticed how often businesses don't understand what customers need. From there, I co-founded a startup and have since built startup accelerators in Hong Kong, Rome, Los Angeles, and remote. I get motivated by seeing positive outcomes.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Apart from helping lots of customers, I'd say it's the pleasure I get from writing and hearing from readers.

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

Staying focused on the long-term. Short-term needs may be the most pressing or distracting, but you need to periodically check that you're thinking of where you want to be in 5, 10, or 20 years.

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

Depends on your personal situation, but I would recommend that people start with a low-risk opportunity and use it as a way to learn. Learn from the mistakes of others rather than make all the mistakes yourself. Build a group of other founders you can share and learn from.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I'm fascinated by the way timing impacts product success (also called the "why now" question). To learn more, I've been researching and running workshops on the topic. Let me know if you'd like to join a workshop.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://startupsunplugged.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/porlando/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/porlando/

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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