Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chris Kolenda, Founder of Strategic Leaders Academy, located in Milwaukee, WI, USA.

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

I help small business owners, coaches, and consultants achieve their dreams. I do so through emotional connection, knowledge transfer, and accountability.

Tell us about yourself

I love helping good people soar to new heights. Seeing people get great results, having ah-ha moments, making tough decisions, and inspiring their employees to contribute their best fills my cup.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Helping leaders be a better version of their best selves each day. My clients have grown their business by well over $30 million and counting.

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

Recognizing that lone-wolfing is the fast track to frustration, underperformance, and failure.

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

  1. You must operate at the intersection of passion, competence, and market need.
  2. Get the three core elements functioning properly: business development, operations, and management.
  3. Did you notice that the best leaders, athletes, and coaches have coaches? Get a coach or mentor to shorten your path to success. Never trust a coach who does not invest in coaching.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I'm undertaking a 1700-mile bicycle journey to visit the graves of the six paratroopers from my unit who were killed in action in Afghanistan. The ride from Spalding, Nebraska, to Arlington National Cemetery occurs from September 25 to October 22. The ride supports the Saber Six Foundation. Visit this link for more details.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://strategicleadersacademy.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Chris_Kolenda
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriskolenda/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.