Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Candace Barr, Owner of Strategic Resume Specialists, located in Birmingham, AL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I launched Strategic Resume Specialists 12 years ago to support job seekers during challenging economic and job search conditions - primarily by designing powerful, value-driven career documents (Resumes, Cover Letters/e-Notes, LinkedIn profiles). While I work at all career levels, due to my background in retained executive search, my typical client is a senior leader interested in developing an executive brand, then running a tactical, proactive, and networking-based job search.
Tell us about yourself
I actually launched my business from great tragedy and pain - in 2010, we had a child born with a severe brain birth defect, and he only lived a few months. Heavily grieving, I was unable and unwilling to return to a grueling 9-5. Since I had been writing resumes during my time in executive recruiting (we often had to totally revamp resumes before presenting them to clients), I started developing career documents and providing job search coaching as a side gig. It quickly built momentum and became a full-time business.
By far, the most rewarding thing about what I do is helping people. Many of my clients are in toxic, unhappy, underpaid work environments, and I get to help them transition to bigger and better things! Most people tell me they already feel better after our 1st conversation - and that is exactly the point, to help them take control of what is often a confusing and emotional process. I love what I do and am invested in each client's success.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am proud of building a thriving business that allows me to support my family as a single parent! I am also proud of serving on the board of NRWA (National Resume Writers Association) and being included on the list of "Recommended Resume Writers" by Heller Search since 2018; they are a premier source of CIO/CTO/technology talent.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The buck stops with me, and I balance lots of spinning plates on any given day. I don't enjoy the operations and finance piece nearly as much as I do creating and coaching!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Go for it - even if you fail, you will learn and can build from that experience.
- Do your research and try to find a unique, niche service.
- Customer service/experience is everything. Do it right, and you can build a business totally off referrals from a job well done.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://strategic-resume.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrategicResume/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/careerdocs
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candacebarr/
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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