Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sylvie di Giusto, a keynote speaker, based in Tampa, FL, USA.

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

As an international keynote speaker for corporations, associations, and the public sector, I use my unique multicultural background and profound corporate experience to work with professionals worldwide who place great importance on themselves and their company's brand, image, and reputation. With a cutting-edge approach, a competitive mindset, and a passion for visualization, I take audiences on an informative, interactive, and entertaining journey of self-discovery that reveals how the world sees them and, ultimately, how they see themselves. From American Express, American Airlines, Bloomberg, Hilton, and Prudential to the US Air Force, I have helped emerging leaders and top management executives with my insights, content depth, and substance to lead better, sell faster, and persuade instantly.

Tell us about yourself

In my twenty years of corporate experience, I have learned that not all decisions in organizations are based on facts and figures. As someone who has always been involved in hiring and firing processes as well as leadership development and talent management, I noticed that recruiting, promotion, or leadership decisions were often based on our perceptions of the individual as "the perfect fit" rather than on their professional competence, talents or skills. After moving to the United States, I decided to dedicate my career to demystifying the art of first and lasting impressions and helping people take control of how they are being perceived. I also leveraged my years of retail and tourism experience to understand customers' perceptions when it came to sales and customer experiences.

Every day, I am motivated by the success stories of my clients and audience members. Knowing that I have helped someone achieve their goals gives me great satisfaction. A speaker's success is not just about the applause or standing ovations. Often, it's about the emails, calls, or texts you receive afterward from people who describe how your talk has positively impacted their careers and lives.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Aside from the joy of making a living doing something I love, I've realized this dream in the United States and speak to audiences worldwide in a foreign language. Initially, I often thought my accent, grammar, or lack of idiomatic expressions would hinder my success. However, it turns out that my international experience and background, as well as my bilingualism, now rank among my most valuable assets. They have become my unique selling points and have helped me stand out in a highly competitive industry. Besides that, my biggest accomplishment is actually two young teenagers, who remain my best friends, my adventurous travel partners, my safe harbor, my source of inspiration, my biggest cheerleaders, and my greatest worry to remain a great mother to them. It's the most challenging and fulfilling job alike that I've ever had and goes far beyond the dedication and responsibility necessary to succeed as a business owner.

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

Being alone, by yourself, and sometimes lonely. As the one making all the decisions, especially in the beginning, finding someone who can relate to you is challenging. However, there are people out there who are one and a half steps ahead of you and, therefore, can help you see things that you are unable to see on your own. As the only person responsible for your business's success or failure, it's also easy to become self-doubting. Throughout these times, you must have a very strong mind and belief in yourself and your actions. So, surround yourself with people who will cheer for you in good times and lift and support you in bad ones. I found this kind of people by constantly giving back to my industry. I am a proud member of the National Speakers Association and serve on the Board of the Global Speakers Federation. Whether it is through volunteering, mentoring, donating, or sharing my knowledge related to the speaking business—by giving without expecting anything in exchange, I've gained a trusted network within this community. I'm proud to call many fellow speakers my mentors and friends. I am eternally grateful for the knowledge, insights, skills, and business advice I've gained from these relationships.

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

  1. Be prepared for the long haul. To succeed as a business owner, you must put in a lot of effort, dedication, and tenacity. To make your business a success, you will need to sacrifice a lot of your time, energy, and resources. It's not going to be easy, but it will be worth it in the end. Don't give up until you achieve what you want, and make sure you have a clear vision. Go and get it... and then go further.
  2. Having a business means wearing many hats. You might be the CEO, the CFO, the HR manager, and sometimes even the janitor. Finding a work-life balance and delegating tasks can be difficult when you are used to doing everything on your own and independently, especially in the beginning. It has taken me years to learn that if I want my business to grow, I need to let go of some control and trust others. The key to progress here is to avoid letting perfection get in your way.
  3. Finally, don't be afraid to take risks. It's the only way you'll achieve anything worthwhile in life. Don't be afraid to jump into new experiences. Embrace change and seize every opportunity that comes your way. Anything I've observed or explored somewhere else and tried executing in my way has never been successful for me. But when I tried something new and unexpected, something never seen before, something against all odds and advice, that's when I usually achieved success. And even if you fail, failure is just a learning experience that will make you stronger and wiser. It's only through taking risks that you'll be able to reach your dreams and your full potential as a business owner.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://sylviedigiusto.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sylviedigiusto
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sylviedigiusto/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sylviedigiusto
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylviedigiusto/

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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