Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alexander Lee, Founder of TechRally, located in Boston, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
TechRally is a one-stop resource for becoming a Software Engineer. I primarily focus on helping aspiring engineers through 1-on-1 coaching, developer courses, and free content on Youtube. I have various client bases ranging from college graduates or individuals going through a career change. (coding boot camp graduates and/or self-taught engineers).
Tell us about yourself
After working in semiconductor manufacturing for three years, I knew this career wasn’t something I wanted to do long-term. I developed a strong interest and eventual passion for coding during that time. Unfortunately, going back to school was not an option for me. I decided to take a non-traditional route of learning how to code by attending a 3-month immersive coding boot camp. I became a full-time software engineer and worked in various companies with as small as 10 people and large companies like Amazon.
After being in the industry for many years, I noticed a gap between students who took the same route as I did to transition from learning how to code to finding their first role as software engineers. I took an active approach and talked with hundreds of students to understand their problems. Based on the feedback, I started to give 1-on-1 mentorship for free and saw results. I decided to double down on this finding by transitioning from mentoring to paid coaching. Coaching is very specialized from person to person, and I truly believe my service provides a unique plan to get you to where you want. Outside of coaching, I create courses to supplement your web developer portfolio and also create content with tips and tricks to break into tech.
At the core, I love helping aspiring developers break into the tech industry, especially because I know how difficult it was for me, coming from a non-traditional background. That is what motivates me to do what I do. Experienced developers do not understand the pain points new developers go through. That is why I am constantly talking to new developers to see how the landscape changes year by year.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is seeing my clients not only land their dream job but thrive in them. Ultimately, your success is based on their success. This is why this specific business is so personal to me because, ultimately, there is a goal my clients and I want to achieve. It’s also why it can be tough and emotional at times, but I love it.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner is figuring out priorities and delegating work. Since I have multiple income sources, it can sometimes be difficult to figure out where to spend my energy. This can lead to burnout and analysis paralysis. As a business owner, you want to do everything, but what truly makes a business successful is being hyper-focused on a few small things. I’ve started delegating some of my work, like the script and video editing, to contractors, which has definitely alleviated the load management.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Start: Don’t rush to form an LLC; you can run your business as a sole proprietor. Give yourself the time to learn about your business and embrace making mistakes!
Run - Build a schedule that works for you. Set aside time to do high-priority items first and block off sections of the day for growth and innovation. Ask yourself, “How can I make my business better?”. Too often, we “grind” each day in and out; we never can think about potential growth opportunities.
Grow - Reach out and ask for help. Form a team that you trust and start to delegate work. Meet other founders in your niche as well and share information freely. Grow together and win together.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.techrally.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetechrally/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheTechRally
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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