Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Terry Ouzounelli, Founder of Greek Entrepreneurs, located in Athens, Attiki, Greece.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the founder of Greek Entrepreneurs, a business that provides financial services and education about entrepreneurship and investing in Greece and Cyprus.
Tell us about yourself
I served in the Greek army for 15 years, four years of military training at the Hellenic Military Academy Evelpidon, and eleven years as a military officer. I loved my job, and it was perfect for me, as I always considered myself a leader. But what I loved more was money and the freedom it provides. That's why, during my career as a military officer, I was often doing a second part-time job for some extra income. You would find me managing hotel reservations, delivering food, doing short commercials, dropping a few lines as a background actress, serving drinks at local bars, and even dancing! That's the most controversial thing for most people, as I was a military officer and a dancer at the same time! (Terry laughs loudly).
But what is certain is that I was extremely hard-working. The type of job didn't matter to me. I was driven by money. However, as you can easily understand, after a few years, I was exhausted. I needed to find another way to make money. In the beginning, I started a bunch of side hustles and types of online businesses, and most of them failed. That didn't bother me at all. I learned, acted, and failed. Again and again. Starting a business and becoming an entrepreneur had never crossed my mind. I started Greek Entrepreneurs as a side hustle, like with everything I had done so far. I am not a person who takes things seriously; this wasn't an exception.
However, after a while, things got serious. And when I say serious, I mean that Greek Entrepreneurs had exponential growth, and everybody in Greece and Cyprus was talking about it. Within two years, I had helped over 2,500 people start investing, trading in the Stock Market, and making passive income. The most interesting thing is that until now, I have spent zero dollars on marketing. This is because my clients saw tremendous results in their lives, and they suggested my products and services to other people! This was when I understood that things got serious. I was officially an entrepreneur. You don't choose to become an entrepreneur. People decide that for you.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is not having to wake up to an alarm sound anymore. My second biggest accomplishment is that I have the freedom to do what makes me happy and help even more people globally. I have written three books in English, Catharsis: the reason why you are here, The Silence of the Sheep, and Mastering Wealth: the Escape from Modern Slavery. They are all available on Amazon in paperback and e-book form.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
This is a difficult question because I really can't think of anything challenging. As long as you have a strong purpose and you're willing to do the work, you're going to be successful.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My three tips are: work, work and work harder. Stop thinking you're better than anyone else or too smart to work. Don't even cross your mind that your ideas are unique because you'll be disappointed.
I have a question for those that doubt the above statement: If you were dumb, what would you do? Probably work hard. I encourage you to work as if you were dumb.
Be humble enough to learn from other people and always act, regardless of the fear you may feel. Focus on your goal, shut your eyes and ears (and probably your mouth, too), don't listen to anyone, and work. There is no chance that you won't make it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.terryouzounelli.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terry_ouzounelli/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TerryOuzounelliauthor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@terryouzounelli
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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