Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andrea Davis, Founder and CEO of The Resiliency Initiative, located in Santa Monica, CA, USA.

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

The Resiliency Initiative (TRI) is a boutique women-owned crisis management consulting firm. The TRI team has over 200 cumulative years of working in the fields of crisis management, business continuity, and security. The team has responded to and supported the recovery efforts of some of the US’ largest disasters, including the Northridge Earthquake, 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Super Storm Sandy, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

TRI offers bespoke, scalable crisis and risk management solutions to businesses and communities around the globe.

Tell us about yourself

TRI was created from my passion for supporting communities impacted by disasters. I have been in the field of emergency management since 1999, holding leadership positions with NGOs (The American Red Cross, Save the Children), the US Federal Government (The Federal Reserve, FEMA), and the Fortune 500 (Disney, Walmart). Now owning my own business, I can use my expertise to help break down silos and support all members of the community to become resilient against any type of crisis that might come their way.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I love my team and the diversity of representation and thought we have fostered. I feel strongly that resiliency comes from building social equity. I have committed to hiring local and diverse associates.

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

Being an owner of a small business, I wear many hats, from bookkeeping to social media marketing to fixing an IT issue. Making sure that my team has everything they need to do their job can sometimes be a 24/7 focus!

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

  1. Do your research before you jump into a particular market. Know who your top competitors are and how you will set yourself apart from them.
  2. Invest time honing your vision and creating your strategic framework.
  3. Take your time in hiring the right people to execute your vision.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Starting a business takes a lot of hard work and heart. Before you jump in, make sure the work you will be doing is something you are very passionate about. Passion will keep you going when something goes wrong, and you need to drop everything to fix it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.theresiliencyinitiative.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074212474405
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheResiliencyIn
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theresiliencyinitiative/

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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