Your Rural Economic Development Ally - The Rural Spark
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jimi Coplen, owner of The Rural Spark, located in Aspermont, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Rural Spark is an online, educational, and networking platform for small communities, serving economic and community developers. The Rural Spark also serves communities through consulting, speaking, and accountability programs.
Tell us about yourself
I have been helping grow and develop small communities for 20 years as an economic developer, working for cities. It is rare that practitioners stay in small communities. They typically leave to advance their careers, thus leaving a gap in services for our small towns. I've chosen to continue my career in small communities, seeing the potential of each community, and helping to build leadership in that community to serve for years to come. I decided to start my own business so I could help more small communities grow and develop. Stating The Rural Spark allows me to help multiple communities at one time vs. just one small community. What motivates me each day is knowing the difficulties these communities face and having a deep desire to help them.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The Rural Spark has been in operation for one year. My biggest accomplishment has been launching my first online course - The Roadmap Course. It has been awesome to meet people from across the United States and even Canada.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
When I chose to go out on my own and start my own business, it was hard not to be involved in the day-to-day activities of community development with an individual city. I'm helping those in the trenches but not actually in the trenches with their day-to-day, and that is hard for me. Also, working solo is hard if you are extroverted like I am. I have to find creative ways to stay connected to people and opportunities.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be patient with yourself. It takes time to grow.
- Be dedicated to working on your goals daily! Don't slack or give up on yourself and your dream.
- Get help where you need it. Get mentoring or coaching from someone who has been there and done it. Hire help in areas that you may not be good at to help move the needle. It is easy to get stuck on things that you don't enjoy doing or know how to do. Get help, and you will get unstuck!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Remember, there are organizations out there to help you. One of them is SCORE. They offer free classes, free mentoring, etc. Also, check with your local economic development offices and chambers of commerce. See what they can do to help your business. And, don't be afraid to start your own group. I started a mastermind group with some ladies I met in another class. We have "continued the conversation" for almost a year now. We help each other get unstuck, share resources, and hold each other accountable. This helps a lot when you are a solopreneur.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.theruralspark.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theruralspark/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimi-coplen-🔥-23a6301a9/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.