Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Erik Wahl, Owner of The Wahl Group, located in San Diego, CA, USA.

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

I am a professional speaker. I deliver keynote addresses for corporate clients. My job is to inspire, educate and entertain large audiences about creativity and innovation.

Tell us about yourself

I am an artist who has also authored two bestselling business books about innovation and creativity. (Unthink in 2013 and the Spark and Grind 2017).

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We have grown in revenue in each of the last 20 years we have been in business. We have raised over 2 million dollars for charity with my artwork. (using the paintings that I perform live on stage).

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

The hardest thing about owning your own business is how to balance the dynamic tension between work life and personal life.

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

  1. Stop trying to be perfect. Start being remarkable.
  2. Embrace the delicious agony of hard work. Being an entrepreneur is challenging. Be willing to work harder and smarter than your peers.
  3. Discover the secret sauce of innovation. Creativity without discipline is like a river without banks. Structure and routine are the architects of limitless insight and innovation.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

My wife, Tasha, is the executive producer of our business. We have been married for 28 years and raised three boys as we founded and grew our business.

I have chosen not to sell any of my artwork for personal gain. My paintings have been auctioned off for charity for the last 20 years raising over two million dollars for charity.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://www.theartofvision.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamerikwahl
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikwahl/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/erikwahl
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meeterikwahl/

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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