Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in language education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stefano Lodola, Founder of Think Languages, located in Sheridan, WY, USA.

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

I help individuals who are learning the Italian language improve their speaking abilities through my audio courses. These courses are accessible via a web and mobile app. I designed them to be engaging and effective, drawing on my experience as a polyglot and a language tutor.

Tell us about yourself

I have always been passionate about learning languages, and that passion led me to start tutoring Italian students one-on-one. Over time, my students would ask me for recommendations for study materials, but I was unable to find anything that I'd sincerely recommend. This led me to create my own courses, which have now become my business.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I am proud of the fact that I was able to start this business from scratch and grow it to where it is today. When I first started, I was broke and had to do everything by myself. I had no experience with web design, digital marketing, or SEO. But I was determined to succeed and invested time and energy into learning these skills. Now, I have the knowledge and resources to delegate most of the work to freelancers and virtual assistants while still being able to oversee every aspect of my business.

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

In the first two years of my business, I worked with virtually no return, but my passion for what I do kept me pushing forward. As my business has grown, I have encountered another challenge, which is finding dedicated and qualified staff.

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

  1. Invest in education and training. I have personally consumed hundreds of hours of video courses and written guides, and I believe that investing in your own knowledge is key to success. This investment pays back sooner than you might think. Now that I have staff, I share the resources and knowledge I have gained with them to help them grow and succeed as well.
  2. Choose a niche that you are passionate about. This will not only make it easier to stay motivated and committed to your business, even during challenging times, but it will also ensure that you don't give up on your business before generating profits. I personally believe that I would have given up on my business if I wasn't enjoying what I was doing.
  3. Think big. Assess your investments based on their potential return rather than your current size. Don't be afraid to spend money on business expenses if they have the potential to generate even more later on.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.thinkinitalian.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluentsimple
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanolodola/

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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