Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tina Gilbert, CEO of Next Level Training Solutions Group, LLC., located in Fayetteville, AR, USA.

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

Next Level, Training Solutions Group, offers professional development services and solutions for individuals and organizations to promote growth.

Our unique SOAR methodology allows us to partner with our clients, tailor action plans, and target Strategic Objectives to Achieve Results. We will be your trusted partner to provide customized, high-quality training and development programs to strengthen employee retention and increase your organization's engagement and productivity. We seek clients who are serious about professional growth. Customers - We have a history of working with local and state government agencies, corporate entities, and faith-based and community groups/non-profits.

Tell us about yourself

I love entrepreneurship because my parents owned several small businesses growing up. I started working with them when I was ten years old. My parents taught me about hard work. I have worked professionally for 20-plus years in Human Resources in training and organizational development. My mother wanted to be a teacher and major in early childhood education. However, I wanted to be a businesswoman, and I majored in business, but in the long run, I received multiple certifications in the adult learning process. And still, I ended up being a teacher with a passion for helping people grow and develop.

I started my business part-time while still working full-time and moved to full-time in 2021. I'm a University of Central Arkansas graduate with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing and a Master of Arts degree in Management Leadership from Webster University.

I have worked as an independent certified coach, teacher, and speaker with the John Maxwell team. I am an accredited facilitator with Franklin Covey, Development Dimensions International, and Achieve Global, and I hold a Diversity and Inclusion certificate from Cornell University. I am also the author of a book and journal titled "Next Level Thinking: 90 Days to Inspire Your Best Life."

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Being a certified Minority Business Vendor with the State of Arkansas and a Certified Women's Business Enterprise National Council.

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

Working long hours and never completely having a day off.

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

  1. You must be passionate about your business! Truly love what I do, so it keeps me up at night thinking of a way to do things better and more efficiently.
  2. You must understand your business financials. It will require sacrifices to stay a budget.
  3. Be willing to be innovative and try new things. And seek a trusted mentor to discuss new ideas.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.nextleveltrainingsolutions.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinanextlevelthinker/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TinaNextLevel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-gilbert-744b2970/

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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