Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Terry Vaughan, Founder of TV Empowers, located in Raleigh, NC, USA.

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

I created a program called D.I.R.T. Dangerous Individual Recognition Training® that empowers employees with the ability to recognize a dangerous person or situation and stay safe on or off the job. My clients are forward-thinking organizations with a high percentage of female staff seeking to provide a powerful teambuilding experience.

Tell us about yourself

I grew up dealing with violence in the home and know what it's like to feel helpless. After my time in the British Royal Marine Commandos, I taught various fighting skills to men and women. A part of my curriculum included how to avoid trouble, as that is the only way to ensure a victory. Plus, most people don't have the time needed to become truly proficient in combative, certainly not to the degree that they could guarantee being able to fight off an attacker determined to cause harm. However, everyone can learn how to scan their environment more efficiently and avoid a threat before it arrives. I'm motivated to share my information in such a way as to make it empowering, entertaining, and above all else, manageable.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I'm most proud of taking a topic that many consider stressful and making it approachable and, yes, downright entertaining!

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

One of the hardest things to do as a business owner is finding a work-life balance. If what you do is a passion, as it is for many business owners, it can be hard to call it a day and walk away–there's always something else to do!

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

  1. Starting a new business is a marathon, not a sprint. Settle in for the long haul and expect many times when you will doubt what you are doing or why you are doing it. Doubt is acceptable; quitting isn't.
  2. Seek mentors, coaches, and networking opportunities as often as time and resources allow. It can feel very isolated, hammering away on your own, so it's essential to take time to check back in with the rest of humanity and receive support from trusted sources.
  3. Make time for physical and mental health. Get outside, go for a walk or a run, hug a tree, feel the sun on your face–whatever helps you stay centered but also gets you moving and burning off the stress.
  4. Don't quit.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Be selective in regards to whom you take advice. Everyone will be quick to tell you how you should be doing things, and sometimes their guidance, although well-meant, isn't worth the money you didn't pay them to share. Trust your instincts and crack on!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.tvempowers.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tvspeaks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tvempowers/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tvempowers/

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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