Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Viveka von Rosen, Co-Founder of Vengreso, located in Loveland, CO, USA.

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

For the past 16 years, I have taught people how to create more quality and qualified conversations on LinkedIn. However - we are pivoting into the PMS market (Project Management Systems - not the other one). Our software, FlyMSG, is a productivity tool that will save the average person (WEEKS of time over a year - about an hour a day. Think of it as an auto-text expander on steroids. No matter what you do - if you spend any time typing the same thing over and over, from your bio to emails to addresses to prescriptions to forms - there are millions of use cases - you will LOVE FlyMSG.io.

Tell us about yourself

About 17 years ago, I was introduced to LinkedIn, and about 16 years ago, I made it my full-time job. My business partner, Mario Martinez, and I founded Vengreso, the world's largest digital sales transformation virtual sales training company, 5 years ago. About a year ago, we created a little piece of software to make it easier for our clients to take our sales templates, customize them, and implement them in their LinkedIn messaging and emails. Since we spent the time and money to create it, we figured we'd release it to the whole world as a Chrome Extension. Well, it turns out that A BUNCH of people discovered it and used it in various ways we haven't even thought of! We decided it was the time to make the shift and create the Flyniverse. (OK - I just made that up, and it didn't work). The first product, FlyMSG, I mentioned above. But we are currently building out FlyLearning, an LMS, to hold all our virtual sales training. But FlyCRM, FLyVideo, and FlyCal are on the horizon (to name a few!)

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I think blending seven different personalities when we created Vengreso and holding on through the changes is quite an accomplishment. As long as your vision is strong, life and the forms it takes can change all around you, but you can continue to be successful.

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

When you have a business, especially one you created from the ground up, I think the hardest thing to do is let go and delegate. Many leaders believe they know what is best for their company in the minutest detail. But you can't be a master of all trades - you become the Jack of none. Letting go of the tasks that others can do - and maybe even better- enables you to focus on what you do best.

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

  1. Set short and long-term goals and stick to them. Quarterly, annual, three-year, and five-year goals. Maybe you have to adjust them once you get going, but if you don't set them, you will never achieve them.
  2. Don't try to be everything to everyone. Find and focus on a niche. You might grow out of it and need to shift at some point, but start with a clear niche and market in mind.
  3. Hire good people. As mentioned above, do what you do best and let others do the rest. The month I hired my first assistant, she more than paid for herself!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

A successful business is a balanced combo of woo-woo and statistics. You must clearly visualize your goals, dreams, and desires for your business. For yourself, your employees, and your clients. What does your perfect life look, feel, smell and taste like when your business is successful? What does your client's perfect business look, feel, smell and taste like when utilizing your solution. Get into it. And then find ways to substantiate and measure the tasks and procedures you must undertake to be successful.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://vengreso.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoVengreso/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linkedinexpert/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/LinkedInExpert/

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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