Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Matthew McQuain, Co-Founder & Web Developer of West Coast Creatives, located in Bothell, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are software engineers that specialize in contracting work via Upwork. Our software consultants assist our customers in selecting the right technology stacks for their solutions. Be it a programming language or a ready-to-use platform; we help businesses review technologies' pros and cons before starting their projects.
Tell us about yourself
Hawaii, born and raised, I was always taught to look at the big picture while making sure not to lose sight of where we came from. Using the diversity of my background, I bring new ways of thinking to the challenges of tomorrow.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Working with GM, Apple, Offensive Security, and others on business solutions that were right for them.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As a business owner, some of the hardest things you may face include finding and retaining clients, marketing and promoting your services, and building and maintaining a strong team. You may need to put a lot of effort into attracting new clients and keeping your business growing, which can be challenging. You may also face challenges in building and maintaining a strong team, especially if you only have a few employees. Additionally, you may have to make difficult decisions, such as whether to pivot the business in a new direction or let go of employees, which can be especially difficult when you have a small team. As a business owner, you have a lot of responsibility and may face a variety of challenges in managing and growing your business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Starting, running, and growing a business can be a challenging and rewarding endeavor. Here are three tips that may be helpful for anyone looking to start, run, and grow a business:
- Develop a solid business plan: A business plan is a document that outlines the goals, target market, and strategy for your business. It can help you to focus on what you want to achieve and create a roadmap for getting there. A business plan can also be useful for attracting investors and partners, as well as for tracking your progress and making adjustments along the way.
- Focus on customer satisfaction: Providing high-quality products or services and meeting the needs of your customers should be a top priority. Make sure to regularly gather feedback from your customers and use it to improve your business. Additionally, consider offering excellent customer service, as this can help to build loyalty and positive word-of-mouth for your business.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help: Starting, running, and growing a business can be a daunting task, and it's okay to seek help from others. Consider seeking guidance from a mentor or joining a business support group. You may also want to hire professionals, such as an accountant or lawyers, to help you with specific tasks. Asking for help can save you time, money, and effort in the long run.
- In summary, developing a solid business plan, focusing on customer satisfaction, and seeking help when needed can be important steps for anyone looking to start, run, and grow a business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.westcoastcreatives.net/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-mcquain/
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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