Meet Woman in Business Meridith Elliott Powell

Meet Meridith Elliott Powell – Business Growth Expert: Speaker, Coach, Author

Tell us about your business.

I am a business growth expert, working with companies helping them take their teams and their organizations to the next level. I do that through my work as a certified coach, motivational speaker, workshop leader and strategist. My business takes me around the country, and around the world working one-on-one with leaders and high potentials, as well as speaking in front of large audiences and corporate teams. In addition, I am the author of three books, the latest of which is Winning In The Trust & Value Economy: A Guide To Business And Sales Success

Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?

Passion – if I had to some it up in one word it would be passion, and intrinsic drive to get up every day and not only do what you love, but do what you love to help other people. Being an entrepreneur is not about balancing your life, it is about being so in love with what you do professionally that working and playing all feel like the same thing.   Beyond passion, yes it is hard work, but it is freedom, to call the shots, work with and how you want to work, and enjoy what you do.

What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?   When I started I chose three people, in my industry, whose businesses I admired, and I learned from them. One I knew, two I studied from a far. Then I read and connected with as many self-made professionals as I could – for motivation, termination and learning the gift of stamina.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?  Going out on my own, and building a business from scratch. My business is competitive and in less than a year, I turned a profit, and in three years I blew past my five year goal. I am so proud of the books I have written, and the difference I make with my clients. My ability to help them achieve their dreams

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers? Always have a source of income – don’t quit a job to start a business – keep your day job until you are steady. Connections are everything – make connections and develop business everyday of your working life.

What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?  Networking and connections; community involvement; industry associations (making friends and building masterminds) and Linked In – online reputation; last but not least develop business always whether I think I need it or not.

What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years? Cash flow is everything – do not buy things you cannot pay for

Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business? If yes, please describe (and include links if available).  Virtual assistants- the key to making my office run – I have three; ODESK; Freshbooks – for invoicing and billing; Highrise- customer relationships management; Square; Basecamp – for project management

Do you have any new projects coming up? If so, please tell us about it.  My life is all about projects. Starting a new book – Just Own It – Creating Cultures of Employee Innovation – that will have a new website, new keynote and motivational talk – will mean articles and media.  In addition, I am putting a lot of what I do in person – creating an online version – having different ways my clients can access me in 2015

What do you do for fun/relaxation?  I am an outdoor girl – my bikes are my favorite – mountain and road; golf; hike; fly fish; and anything else you can think of that takes me outside

What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year? Write the book, and launch at least three online courses

You want to write a book on The gift and freedom of personal responsibility (fill in the blank and feel free to explain). That is what JUST OWN IT – is all about.. when we stop thinking about responsibility as a burden and shift our paradigm to it being a freedom – doors open and success come

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?  Just that starting and running a business is something everyone should do. No it is not easy, but the confidence you build is amazing, life changing! In addition – focus on building community – your connections, your network will ensure your advice. Lastly this is a journey not a sprint!

What’s the best way for our readers to connect with you?

WEBSITE www.meridithelliottpowellc.om

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/meridithpowell

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/meridith.powell

 

addthis_url = ‘http%3A%2F%2Fwemagazineforwomen.com%2Fmeet-woman-in-business-meridith-elliott-powell%2F’;
addthis_title = ‘Meet+Woman+in+Business+Meridith+Elliott+Powell’;
addthis_pub = ‘txmom’;