We recently connected with Chloe Clark and have shared our conversation below.
Chloe, so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?
My self-discipline stems from a variety of sources, including my values, motivations, habits, and the environment in which I find myself. These factors equally contribute to my ability to achieve my goals and consistently challenge myself.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a serial entrepreneur that has started several businesses in various industries. Currently, I own a pet wellness company. We make grooming products for dogs with allergies and skin issues. A significant portion of our customers consists of individuals seeking natural and holistic solutions for their dogs’ allergies and skin problems. We specialize in crafting pet wellness products exclusively tailored to address these issues. Our wide range of offerings includes pet paw balms, skin salves, and shampoo bars, all designed to alleviate your dog’s discomfort and enhance their well-being. The positive feedback we receive from pet parents speaks volumes about the effectiveness of our products. Working within the pet industry is truly a passion of mine.
In addition to my entrepreneurial pursuits, I find great fulfillment in volunteering as a business mentor for a local organization. Assisting small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs is a cause that holds a special place in my heart. Through this role, I provide guidance in areas such as social media marketing, product development and research, business strategy, and marketing, as well as creative and design services. It brings me immense joy to contribute to the growth and success of these individuals while giving back to my community.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Here are the three key factors that have been instrumental in my business journey, and I also impart these valuable insights to my mentees:
1. Research: Conducting thorough research is paramount. Relying solely on social media trends or the opinions of friends and family can be misleading. Many people speak from a place of ignorance without realizing their lack of knowledge on various subjects. I emphasize the importance of reading books and articles from diverse perspectives, especially those related to your industry, sales, marketing, advertising, and more. The knowledge gained from these sources should then be applied in practice, shaping and developing your entrepreneurial mindset.
2. Market Testing: Learning how to test your ideas in the marketplace is crucial. Conducting small-scale tests can save you substantial time and money. The marketplace is unpredictable, and what may appear to be a winning idea, in theory, could turn out to be a disappointment when put to the test. It is unwise to assume that previous work experience alone will guarantee success in entrepreneurship. I have mentored executives from corporations who mistakenly believed their status and knowledge would seamlessly translate into a thriving business. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. Transitioning to working for yourself requires ongoing education and adaptation to the new landscape.
3. Industry Study and Pivoting: Constantly staying informed about your industry is essential, particularly when it comes to recognizing the need for pivoting. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted this challenge as many businesses lacked a contingency plan to adapt and survive. Numerous business owners relied solely on one revenue-generating method and neglected to explore alternative possibilities. I strongly encourage business owners to create a list of potential revenue streams within their business, even if they don’t implement them all at once or ever. This information serves as a contingency plan should their market become saturated, costs increase, or their product loses demand.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
A few years ago, I came across a remarkable book in my local library that captivated me to the extent that I bought a copy for my personal collection. The book was “The Million-Dollar One-Person Business” by Elaine Pofeldt. In this insightful work, Pofeldt challenges the conventional belief that a successful business requires a large team and extensive overhead. Instead, she highlights numerous businesses that generate millions of dollars in revenue, all managed by a single individual, a small family of four or fewer, or even couples. This perspective contradicts the notion that running a business is overwhelming and necessitates a team. While I don’t discount the value of hiring help when needed, surrounding oneself with a large workforce doesn’t guarantee business success.
In my opinion, the most effective strategy for small businesses is to contract with other businesses to fulfill specific tasks. This approach, which I implement in my own business, significantly reduces overhead costs and other financial burdens. By leveraging external expertise and resources, small businesses can streamline operations and focus on their core strengths.
I make it a point to read this book annually as a source of inspiration. It serves as a constant reminder that business can be molded according to our desires and aspirations. The author shares stories of small-scale operational businesses generating an annual income of $250,000. Surprisingly, the owners of these enterprises find contentment in this amount as it affords them the freedom to travel and spend quality time with their families. Not everyone aspires to build a multi-million dollar empire; many small business owners seek to create a life of freedom, pursuing their passions on their own terms.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.simplysagedogtreats.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplysagedogtreats
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplysagedogtreats
- Other: https://amzn.to/2XncBS6
Image Credits
Chloe Clark
