Scott Hinton
Leadership is the ability to help and guide others along their journey in a valuable way. Leaders inspire others to be the best version of themselves. – Queen Joseph
Queen Joseph is an Operations Consultant for startups and SaaS companies. She helps leaders overcome operational inefficiencies and gaps by developing customer success and support strategies and operations. Queen enjoys soaking up the sun while driving along the California coastline and binge-watching true crime shows in her spare time.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
Queen Joseph: My entrepreneurial journey began over seven years ago while working in the corporate world. I was the go-to person on my team for organizing our team operations and creating processes (no, it wasn’t a part of my job duties). I also recognized how lack of operational structure and processes impacted my client’s business and revenue, so I began doing consulting work on the side to help businesses overcome those challenges. I built a successful six-figure consulting business doing something I am good at and love!
Can you tell us a story about the hard times that you faced when you first started your journey? Did you ever consider giving up?
Queen Joseph: I considered giving up many times! I faced many challenges early on when starting my self-employment journey. I was good at helping other people’s businesses yet sucked at managing and growing my own. I remember getting a large contract consulting gig and at the time that was my only source of income. The contract gig was supposed to last at least six months, however, after a few months, the company decided to put the project on hold and I was booted out literally. The domino effect began when I lost my only source of income, couldn’t pay my rent, and ended up living in a hotel. I couldn’t bounce right back. It was a very depressing time for me. What I’ve learned since then is to build my business so I am never without work or clients again because things can happen beyond my control.
What are the most common mistakes you see entrepreneurs make and what would you suggest they do?
Queen Joseph: The common mistakes I see entrepreneurs make are:
- Unsure what problems they solve and a lack of understanding why businesses buy services or products. I suggest figuring this out first, either with a coach or a pen and paper, so you know how to approach and market your services/product to your ideal clients.
- Comparing their journey to others. Each person’s journey is unique. I advise people to follow their hearts and make their own paths.
- For B2B software founders, I often see a lack of understanding of the importance of customer success. I recommend founders build their customer success operations as early as possible to build a sustainable business.
- Fear of doing something different or creative. Being creative and open to new ideas can help grow your business in ways beyond your imagination. When I first started my consulting business, I worked with healthcare businesses. I had postcards made and mailed them to local doctor’s offices and secured new business clients by doing something a bit out of the box.
Is there a particular podcast you listened to, or business thought leader that you find helpful while maneuvering this pandemic?
Queen Joseph: Josh Braun is someone whom I started following and listening to recently. He is a thought leader in the sales space. His sales, prospecting, and cold outreach perspectives have really changed how I view business sales in general. His advice and teachings greatly impact my business.
In your opinion, what makes your company stand out from the competition?
Queen Joseph: What makes me stand out is my smile. Just kidding, well, maybe that is a plus too. People have to genuinely enjoy working with you and feel you are approachable.
I offer a popular done-with-you service which means I do the execution of strategies and plans alongside your team. It’s a white glove hands-on service. Most consultants just offer high-level strategies and then leave their clients to figure out how to execute. I like to get my hands dirty and work alongside teams more intimately. My done-with-you service allows my clients to focus more time on other important things such as managing a team or running a business.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success?
Queen Joseph:
- Great business acumen skills. Business acumen skills are beneficial when negotiating with clients and having meetings with prospects.
- People skills. I work with founders and leaders, and I have to relate, listen, and convincingly speak to them and inspire them to take action.
- Positive attitude and mindset. No one likes to be around negative people! I approach each project with optimism and enthusiasm. I believe in all possibilities and see opportunities all the time.
How would you define “leadership”?
Queen Joseph: Leadership is the ability to help and guide others along their journey in a valuable way. Leaders inspire others to be the best version of themselves.
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Do you think entrepreneurship is something that you’re born with or something that you can learn along the way?
Queen Joseph: I think it’s a little bit of both. You are born with the talent and ability to help others, and the business aspect of entrepreneurship is something you learn along the way. Some people are more naturally inclined to take the entrepreneurial route than others for various reasons.
What’s your favorite “business” quote and how has it affected your business decisions?
Queen Joseph: “There is no loyalty in business.”
This is my favorite quote that I read shortly after becoming homeless and losing a big consulting project. Things change all the time in business beyond our control. Knowing this helps keep me on my toes.
What have you learned about personal branding that you wish you had known earlier in your career?
Queen Joseph:Personal branding is something I just learned about within the last year. Before that, I rarely posted anything online. Now, I post content relevant to my industry and clients with intention. I grew an audience, built relationships, connected with people from other parts of the world, and built my thought leadership by being consistent and posting helpful content. I wish I had known early in my business journey how important personal branding is and the opportunities that could come from it.
This interview is originally from ValiantCEO.
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