Biggest Challenges Faced By A Business Owner At CEA Strategies
Tracy's biggest challenge as a Principal/Owner at CEA Strategies is the inherent loneliness of entrepreneurship, describing it as a "very lonely job" without a traditional team for support. This is mitigated through extensive networking, actively seeking mentorship and advice from their professional network, while also navigating the demands of 24/7 client availability required in their role.
Entrepreneurship, Networking, Work-Life Balance, Self-Motivation, Client Management
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Tracy Campbell
Principal / Owner
CEA Strategies
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA
Leadership Certification, UCLA Anderson School of Management
Creative Writing, Journalism
Consulting & Related Professional Services, Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Entrepreneurship and Business Owner
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. The biggest challenge is the loneliness and isolation of being an entrepreneur without a large team for support and advice.
2. Networking with other professionals and seeking mentorship are crucial for overcoming this isolation.
3. The 24/7 availability required of the role is a significant adjustment from traditional corporate settings.
Transcript
What is your biggest challenge in your current role?
The biggest challenge is probably questioning myself. I hope somebody can learn from this, but as an entrepreneur, it's a very lonely job. I don't have a paid staff.
I work with strategic partners and creative talent all over the United States. So being an entrepreneur and a business owner can get a little lonely and isolating because you don't have a whole c-suite or partner team to advise you. That's my biggest challenge.
One way I've solved that is by setting up a network of creative professionals and consultants. I ask them to be my mentors and to share their perception of business problems and offer recommendations. Networking is incredibly important to overcome the isolation.
The other thing is, you're on 24/7. There is no nine-to-five. If a client is in a crisis, they'll call on a Tuesday, Sunday, or Monday at midnight. That's an adjustment I had to make coming out of corporate life, which had a more structured schedule. Now, I need to be available to my clients 24/7/365. So that's a challenge.