Business Consultant, ASBTDC Lead Center at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Q: How would you describe your approach to consulting?
A: My approach is based on partnership and cooperation with the client. For me, consulting is more than just giving advice. I get invested in the client’s issues and get excited at the prospect of making a difference.
Now, that doesn’t mean I’m going to do the work for them. I often explain to my clients that we can bring them to the water but we cannot force them to drink it.
Q: What is your background?
A: I’m originally from France and moved to the USA in 2001. I received my marketing/economics degree from the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de l’Idrac Paris.
I have over 20 years of experience in the sales and marketing arena and also worked for different companies as a marketing director and client director, owned an aquaculture farm in Florida, and worked for a non-profit and a political campaign, too.
I joined ASBTDC in April 2017.
Q: What lessons from your own experience operating a business do you most often pass along to clients?
A: Adapt all the time, because nothing is guaranteed. Be true to yourself, and passionate. Remember to delegate whenever possible. Be kind and nice with your partners and employees.
Q: What do you wish everybody knew about starting a business?
A: Nothing is easy, and don’t assume anything. It takes dedication, consistency, and a firm direction.
Your small business lives or dies on the decisions you make and the attitudes you hold from the very beginning. Set realistic goals, and don’t be afraid of asking for help. Be willing to humble yourself and don’t assume you know it all because you don’t.
Q: How do you think owning a business has or hasn’t changed in the last few years?
A: Owning a business has changed tremendously over the last decade. Technology has revolutionized our world, changing the way we communicate and do things. If your business doesn’t think about integrating technology into its core, it will be difficult to survive. You have to adapt quickly.
One thing that will never change is the value of building meaningful relationships and partnerships with customers and other people in your industry. Investing in your own community is a must.
Q: What is a favorite book you recommend to entrepreneurs?
One book I encourage our entrepreneurs to read is Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller about how to use great storytelling to grow your business.
It helps people understand how to dramatically improve how they connect with customers and grow their businesses.
Q: Who is an entrepreneur you admire?
A: Sara Blakely, the creator of Spanx who started her own business with only $5,000 while in her 20s. She always says that failure is the best thing for business. This is the only way to learn.
“Failure is not the outcome. Failure is not trying. Don’t be afraid to fail.”
Q: What types of projects do you enjoy most?
A: Love working with clients who are really dedicated and willing to make a difference with their business.
Q: What’s the best part of your job?
A: Seeing our clients achieving their goals and succeeding in their ventures.
Q: What do you do for fun?
A: I swim two to three times a week, play tennis, love the outdoors, take long walks with our dogs, and I’m passionate about photography.
Q: If you were going to own a business, what type of business would you want?
A: If I have to do that again, I will certainly have a business based on outdoor activities and the possibility to make a difference for the environment.
