Spotlight on Business highlights fabulous business owners and their companies.
LaKesha, Owner & Lead Consultant of Womack Consulting Group
Mocha Writer: What is Womack Consulting Group?
LaKesha: Womack Consulting Group provides seminars, workshops and consultations to small business owners who want to start or grow their businesses.
MW: When did you start it?
LaKesha: WCG was started in 2001 so we will be 10-years-old next year.
MW: Why did you start WCG?
LaKesha: It began after several people came to me seeking business advice. It was nice to be able to provide them advice for free, but I quickly realized that there was a market for this type of service. Typically, only larger corporations hire consulting firms. I work to keep my fees low [so] that small business owners who have a business or who are thinking about starting a small business can afford my services.
MW: What is your business's mission?
LaKesha: WCG helps small business owners become successful by providing seminars, workshops and consultations on topics such as business planning, marketing strategy development, financial management and human resource policy development. No project is too large or too small.
MW: What are some of your business goals?
LaKesha: Currently, I work from home, and I would like to move into an office space within the next six months. I would like to add a Junior Consultant within the next year and expand my seminar series to include a national tour within the next three years.
MW: Who and what inspires you?
LaKesha: Lately, I have been inspired by the women that I have met through my social networking. Sometimes it's easy to think that your struggles are unique, but I have developed a great group of women that I can share my experiences, opportunities and challenges with. It feels great knowing that there are other women working hard to build a legacy for themselves and for their families, just as I am. Although most of us have never met, we interact as if we have been friends for years, and their positive energy encourages me to continue working hard.
MW: What do you love most about owning your own business?
LaKesha: I love the flexibility. I am a single mother and when my son gets sick, or I feel like I need to spend some time with him, I have the power to rearrange my schedule and be there for him. I believe this will be even more important when he starts school. I want to be active in his life and having my own business gives me the freedom to do so.
MW: What tips and advice would you give to someone who wants to start a business?
LaKesha: Write your own business plan, and update it each year. Most businesses fail because they did not adequately plan for success or consider failure. Having a business plan will show you where your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats are as well as give you a clear vision of your business future. Writing it yourself, versus paying someone, will be worth ten times the blood, sweat and tears that you may shed. I have yet to meet a client that regretted writing their own business plan.