The NSBC approached some of their Premier Members to learn more about how they approached entrepreneurship and becoming a successful small business. Today we will feature CLIA Consulting.
Izelle van Straaten is the owner of CLIA Consulting. At CLIA Consulting, they offer a wide range of human resource and industrial relations services tailored to suit one’s company’s mission, vision and strategy while complying with relevant legislation. They focus on the business process, which supports a company’s human resources in order to turn their human capital into a strategic advantage.
Here is what Izelle from CLIA Consulting had to say about success and overcoming tough times in business.
When did you consider yourself a success?
I believe success is measured by customer satisfaction and return business. The more feedback you get (positive or negative) the better. Building relationships with clients and becoming “the one” they call when they have a problem or are unsure about something are aspects of a successful business.
To what do you attribute your success?
Hard work and preparation. Set yourself short and long term goals and work towards them daily – wake up with a plan and focus on that one thing for that day. Also try and exceed expectations. When going the extra mile, you will have satisfied customers.
What failure taught you the most about your business and what was the lesson?
There are so many variables in business and because of this failure is unavoidable – don’t be afraid to fail. Pick yourself up and try again. When conducting business, always trust your instincts.
What was your best moment in business to date?
My best moment in business was getting return business and a stable stream of clients.
What drives you to keep going when it gets tough?
I always try and remember what motivated me to get started – my family. It helps to be adaptable. Things will not always go as planned so be ready to think on your feet.
Lastly, what are your success habits?
One success habit is to be people-orientated. Building relationships with clients is so important so spend time with them and really understand their needs. It will become the centre on which your business rotates.
Well done, CLIA Consulting. We hope you will grow from strength to strength.