Q & A
- Q: Hello Denise, so tell us a little about yourself...When did you start Savvy Business Concepts?
A: Hello...In or around 2005. Actually, there was no official time, year or month. I worked my way into it slowly but surely over the years. It has been a very, very long process and a long time coming! But, I can tell you when I officially retired from having a full-time employer - I believe it was in 2005. Although a few years prior to 2005, I did work as an independent contractor consulting and marketing businesses, events, etc, as I was still working full or part-time.
Q: At what point did you realize you wanted to be in business for yourself? A: Wanting to have my own business was an insatiable goal of mine for a very long time! I knew for sometime I did not want to hands on manage other people's businesses any longer. - I wanted to consult (not manage) other business owners on how to manage and grow their businesses, whatever type of business it may be. I had a lot to offer. I wanted and needed to bring something else to the table. I had become very enterprising and business savvy therefore, I needed to build on that. I wanted to take what I have learned from others fortunes and misfortunes and help others. I love to help people!
Q: What or whom would you say was your catalyst in regards to starting your own business? Tell me about that path to SBC...
A: Hmm..I was my own catalyst I guess, or if it was anything or anyone, it was life for sure! It was not one particular person, thing or turn of events - It was a combination of many, many things. I guess you can say, all the stars aligned, really they did!...And their still aligning, but they are definitely now on the same path and going in the right and same direction! Its a work in progress! In a nut shell, it was definitely a combination of timing, finances, experiences and being in the right place in my life emotionally, mentally, professionally, economically, spiritually, intellectually, etc. I'm at a good place in my life now, it all came together! Unfortunately, I wasted a lot of time doing what I didn't want to do, and I use to get very frustrated with myself because of it. At one time, I felt like I was not making the best work or career decisions for myself. For the longest time I was making other people happy but not myself. I fell into that trap for a long time! I always believed, just because we are good at something does not necessarily mean that is what makes us happy, OR, does not mean that is what we want or should be doing. I hope I am making sense. Q: Yes you are, it absolutely make sense. So go on... A: For years prior to me being in business for myself, I guess I can say I got too comfortable in a certain "comfort zone". When we get to comfortable with things in life it is just not good at all, feeling comfortable is, but NOT getting comfortable! However, when I say "I wasted time", ultimately it was NOT totally a waste of time at all because I have learned so so much! I'm about to get more philosophical here (which I tend to be very philosophical at times as you already can see!)...Q: Sure I can see that, and I think its awesome Denise. It's a great quality to have: A: Awe thank you. As most of us know, learn or realize - It is so much easier to know what u do not want in life as opposed to knowing what we do really want, right? But the key is, the more we realize what we do not want, the more it brings us closer and closer to what we do really want. Its a long process sometimes and may take a long time to get there, but we do eventually.
Q: So, I gather you have ALWAYS wanted your own business? A: YES, most definitely! I always wanted my own business ever since I could remember. No matter what I was doing, where I was in my life, what I was going to school for or what career/job I may have been working, being in business for myself was always in my sub conscience. It wasn't an option for me. I may have not always known what type of business, but I certainly wanted my own. Once I started gaining more experience in different fields, I got a step closer each time. However, it is just not the experience or education, it is finding out what you like and don't like. Its all about recognizing your strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes life guides and pushes us in certain directions too, which is up to us to pick up on it,figure it all out and where we are supposed to be. Timing plays a big factor as well. I knew I always enjoyed helping people, and I am very good at it too. I truly like to see people do good and succeed.
Q: What was it like for you to work for others when you knew you wanted to work for yourself? A: Very hard and challenging! Honestly, I have worked so, so hard for so many of my previous employers. I treated their business as if it were my own. Some appreciated it and some did not, but that is part of the learning process. As I said, I have learned a whole lot! I have learned,grew and gained from others fortunes and misfortunes in regards to how a business could succeed, and how a business could fail. Finally, I am confident to say, I know what works and what does not work! It's amazing!!! I got to the point where I woke up (so to speak) and said to myself, "it's time to use my talents to the best of my ability". I know that may sound really cliche` but it stands very true for me.
For many years I was not utilizing my talents and knowledge like I should, and deep down I always knew that. It was frustrating for me at times and I had to make some mistakes along the way to get to the place I am now. Not to toot my own horn, but I found myself in many positions and situations, where I felt I possibly I had a better idea or way of doing something, but could not bring it to life most of the time. Needless to say, my hands were tied because in the end it was not my company and therefore, I did not have the ultimate decisions. May I add, it was very encouraging and helpful that so many people have told me along my journeys that I should have my own company. You start to believe it!
Q: In your opinion, who is the first person that comes to mind that completely changed the business world?
A: Bill Gates by far! And maybe China? OH, and whomever invented the Blackberry! (HAHA) Q: Bravo! I agree.
Q: What are your strongest qualities, professionally that is?
A: Oh, lets see....First and foremost, I am very helpful. I truly enjoy helping people, I really do! And I'm successful at it too! - Call it a knack, a gift if you will. I could be tough with somethings, it's a strength of mine but also my weakness. One of my main core strengths is that I have a tremendous creative and intuitive eye for business; Especially in regards to daily operations, growing a business, organizing, marketing, managing and prioritizing. I have excellent time management; I am a problem solver; I am good at multitasking. I guess you can say I get the job done and done right! Hope I didn't sound to overly confident and self-righteous Q: And no, you do not sound overly confident or self-righteous! After all, they are your strongest and best qualities, right? And you are supposed to answer them honestly. In my opinion, you may be under doing it a bit. I detected talking about youself is not your comfort zone. There is a dimension of you that is very humble but on the other hand, your assertive. You are very interesting, genuine and deep Denise.
A: Awe thank you, I appreciate that! Wow, you hit the nail on the head! Great points, and your right! Thank you for that!
Q: Now, how about your professional weaknesses?
A: Oh, I knew this was coming! My talking tends to be superfluous at times - As you can detect in my previous answers. Sometimes I just talk too much! It may appear as if I am not listening at times, but I do hear everything! I am too emotional sometimes too. I use to have an abundance amount of patience for everything BUT...Key word "use to"! I do not have patience for ignorance whatsoever, I just detest it! I also do not have any patience for telemarketers, solicitations and talking to computerized voices via phone. It just drives me mad! Sometimes I get so bananas!!! By the way, all do respect to telemarketers, etc. I just do not handle that stuff very well, especially when I am busy! Sometimes I am too impatient I guess. I could also be a bit "too all business" when I am deep in the work mode - a bit too serious, not always fun to be around. I also tend to be very compulsive, over analytical and intense about certain things and at certain times.
Q: Tell me a little bit about your Work and Career Experience prior to SBC...
A: Basically my work experience is Business Management intertwined and coupled with sales. My very first supervisory/management position was back when I was 19 yrs old. I started out in the retail (clothing) industry. I grew from sales to management levels in a very short time. Over the years, I have worked in the retail, hospitality (including hotel and restaurants), real estate, accounting and the diet/health industry. I must say, not going to college directly after highschool and working in the business world instead, definitely alloted me a sense of business very early on. However, I do recommend going to college right after highschool or at least no later than a year or two after high school. Get your education out of the way, or least most of it because it just gets harder as you get older! Q: Have you worked for any BIG companies/chains? No Fortune 500'S, But yes I have actually...The Sheraton Hotels, LA Weight Loss, Joans New York, Dillard's Department Store, and two big local based companies, GF Management and the former MSK Associates.
Q: How about your Education...
A: Yes I did to go to college of course but more on an intermittently basis as opposed to the typical full time, straight, full throttle 4yrs. I always went to college part time and worked full time. Hmmm I do believe I went full time one semester though! I was a late bloomer. I did not go back to school (after high school that is) until a few yrs after I graduated high school. I guess I had gotten very accustomed to working and making money very early on. The taste of working and making money at a young age allotted me a certain life style which therefore, made it harder for me to go back to school when I did.Q: I totally understand that. In fact, I could relate to a lot of things your saying. Which school did you go to (or schools) and which classes, major or courses did u take? I attended Temple University and even took some courses at Phila Community College. I studied different areas of Business such as Marketing, Management, Real Estate Sales and Broker courses, Psychology, Literature and Writing. I took alot of courses! Every time I went back to school it was always for something different. There was a point where I just could not make up my mind! As I said before, I guess I had always knew I wanted my own business even when I was attending school.
Q: Tell me a few things that most people do not know about you, or would find very surprising to know....I heard you are very intuitive; you were in above average English and Writing classes in college ; you have a high IQ and your a bit of a Epicurean/Foodie. Please elaborate...
A: Wow, you really did your research about me! Yes to all above! In regards to being intuitive, most people close to me do know that. I am no psychic by no means however, I could be very intuitive with many things. People tease me all the time and tell me I'm telepathic. Because I am intuitive, it makes me a tough person to lie to! Unfortunately, I catch people in lies all the time! It's crazy! And yes, my first semester/freshman courses I took (at college) were at Senior level. - I was with advanced writers. I guess you can say I am a writer at heart, I love to write! I can write my butt off! I'm actually thinking about writing a book some day, seriously...Shhhhh that is our secret! Writing is expressive and therapeutic for me.Q: Any thoughts on what type of book? A: Not exactly BUT I do have a few ideas brewing around in my imaginative Pisces head! I am jotting thoughts down though here and there as they pop in my head, and also doing a little writing but nothing consistent, concrete or substantial yet. Maybe in a few yrs, first things first I guess.
Q:Your IQ? A: Yes, I do have an above average IQ. And please, do not ask me what the number is, I do not remember that kind of thing. I was told and informed on several occasions via different tests that I have taken, that my IQ was high. I initially was told in High School after taking the SAT's or STS test (whatever they are called!). I was surprised myself, I definitely did not take it seriously, I still don't! I have to admit though, I know I am very alert and on the ball with a lot of things. I seem to figure out things VERY well! I comprehend very easily as well. BUT a high IQ, it even surprises me sometimes! I use to play my ex partner in those mind and brain twisters and I beat him all the time! I loved every minute of it because he thought he was a smarty pants! I am not a "smarty pants" by any means, I'm just smart, there's a big difference between the two!....And he was the one with the better grades in school and more degrees! Go figure! Although I do have a high IQ, I come off dippy sometimes so therefore, some (not all) people think I am lying to them when I tell them. It's hilarious!
Q: You forgot to elaborate on your Epicurious quality...
A: Wow, I really feel like a celebrity now with all these questions! Hmmm.....Epicurean, let me see.....I guess you can call me that. I have a pretty good balance of knowledge (and taste) of wines, cuisine, foods, teas and even cooking. I must admit, I know my stuff! I have learned alot from working in the restaurant business, going out to wine & dine alot, reading and research, watching informative food shows, and of course, self education. I am a foodie I guess, I can cook my butt off! I love food and love to eat!
Q: What would someone you worked with such as an employee or former employer say about you?
A: Oh gosh...I like this question actually. They should say I'm a problem solver. Most likely,and hopefully they would say that I am one of the nicest, honest and genuine people. On the other hand, they also will say I can be a tough cookie too. I'm not sure if I should be saying this or not, but lets just say I'm not always a joy to work with! I think most of them will tell you that I am very helpful, hard working, service oriented, dependable, together and outgoing.
Q: Last but not least, in one word only, what is your best and strongest quality, personally as well as professionally, that you like most about yourself. However, is sometimes disappointing to you when others do not demonstrate the same strength?
A: Great question! Wow! I think I know what you are asking, and I know I have the answer... I do not even have to ponder on this one! It is absolutely, positively, definitely, certainly LOYALTY!!! 110 percent! I have been known to sever relationships, whether personal, romantic or professional due to disloyalty. For me, it is just the worst thing you can do to me is to be disloyal. Disloyalty is toxic to me and I do not have the time, patience or understanding for toxic people anymore in my life! I have always said - The best way to get rid of me is betray me, be disloyal and break my trust! I give so much of myself to others in regards to being loyal, genuine, true and honest therefore, my standards are very high, I DO expect the same in return,why not right? Its extremely disappointing for someone like me when its not reciprocated. Its almost unforgiving.
Q: Absolutely! I definitely can relate.
A: Thank you.
Q: How is SBC different from other businesses that do what you do? What makes you special? And different?
A: Me of course! (HAHA just kidding) First and foremost, I care!!! Personally, I am a very nice, caring, honest and dependable person. My personal traits shine through in my work. It's not always about making money for me, it is about helping people with their needs. If it was always about the money I would probably be a billionaire today! Like I said a few statements back, I like helping people period! Yes, there is many people who do what I do out there and some of them are great too. However, there are many people who over charge for what they do and offer, it's crazy! I could tell to you that I have the best rates around! For example: I will do a website from start to finish for half the price of what most people charge. - And it will look amazing!
I am very service-oriented, business savvy and talented. My rates are geared towards this crazy economy. The last thing I want is someone to not hire me in regards to helping them grow their business because they do not have the money! That is insane! I work with people, I understand and I get it. My attention to detail, my diverse experience and acute follow up skills, also are very benefical to my customers/clients. I do the majority of work hands on, no out sourcing and I do not have a crew of people working for me and with me therefore, I do not have to financially compensate a lot people other than myself or a few people here and there, such as interns,etc. Bottom line - I may be my own boss, so to speak, but I still work for my customer and clients.
Q: Do you speak any languages Denise?
A: Piccolo Italiano!!! I do want to learn Mandarin. I'm looking into it.
Q: Just a few more questions, what is you favorite cities in the US?
A: New York, San Francisco and Boston....And maybe in that order too! Oh does Disney World count? That's a city in itself! Q: That's cute, your very funny Denise... No it does not but I will make an exception just for you. How about Philadelphia? NO,sorry Philadelphia.
Q: Are you married or single? Children?
A: No I am not married and I have no children.
Q: What people do you find the most inspirational?
A: People suffering and battling diseases such as Cancer,MS etc; The elderly; Good parents; Martin Luther King; Bill Gates; Dr. Oz; Lance Armstrong; And truly, happily, loyal married couples who have been together for a long time. I'm certain I've missed a few.
Q: Denise, thank you very much for your candidness. Now I have a better perspective why you named your business, "Savvy" Business Concepts. - It really suits you and is very appropriate. You are one nice savvy lady. Best of Luck to you!
A: Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. This was fun!
* Please note the above interview is actual complied parts of three different (live and phone) interview (s), incorporated into one Q & A style interview to suit SBC business and website needs and design. All interviews were done by a photographer, magazine/newspaper writer and reporter, and surveys. The interviews were based upon and in regards to: "Young Woman in Business"; "New Businesses" and 'Local Business" of various venues. In addition, voted excellent in Customer Service Surveys from three different venues; an audition for a local commercial and magazine. The above interview has been revised, updated and modified due to SBC recent business and professional changes.
If you are interested in a interview style Bio for your business or professional website, please contact Denise @ 215.336.3185 for more information.
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