Hi guys! This next featured guest is a brother from back in the day day. We actually met through blogging and it’s so amazing to see how we have both evolved since those early days. I am so excited to be apart of both of Jay’s podcasts (feel free to check out my interview from 2017 if you can find it on his Right to R.E.A.L LOVE segment, LOL). And now he has a new endeavor that goes hand in hand with this blog series where he interviews entrepreneurs! Make sure to read his bio and learn more about how you can support and maybe even be apart of his new project!

Me: Introduce yourself!

J.: Hey! I’m J. Immanuel in the 35-40 year age group. I’m an Audio/Video Editor and Voice Over Artist from the Detroit, MI area. In my spare time I enjoy reading and watching spiritual or personal development videos on YouTube.

Me: How long have you been an entrepreneur?

J.: I have “officially” been an entrepreneur for a little under one year. “Unofficially” I’ve been doing freelance work for the past 7 years; however, it was only within the past year that I began to see myself as a business owner and took the necessary steps to start my business (setting up an LLC and separate business bank accounts).

Me: What motivated you to start your own business?

J.: The need for money to take care of myself and my family. In 2013 I took a leap of faith by quitting a great corporate job with no plan and minimal savings.

Me: Why do you feel entrepreneurship is best for you? In your opinion, what qualities and skills does one need to possess to be an entrepreneur, and what qualities do you possess that are in line with your views?

J.: I feel entrepreneurship is best for me because I remember as a kid having a desire to be my own boss and work for myself. Although I am not opposed to working for someone else’s company, I definitely prefer and find far more enjoyment working for myself and operating my business.

To be an entrepreneur, it is important to understand the risks of having to earn your living without the dependence of an employer and a consistent paycheck. Additionally, I believe it is vital to have the discipline needed to properly manage your time and the willingness to continue learning and improving your skills in order to meet and exceed clients’ expectations.

Having a solid understanding of accounting, finances and taxes will be very helpful as well.

I possess each of the qualities that I mentioned above. By no means am I “perfect” or have all the answers. I am still learning and improving in each of the areas that I mentioned. From strengthening my mindset and belief in myself and my business, to consistently seeking ways to improve my service and better understand the financial aspect.

Me: What support groups do you have in place to assist you in achieving your entrepreneurial goals? What have you found most helpful in keeping you moving forward, especially during tough times?

J.: I have an accountability partner who I have been working with for over 3 years and he has been a tremendous help when it comes to achieving the goals I set for myself and the businesses. Additionally, my Mom is supportive of the path that I have chosen, she encourages me and that helps me to maintain a positive mindset and attitude along my journey.

I have found prioritizing my daily goals and the ability to analyze shifts in my mood and momentum to be very helpful in being able to consistently move forward. I accurately acknowledge when my momentum is waning, or I’m feeling overwhelmed.

Me: What lessons have you learned in your entrepreneurial journey?

J.: Trust God. Set realistic goals. Put in the work necessary. Continue learning and working towards improving at least 1% each day.

Me: What are some challenges you have faced, or are facing in entrepreneurship? How have you overcome those challenges?

J.: I’ve faced the challenges of doubt from family members, as well as learning how to stay in my lane and not take on projects that I do not have the necessary skills to meet, or to exceed the clients’ expectations.

I work towards overcoming these challenges by focusing on the support of my Mom and others who encourage my entrepreneurial pursuits. I’ve learned to analyze the services clients request from me more closely and try to do my best to decline projects that do not align with my most developed skillsets. In the areas that I need to improve, I look for teaching resources to help me become more proficient in those areas.

Me: What keys would you attribute to obtaining sustainability in your business?

J.: Consistently working to improve my skills and deliver work that clients are pleased with.

Me: What tips/advice would you give someone who is thinking about pursuing entrepreneurship?

J.: Know and acknowledge the risks and why you want to pursue entrepreneurship. Write down your top 3 goals and determine whether entrepreneurship is the only road that will enable you to achieve them. If it is not, spend time considering the alternatives to determine the most effective and efficient way to achieve your goals. If there is a better way, I believe it is best to consider taking that route rather than pursuing entrepreneurship.

Reaching the goal and enjoying that accomplishment is often short lived. It’s the process and journey of getting there where we spend most of our time. Therefore, it’s best to weigh all options so that we don’t toil and later look back and realize there was a different path we could have chosen that would have been more rewarding and enjoyable. That’s not to say that it would have been easier. Just that it would have been a journey that wasn’t accompanied by regrets after reaching the goal. I’ve come to learn that can be just as important as the goal itself at times. 

Me: Free for all! Is there anything you want to share with my readers that you have not already done so regarding entrepreneurship?

J.: Regardless of where a person may be along their journey, I believe it is important for us to trust God and weigh the cost of our choices before we make them. I know what it’s like to experience regret from choices I made due to a lack of understanding and that is why I believe learning and improving each day is to our benefit and will help us to make better and wiser decisions.

J. Immanuel is the host of Right to R.E.A.L. Love, the #1 dating and relationship podcast and LIVE show for women and men of faith that will help you develop better relationships with God, yourself and others. Additionally, he hosts WHY We Succeed, a business podcast that transforms dreamers into first time business owners by helping them overcome the obstacles to starting profitable businesses. He also co-authored a prayer book with his Mom for single women entitled, Manifest Him: Powerful Prayers for Your Future Husband.