Jennifer Dawn has had an extraordinary entrepreneurial journey. She created her first software firm at the age of 23 and grew it from $0 to over $1 million in revenue. She went on to become the Software Division President for a $54 million manufacturing corporation, where she increased her division’s sales from $300,000 to $2.2 million in less than two years.
Jennifer was eventually selected to run a nationwide network of entrepreneurs, where she not only increased sales but also discovered her real passion.
Jennifer’s mission now is to help entrepreneurs like you develop lucrative, healthy, and genuinely amazing enterprises.
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World’s Leaders and Jennifer Dawn:
Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace.
I’m a good person, a hard worker, and I always strive to do the right thing. I love providing for my family, friends, and clients. I’m fiercely loyal, unless you screw me over, and then you are out. I’m not perfect, but looking back on my life, I always tried to do the right thing at the right time. I love life. I’m getting ready to turn 50 and am looking forward to the “second half”.
Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company?
I was born to be an entrepreneur. I started off young by watching my grandparents, who were chiropractors, working from their home office. I fell in love with the concept that you could have an idea, take action, and turn it into money. I started my first business at age 8, which was an apple stand, because I thought a lemonade stand was so “yesterday”.
Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start?
It began by getting betrayed by my partner. I had accepted a position as the President of a national women’s group. I was offered equity in the company and a small wage in exchange for taking their accountability and masterminding program to the next level. While I was there, I tripled revenues and brought structure to the program. When asked for proof of my equity, my partner always had an excuse of why she couldn’t produce it. I eventually had to resign, but that caused me to launch my own coaching practice, and I’ve been going strong ever since.
What has made you successful? What do you value?
I believe what has made me successful is being honorable and true to my word. I always go the extra mile for my clients and I am constantly improving my skill set. I value hard work and honesty.
Which are the major services of the company and how do they the company to get ahead in the competition? What value-added services does the company provide?
We offer business, accountability, executive, profit first, and health coaching services. Last year, we also started a full-service digital marketing agency exclusively for our coaching clients. I am also the founder of Best Plan Ever and the Jennifer Dawn Coaching Academy. I don’t really worry about the competition—I believe there is plenty of business for us all. We do, however, make a huge effort to serve our clients to the best of our abilities. Business owners talk to each other, and that’s really how we stay ahead, by doing a good job.
What are the most important aspects of a company’s culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture?
We believe in working hard and being the best at what we do, but also having fun along the way. We are all driven, love working as a team, and truly care for our clients. That’s probably what sets us apart, our people really care and our clients feel it.
What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company?
We are always open to trying new things.
Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes?
BOTH. An individual can make a team look amazing or sloppy.
What are your responsibilities as the Founder/CEO of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine?
I actively coach our clients and also handle the marketing strategy. My favorite part of the day is hearing about how our clients have had success.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
Get help. I went it alone for many years and now always work with a coach. It can drastically shorten your learning curve and save you thousands of dollars in costly mistakes.
