None of my Business S5:E9 Suzie Hall

On this episode I have Founder and President of Cornerstone Design, Suzie Hall. Suzie and I have a great conversation about her entrepreneurial journey.

Suzie studied business in college and her first few jobs after school were straight sales and commission only. This is a tough way to earn a living. Suzie took it like a seasoned pro. We chat about what it takes to be a high performing salesperson. She highlights confidence in yourself and your product as the two most important attributes. We also discuss if a salesperson can be taught or if it is natural ability.

Suzie started her business after responding to a feeling that she could build something on her own. She was drawn to design (pardon the pun) and opened Cornerstone Design. We discuss what it was like in the first few years. I asked her how did she get in front of clients without a portfolio to share? A struggle all new entrepreneurs have to face.

She had the business and sales acumen, but how did she learn to be great at design? A design business is part art part science. These things can be mutually exclusive and difficult for one person to juggle.

We also discuss how the business began to lean towards the strengths of her employees. Was this intentional? What if the employee’s strengths were misaligned with her overall vision and direction? I really enjoyed this part of our chat.

Suzie tells me what it was like raising children as an entrepreneur. She talks about what she thinks her children absorbed from her as a woman running and growing a business. As a parent myself, I was intrigued to hear thoughts on this matter.

Time management is another topic that entrepreneurs struggle with. Suzie shares some strategies that she has implemented with her team to help keep everyone on pace and on task.

Suzie also shares what she believes is the best thing that she ever did for her business. That is joining EO (Entrepreneurs Organization). A rich organization full of like minded, hard working entrepreneurs. “I found my tribe” is what she told me. She tell me what that group has meant to her and her business over the past 7 years.

Thank you Suzie for coming on and being so generous with your thoughts and your time!