Spotlight on Impact Business Solutions LLC

Chamber Spotlight is a feature sponsored by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. Today’s Q-and-A is with chamber members James Lawson and Angela Inzerillo, who own Impact Business Solutions LLC.

Reston Now: Why did you decide to start your business in Reston?

IMU: The fast-growing number of small businesses in our backyard of Reston and the Dulles Corridor provides an excellent opportunity for our business consulting practice to meet and develop relationships with our ideal clients.

RN: What are the challenges and rewards of being a business owner?

IMU: The biggest challenges most business owners have are getting clients and systemizing and scaling their business. As we see every day, people who start and own a business are very passionate about what they do and have the technical skills to provide their services, ie, electrician, hairdresser, graphic designer; however running and managing the business is much harder. The rewards then are that we do what we love, but a lot of the times, it can feel like a job.

RN: Name something about your business that most people don’t know.

IMU: James is originally from Scotland and Angela, the US. We met in corporate America, got married and started our coaching and consulting practice together over six years ago.

RN: What is the unique value proposition your clients know when using your services?

IMU: Coaching in it’s truest form is about discovery and helping business owners see beyond their blind spot and do things to get out of their comfort zone.

Unfortunately that is only about 10 percent of the problem that owners have. We are unique in the fact that while we quickly assess where the business owner is, where he or she wants to go and what are the roadblocks our value comes from our ability and skills in helping the owner actually implement the solution in their business — the 90 percent that most other coaches won’t or can’t do.

RN: Describe a typical day at your business.

IMU: Like most small business owners, we wear multiple hats to get things done. Our big initiative last year that continues weekly is to become more leveraged by putting more systems in place so we can do what we’re really good at and love!

James is typically either preparing for or on the phone/Skyping with clients, or getting ready for an upcoming webinar/seminar. Angela is usually out networking or following up with prospects. You’ll often see her at Chamber events and Committee meetings.

RN: How has the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce helped your business grow?

IMU: We first joined the chamber when we started our business in 2009. The vast amount of opportunities to get involved, for our business as well as for us personally, helped us meet the types of businesses we could best help as well as get engaged in the community. As volunteer leaders, we are able to give back and help others learn and get involved, while establishing credibility as a business.

RN: What is the quote that best describes your business?

IMU: Work hard, play hard! Don’t aim for perfection, just make progress!

RN: What is your advice to someone who is thinking about owning a business?

IMU: Whether you are thinking about starting a business or have been in business 20 years, your business is the vehicle to get you the lifestyle that you want. Our advice is to make sure you have clarity on the lifestyle you want to have then design a business that gives you that lifestyle. To many owners jump into business and then end up having to fit their life around the demands of the business. It’s so important to never let your business run your life. Give back and reach out for help when you need it! Let your ego go!