This is a sponsored post by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. This week’s spotlight is on BrandMirror and its CEO, Jen Dalton. Brand Mirror is a business that consults with businesses and people on their personal branding.
Reston Now: Why did you decide to start your business in Reston?
Jen Dalton: Reston is a great location with growing businesses, innovative and insightful leaders, and a fabulous sense of community and giving back.
RN: What are the challenges and rewards of being a business owner?
JD: A better question to ask is what is not challenging, that might be a shorter list. It is critical for small business owners to know their strengths and when to ask for help. For me, when I work with individuals — whether business owners just starting out or seasoned CEO — it is critical that I help them get clarity on their reputation and how to leverage it to grow their business. I always saw that business owners have freedom, but no free time.
RN: Name something about your business that most people don’t know?
JD: BrandMirror has a book coming out Jan. 19 on Amazon.com. It is an e-book, audio book, and the print book will be available in March. This endeavor was a lot of work and so worth it. There are 17 case studies of entrepreneurs and CEOs on their personal brand journey and we go through questions they had to answer and how they became a noisebreaker.
RN: Describe a typical day as the business owner.
JD: Working hard to deliver value and make a difference, while wearing lots of hats. Always trying to find the best way to deliver something that people and the market are willing to pay for and love utilizing.
RN: How has the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce helped your business grow?
JD: The Chamber has provided great forums to meet people, whether at Educational talks, events, or new member onboarding. I also give talks at the Chamber and love leveraging the space they have for workshops. Lastly, the other business owners are great people and willing to help you grow your business.
RN: What is the quote that best describes your business?
JD: “Be yourself; everyone is already taken.” -Oscar Wilde
RN: What is your advice to someone who is thinking about owning a business?
JD: First, define what success looks like financially, emotionally, mentally — then pressure test what has to be true for you to hit those goals. Understand if what you provide really solves a problem and who will pay for that. Being an entrepreneur is amazing, however people think it is way more glamorous than it is. Be realistic and optimistic — then go for it.
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