In today's Entrepreneur Spotlight, we have the privilege of sitting down with Ernest Wayde, the visionary behind Wayde Consulting. Ernest's journey from a career grounded in traditional employment to pioneering his own consulting firm is as inspiring as it is enlightening. Let's dive into the insights he shares about his business philosophy, important moments, and the tools that have propelled his success.
Hi, Ernest! Thanks for joining us today. Tell us about your business. Who do you serve, how do you serve them, and what's the impact that your business and work makes?
Wayde Consulting partners with leaders to examine, develop, and integrate strategies, people, processes, and technology for their business success. This results in a clear direction, optimizes resource allocation, mitigates risks, aligns the organization, fosters adaptability, cultivates competitive advantage, and engages stakeholders. As a result of working with us, leaders, teams and organizations are better able to prepare for and adapt to changes in their business environment.
Tell us about the moment you finally felt like you went from wantrepreneur to entrepreneur.
My transition was a process rather than a specific moment. For me, it was a psychological process that required me to go from fear, lack of self-confidence, and apprehension to a place of acceptance and enjoyment. I had to reframe the choice as something that could help me help other people. I had to learn to be comfortable with the uncertainty of change.
Describe the moment or period in your life/career that motivated you to make the entrepreneurial leap.
It probably happened when I realized I got more enjoyment doing this work helping my clients than I was getting at my regular job. That was the motivation I needed to start the transition.
Describe a tool, service, or software that has been a game-changer for your business. How does it contribute to your success?
ChatGPT and other AI tools have been instrumental in my work. They improve my efficiency and allow me to spend time doing things that are enjoyable and valuable rather than focusing on administrative work that can be automated.
We know that success is very often a non-linear path. Tell us about a failure, pivot point, or lesson that changed your course or direction and helped to get you where you are today.
Failure and rejection are something that comes along with being an entrepreneur. You have to take it as a learning lesson that helps you improve and move on. One eye-opening lesson I have learned is that just because you build it does not mean they will want it or come for it. You have to work to demonstrate the value and help people see how it will help them be successful in their work.
What unconventional strategy did you employ that significantly impacted your business?
I dislike sales and struggled with marketing myself. It's not a natural activity for me. I got a piece of advice that was very helpful. It was to basically not focus on the sale but rather focus on what I enjoy about the work, helping leaders and organizations. To trust that my energy and excitement for the work would come through and make the case for me. So, I just stopped selling and started sharing. I love to share my passion for this work and how it can help leaders be successful.
What’s something you wish you knew sooner that you’d give as advice for aspiring or newer entrepreneurs?
Figure out sooner than later who can help you be successful and lean on them as much as possible. There is no rule that says entrepreneurs cannot get help, seek support, or collaborate with other people with a shared interest! Leverage your connections, build your network, and look for common interests to help you be successful.
Want to go deeper into Ernest's work? You can connect with him on the links below:
- Visit Wayde Consulting's Website www.waydeconsulting.com
- Listen to Ernest's podcast: Psych in Business www.psychinbusiness.com
- Connect with Ernest on LinkedIn Ernest Wayde, Ph.D., M.I.S
