In an interview with Insights Success, the CEO, of HRBoost, LLC., Nicole Martin, sheds light on the company’s cutting-edge solutions based on strategic HR leadership and the latest thinking in the field of human resource management. And she also shares her insights about the company’s core competencies and its future and broadly discussed about her overall journey as a marketing aspirant. Considering these influential and inspirational aspects, Insights Success recognizes Nicole Martin as one of the most inspiring women in business 2019.
Below are the highlights of the interview between Nicole and Insights Success:
Give a brief overview of your background as an entrepreneur.
In 2010, I left my corporate career to establish HRBoost, LLC. My initial vision was to find leaders who wanted to be the next Best & Brightest® employer, while providing support to growing businesses facing a myriad of workforce challenges. Within two years, I realized I was growing at an astounding rate and that I needed a team. With 50% growth year over a one-year period, it became clear HR outsourcing was not HR as I knew it and that with HRBoost, I had found a niche.
How do you diversify your organization’s offerings to appeal to the target audience?
We have diversified our offerings by allowing our clients to engage us on an ala carte, project, or retainer basis. This provides multiple ways in which my clients can choose to engage us. Essentially, it is our mission to meet them wherever they are on their journey to be a best place to work. Whether they are a small, growing business or a large, corporate employer, we can address their specific needs at a price point and service level that is customized for them to maximize their investment.
Describe some of the vital attributes that every entrepreneur should possess.
The real attributes of an individual at the helm of their business is curiosity. I never intended to build a business, I sought work that fueled my passion and, in turn, created my perfect intellectual playground full of challenge. Often it is the leap of faith grounded in belief that you are doing something greater than you, something for the greater good itself, and then you turn around one day and realize that you have people on your team as passionate about it as you. When that passion was transferred to my team, only then did I truly feel comfortable calling myself a Chief Empowerment Officer.
What were the past experiences, achievements or lessons that have shaped your journey?
There are so many things throughout my life that have helped shape me, my choices, and my journey. For me it starts with childhood and being raised by a single mother. She taught me the value of hard work, the importance of tenacity and, she gave me unconditional love and the confidence to follow my dreams. Importantly, all of them taught me that there is no place for complacency, if you wish to succeed. And, others have taken me under their wing and shared their experience as entrepreneurs and thought leaders, giving me encouragement and showing what it means to be a mentor. This has inspired me to continue that, so that I too can help shape the next generation of business leaders.
How do you strategize your game plans to tackle competition in the market?
I listen to my clients carefully as they are on the front lines of their respective industries and, I stay abreast of what is happening in my industry. Researching and reading market trends, analyzing higher education focuses, and tapping into the concerns of employees and job applicants, gives me great insights into the future of human resources. Because of this broad-based outlook, I have experienced rapid growth, and for this reason I have enjoyed the pace of word of mouth alone.
What were the primal challenges and roadblocks you faced during the ini_al phase of your career as an entrepreneur?
I think the initial challenges of being an entrepreneur are many. One is needing human capital and the financial capital to source human capital. Some entrepreneurs do not grow because they are not investing in talent or taking the financial risks that are necessary. I made a calculated risk to invest in my talent and invest in my bench strength. In the early years, I was reacting to my business rather than being proactive.
Where do you see yourself in the near future and what are your future goals?
For my business, I would like to expand our service options and spotlight our Small Business Bundles for clients that typically do not have access to strategic HR day one, employee one. Helping small businesses to succeed is truly rewarding. For our larger clients, I am excited to see them grow and reach their Best & Brightest™ recognition. For myself, I am excited to be sharing my knowledge through my books and speaking engagements. My next book, No Fear Negotiation for Women, is being released in August 2019. I am excited to share some of my successful negotiation methods to help other female entrepreneurs as they build their businesses.
What is your advice for budding and emerging entrepreneurs?
I feel it is imperative to get hands on experience doing what you seek to learn. Make sure it brings you joy before investing time, energy, and dedicating your life to it. Enjoy the journey and be prepared to learn, unlearn and relearn. Surround yourself with people who inspire and support you, but also don’t patronize you. Remember, even if it gets harder, or takes longer, stay diligent. Anything you love will be worth it.