Next up in our Small Business Inspirational Series is Shawna Koch Mishael, founder and chairwoman at Vicerion Corp, a healthcare-specific integrated, consulting firm offering a range of IT services and solutions. Koch Mishael shares the two foundational principles that have guided her scaling start-up.
My father, a seasoned CEO of a hospital system, imparted two foundational pieces of advice that have been instrumental in shaping my entrepreneurial journey. He always emphasized the importance of managing the small details meticulously, as they eventually accumulate into significant outcomes. Additionally, he reminded me that in the realm of commerce, the core objective is to engage in business effectively. These principles have become the cornerstone of my startup and have guided its development and scalability.
The first piece of advice, "do the small things well because they turn into big things," resonates deeply within the startup culture, where resources are often limited, and every small decision can pivot the company's future. This wisdom taught me the value of establishing a strong foundation in the early stages of my business. Attention to detail, whether in product design, customer service, or internal processes, ensures that as the business grows, these elements evolve without compromising quality or efficiency. For instance, by implementing rigorous quality checks and fostering a culture of continuous improvement among my team, we have been able to maintain high standards even as our operations expand.
This meticulous approach to business also plays a critical role in scaling a company. Preparing a business for growth is not just about expanding the customer base or product lines; it's about ensuring that the infrastructure, from logistics to customer support, is robust enough to handle growth without faltering. By focusing on these foundational aspects, my startup has been positioned to scale smoothly, mitigating many of the risks that come with rapid expansion.
The second piece of advice, "businessmen like to do business," highlights the pragmatic nature of commerce. It underlines the importance of having a substantial and meaningful offering. In my experience, regardless of past disputes or failures, a compelling business proposition that aligns with their interests will almost always capture the attention of potential partners and clients. This principle has encouraged me to focus on creating value in our offerings and ensuring that they are not only innovative but also aligned with market demands and client expectations.
Understanding that business decisions are predominantly influenced by the viability and potential benefits of a deal has allowed me to approach negotiations and partnerships with clarity and purpose. This mindset has facilitated the forging of strong, productive relationships in the industry, even with those who might have been competitors or skeptics initially. It underscores the reality that in business, past grievances and failures do not weigh as heavily as the prospects of mutual gain.
Incorporating these insights into my business strategy has not only enabled us to build a reputation as a reliable partner and vendor but has also instilled a sense of confidence in our team and stakeholders. As we continue to expand, the foundational ethos of doing small things well and focusing on meaningful business engagements remains at the heart of our operations, ensuring that we grow not just in size but in value and integrity as well.
By adhering to these principles, I have learned that the essence of successful entrepreneurship lies in paying close attention to the details while keeping an eye on the larger landscape of business opportunities. This dual focus is what helps transform a fledgling startup into a robust, thriving enterprise.
-Shawna Koch Mishael
Thank you for sharing this strategic and comprehensive peek into your business scaling strategies Shawna Mishael. An analytical inspiration to all start ups, your effective advice passed along holds great value for all aspirating entrepreneurs.
🖱️ Visit Vicerion Corp online
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Please share your thoughts, comments, questions, encouragements or congratulations with Shawna and the community below!