We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Preston True a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Preston, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

Considering the three core functions of a business (sales, operations and finance) are necessary for any business, your operations and finance won’t be fed without sales working first.

The first year of my business was the most overly caffeinated year of my life. I was willing to meet ANYONE for coffee to learn more about them, their business, their struggles, and share a bit about what my business did. I wasn’t looking for clients, but for advice on starting my business, understanding the opportunities I would encounter, but most importantly, understanding the core challenges facing business owners.

It was in one of these conversations a business owner asked, “Preston, I just outlined several issues in my business that frustrate me. Are you saying you can help with those?”

Rob became my first client.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

After 25 years of managing and owning entrepreneurial businesses, I’ve learned building a successful organization requires a level of stamina, operationally, financially, emotionally, physically, and even spiritually.

From day-to-day problem solving to long range vision, my mission is to help entrepreneurs and leadership teams delete chaos, earn more and fall back in love with their business by helping them design and implement business organizing frameworks. A simple analogy is that of a personal fitness trainer – you’re committed to better health and stamina, so you hire a guide to help you achieve that goal.

I’m more grateful than proud of what we’ve accomplished. Several amazing people have helped me build a very fulfilling and successful business. From a friend and business partner who helped me launch the business, to my wife who currently runs our day to day operations, to my children who have been willing to sacrifice and support me and our business.

If there’s anything I want others to know, it’s simply this – pursuing a next level of fitness is not something you can accomplish on your own. Look for guides who can help you navigate challenges and leverage opportunities. Connect with others who have accomplished things you’d like to accomplish. Be willing to practice a level of hunger AND humility that will be uncomfortable. And lastly, understand that “overnight success” takes years, not hours. :-)

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

During Covid, like so many others. I was facilitating sessions in my office in person and traveling as well. 80% of that came to a stop and I constructed an office in our family home complete with cameras, technology & dry erase boards.

Beyond the strain on our WIFI with all of us (kids & wife) operating life from home, the major pivot was going from in-person facilitation to virtual. My first thought was “This may put me out of business.”

Through commitment to move beyond circumstances and having great colleagues with whom to collaborate, we successfully made the shift to virtual. In the long run, it actually helped my business by opening up a entirely new geographic market.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

UNLEARN: You don’t need much time to prepare once you’re comfortable with your work and role.

I was quick to delete that mindset after arriving to facilitate a time management workshop for which I left the workbooks back at my office. The time management workshop started 40 minutes late.

I used to let my days control me with no real set of priorities and now I control my days. I wouldn’t be able to work out every day or have my creative time in the mornings if I didn’t stay organized. Most importantly, my clients know I show up prepared.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.gettpafit.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prestontrue/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiuh4Dm6Iz2x_iiPh5ozvXpFgM32ymVW3

Image Credits
Alaina Miller Photography