Today, we have the privilege of sitting down with businessman, Alteric Battle.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey in establishing this business? What inspired you to start your own business?
I am a retired Army Veteran of 21 years. After retiring, I was still young and full of vigor. So I wanted to continue working. I wanted to make extra money to be able to take my kids to do things and buy stuff that I was unable to do or get as a kid. Every job I found, I could never find the love and passion for being at that particular workplace. Also, I noticed if you were not one of the favorites of the manager, then you were on the chopping block when it was time for layoffs.
After being laid off, a guy offered me work on a freelance platform, but I had to have my own tools and use my own vehicles. He kept sending me to jobs where the pay was terrible, and the distance was not profitable. But I realized why would he care when he gets his 15 percent off the top, and does not have to use his vehicle or gas. So it was a win-win for him, and my work was improving his profile rating. At that point, I said I can do that on my own. I built my own relationships and controlled my own narrative and did it on my own.
At that point, I set up my own freelance service so I could control my own narrative. I started using these freelance platforms to generate work for myself that made more sense. As I learned more, the more services I would offer. I would later offer services to help individuals set up media centers in their homes. I would educate them on how to cut the cord. In my opinion it is not worth paying the high cable bills.
Please do not think I am only working for myself. I am still open to working for companies. It is hard to keep enough business to make the kind of money you want to make. I use my business to keep me diversified. I hate the feeling of being laid off and then not knowing what I am going to do. So my businesses and side hustles give me the ability to keep money rolling in during tough times.
If I do take a gig for a corporate company, I would not let them stop me from my other business endeavors. Big companies can diversify for profits, why can’t I do the same thing? I want to keep myself afloat just like large companies.
Can you provide an overview of your business, including the products or services you offer?
I run an IT consulting business where I do services for businesses, which consist of IT repairs and upgrades. I also consult individuals on how to save money on their cable bill by setting up media servers, and an app that they can use to reduce the price of their bill.
What makes your business unique or differentiates it from others?
My business is a niche that alot of people do not understand. It's forever evolving. Even cable companies are trying to adjust and movies are moving to different platforms. My predictions is that there will be very few cable boxes in the next 10 years. Everyone will be streaming by then, and I will be the one to help educate them.
What challenges have you faced as an entrepreneur, and how have you overcome them?
One of the tough challenges is keeping enough work flowing in. That is why I am always open to working for a company to keep income flowing. That is why I diversify my work and do other things, such as selling shoes and purses.
How do your personal values align with the mission and vision of your business?
I will not do anything that I feel like would put me or my family in a bad light. I also will not work with anyone that does not have some type of moral compass. If I have to do something cut throat or shameful, it is not worth me doing it.
Comments