Business Opportunity Community (BusinessOpportunity.com) interviewed a 15-year business vet, Jose Whitner, the founder and owner of Clear Financial Concepts to find out what qualities have made him a successful entrepreneur many times over.
We asked Jose a few questions about entrepreneurial opportunities that we thought others would find helpful and interesting. Read on my friends…

Q: Please write us a little something about yourself and your company in this space here…

A: My name is Jose Whitner. I am a proud father of 3 wonderful children and have been married to my wife Joy for twenty-five years.

I started my own Mortgage Company in 2000 after working as a Loan Officer for a local company. Today I find myself working in a new arena. My focus for the last nine years has been on Real Estate and Business and Personal Credit. Clear Financial Concepts, LLC has helped several small businesses establish business credit while also helping individuals repair their personal credit.

Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced in your first six months in business? How did you meet that challenge?

A: Failing! When I first decided to Jump into Self-Employment I had no idea that everything I had planned to do wouldn’t work. I put all my marketing dollars into one form of marketing and the results were disappointing to say the least. We have to be like the tides and keep coming back. Also, read more learn more.

Q: What do you think is the greatest challenge facing business owners today and why? Any suggestions for how to address those challenges?

A: Marketing dollars! I often wondered after all of these years, why are Wal-Mart and McDonalds still advertising? I read an article that the most successful companies spend 25% of their net revenue on marketing. That meant that for every dollar they bring in, they spend 25 cents. I realized that the start-up business has to have the money to make the money. Establishing business credit was the answer. We should not use our own money to build the business. If you really believe in the business, get business credit separate from your personal credit, even if you just started your business today.

Q: What would you say is the one thing that new business owners forget about or overlook when they’re just planning/starting out?

A: I think most new business owners forget they cannot wear all of the hats. There are several “jobs” in running your own business. Some you will be good at and others you are not equipped to handle. Learning when to get help can often be a hard lesson to learn. I read the book The E Myth by Michael E. Gerber and it changed my life. I suggest every small business owner read this book.

Q: What did you do before you decided to become your own boss, and how have those skills helped you in your current business?

A: Before I became my own boss, I was an officer at a loan company. I was very successful and really enjoyed helping people. I was able to connect with people and help them solve their mortgage problems. I have always enjoyed listening and encouraging people. These skills help me strategize with business owners on how to build business credit and solve some of their financial struggles.

Q: What is/are your favorite motto and/or quote when it comes to business? Any final words of encouragement and/or inspiration for the budding entrepreneur?

A: My favorite motto is: DON’T BE AFRAID TO FAIL. If you’re not failing, you’re not trying.

Carpe Diem My Friends