Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Harris.
Hi Steven, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Throughout my adult life, I’ve usually had a side hustle or been self-employed full-time. I had moderate success in MLMs, managed 7-figure sales organizations, and worked as an employee at enterprise companies. The common thread through it all was my love for business networking. In 2020, when the world turned upside down, I began to feel the urge to start another business while working for a major tech company. I took advantage of the tuition reimbursement program by taking leadership and marketing courses to prepare for my next business venture.
I decided to create a marketplace of business services that I could promote to business owners and executives – a hub of pre-vetted vendors to address the most common business issues. After a few conversations with clients, I narrowed the marketplace’s focus to cash flow solutions. We now host solutions providers in business financing, employee benefits, operations & automation, expense reduction, and more.
Through my previous experience as a solopreneur who personally financed a business, I understand the cash flow challenges many businesses face. I also know the risks busy business owners take when they don’t have time to conduct proper due diligence when vetting new vendors. Business owners and executives can feel confident that the vendors allowed on our marketplace meet high service fulfillment and customer satisfaction standards. Plus, there are no added costs for shopping and connecting with vendors available through the marketplace.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest obstacle on my journey has been me. I chose to personally finance the business and initially handled my own web design and marketing. I’ve come to appreciate that web design is not a strength of mine. My website has gone through several complete makeovers as I improved and eventually hired a team of virtual assistants to take over that role. My marketing has also evolved. I focused on marketing the service providers on the platform and neglected to share the marketplace’s value as a hub of pre-vetted solutions. My website and marketing are much better now.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m part of a growing movement of Christian Entrepreneurs who do not hide our faith. I speak boldly about my faith in Jesus, and my social media is more about Biblical leadership and stewardship than about money.
While at Dell Technologies, I had the opportunity to serve on the global leadership team for the Interfaith Employee Resource Group. The Interfaith ERG teaches how to live out and discuss faith in the workplace and to be more mindful of employees’ faiths. For example, a mindful leader won’t schedule a team outing with food during fasting periods for different faith groups.
I’ve taken that philosophy into my own business. I encourage business leaders to be bolder with their faith in all areas of life – especially at work.
What matters most to you? Why?
I’m most concerned about being a good and faithful witness for Jesus. I try to avoid self-righteousness and walk in great humility. My leadership style is a blend of Craig Groechel and Simon Sinek – I lead with empathy and work to develop other leaders in the organization.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://srhmarketplace.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenrharris/
