Shannen Knight is the CEO and President of A Sight For Sport Eyes. Shannen, thank you so much for participating in the DotCom Magazine Entrepreneur Spotlight Series. We really appreciate it. This series spotlights leaders, thought leaders, founders and CEO’s that are making a difference in their respective fields.. To begin, we would like to ask you some questions about your business:
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- Let’s start by telling us the “Elevator Pitch” For Your Business?
We specialize in eyewear specifically for sports and recreational activities. We also do safety eyewear. Products are available with or without prescription as well.
- Let’s start by telling us the “Elevator Pitch” For Your Business?
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- Could you please tell us what is the one thing that makes your company a world class company?
With over 25 years of experience, we can give specialized advice that you just can’t get anywhere else.
- Could you please tell us what is the one thing that makes your company a world class company?
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- Please tell us how you make sure your customers will become raving fans of your company?
We listen to what their needs are and recommend the best product, even if it is the cheapest. We don’t “upsell” options if they will not be useful to the customer’s needs.
- Please tell us how you make sure your customers will become raving fans of your company?
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- And to finish this section, Please tell us what is the one major key to your company’s success?
Having great customers and business partners that recommend our company to others.
- And to finish this section, Please tell us what is the one major key to your company’s success?
Let’s move on to Entrepreneurship. We will ask you a few questions regarding the way you look at entrepreneurship:
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- For our readers just starting to build a company, what advice can you give entrepreneurs just starting out with a new venture?
Research, research, research. Make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Know who your competition is, and make a plan for what makes you different. Make sure you have enough time to really dedicate yourself to the business, and enough savings to last you at least a year.
- For our readers just starting to build a company, what advice can you give entrepreneurs just starting out with a new venture?
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- For entrepreneurs seeking to build a business as successful as yours, what big piece of advice can you give them when times get a little challenging?
Have savings. Put away a certain percentage of profits for the unexpected. We saw with COVID-19, the businesses that could weather the storm had cash to rely on when business disappeared for months.
- For entrepreneurs seeking to build a business as successful as yours, what big piece of advice can you give them when times get a little challenging?
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- In today’s fast changing business environment, how do you stay abreast of things?
Multi-tasking. I always have podcasts or webinars going on in the background so I can stay on top of things while I am working at the same time.
- In today’s fast changing business environment, how do you stay abreast of things?
In this part of the interview, we would like to talk about you.
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- What is your “Why”? Why do you get up in the morning, and how do you keep yourself at peak performance?
I enjoy what I do. While there are always those times when something goes wrong and ruin your day, for the most part, I have great customers and it makes me happy when they are happy.
- What is your “Why”? Why do you get up in the morning, and how do you keep yourself at peak performance?
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- Can you recommend a book that has had an influence in your life or career? How did it influence you?
I don’t remember the name of it but in college, we had to read a book about negotiation. It has helped me not only in my career but also in my personal life. Understanding what makes a great deal for both sides, and how to understand where the other side is coming from has also helped in trying to satisfy an unhappy customer.
- Can you recommend a book that has had an influence in your life or career? How did it influence you?
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- In one sentence, what do you feel makes a great leader?
Someone who is willing to really listen and understand the needs of others. Being patient and flexible.
- In one sentence, what do you feel makes a great leader?
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- In one sentence, describe what it feels like to be an entrepreneur?
It is a grind. I work more than anyone else I know, but at the same time I’m far less stressed than most of my friends because I know I am in control of my career.
- In one sentence, describe what it feels like to be an entrepreneur?
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- In one sentence, describe what it feels like to be part of a successful company?
Proud that all my hard work has paid off.
- In one sentence, describe what it feels like to be part of a successful company?
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- In one sentence, tell us how you start your day to get ready?
Coffee, and supporting another local business in the process.
- In one sentence, tell us how you start your day to get ready?
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- In one sentence, describe how you handle rejection and setback?
I think things happen for a reason and maybe timing is not right or something better will come along.
- In one sentence, describe how you handle rejection and setback?
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- In one sentence, describe how you keep your sanity in a competitive business environment?
My dogs keep me sane. I can’t be mad when I see their happy faces.
- In one sentence, describe how you keep your sanity in a competitive business environment?
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- In one sentence, describe what your hiring philosophy is?
Someone who is willing to work hard and has a desire to satisfy others.
- In one sentence, describe what your hiring philosophy is?
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- In one sentence, describe how important customer satisfaction is to your company?
I built the company on repeat customers and referrals so customer satisfaction is very important to me.
- In one sentence, describe how important customer satisfaction is to your company?
Thank you so much! Let’s give out some ways in which people can contact you!
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- Website Please
https://www.sporteyes.com
- Website Please
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- Twitter Address
sporteyes
- Twitter Address
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- Facebook Address
sporteyesfb
- Facebook Address
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- Instagram Address
asightforsporteyes
- Instagram Address
- Shannen Knight, CEO and President of A Sight For Sport Eyes, thank you so much for participating in our series. Thanks for your time…and we love dogs too!
