Sherburne Area Business Owner Interviews

Note: This is the letter I send out so that interviewees can prepare ahead of time. You can also download the PDF file here.

Hello! I hope you are excited for this opportunity to share your business with our community!

Interview sessions will last approximately 45 minutes. I will speak with you prior to the actual interview so that we can decide on the best format and location for you. Options include: video, audio, phone, and written formats.

Here is a sampling of the questions I might ask you during our session so that you can review them and have an idea of how you want to answer. Print a copy of this list and write down any comments that I need to know. If there are specific questions you don't want to cover, please make a note of which ones. Also, if there are questions specific to your industry or experience that I didn't list, jot them down and we can try to add them in if there is enough time.

When you are ready to schedule your interview, give me a call. I look forward to meeting with you!

Sincerely,

Terrie Soberg

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Questions:

1. Tell me a little about yourself.

2. How long have you been in business and how did you get started?

3. What is your background information (interesting facts, family, organizations you're are a member of, inventions, ideas etc.)

4. Do you have any other businesses that you run?

5. What is the primary product or service of the business?

6. How have your built your business/businesses most successfully?

7. What separates you from your competitors?

8. What is your philosophy on running a successful business?

9. How did you develop that philosophy?

10. What types of marketing strategies do you employ?

11. How many hours a day do you put into your business and how is this time spent?

12. What do you love about your business?

13. What is the most challenging aspect of your business?

14. What are you most proud of in your business?

15. Who were your biggest inspirations when you were starting out? Why?

16. What trends do you see in the industry?

17. What is your favorite book? Why?

18. What volunteer work do you do in the community?

19. Do you have any mentors or role models?

20. What advice would you give to entrepreneurs wanting to start a business?

21. What is a little known fact about you that people would be surprised if they knew?

Additional Notes:

Interview Appointment Date and Time: __________________________________

Chosen Format:

_______ Written only

_______ Written only with photographs

_______ Audio for Podcast and Download

_______ Audio via Telephone

_______ Video for YouTube and Website

_______ Video for DVD