Advice from VentureX Owner Helps Small Businesses Succeed
Holyoke, Mass. - Part of being successful in business is learning from others, yet it can be challenging for entrepreneurs and small business owners to make these connections.
Being a member of VentureX creates a myriad of opportunities for professionals and business owners to interact. Owner Dr. Ned Barowsky opened the coworking space in Holyoke to aid in these connections and support their success.
Barowsky’s interest in small business ownership began at 13 with his first job, soon followed by his first entrepreneurial enterprise. With 50 years of experience under his belt, he has solid advice for becoming successful in business.
Start with Customer Service:
Barowsky’s first job gave him an excellent foundation for understanding the importance of customer service. At 13, he held a paper route, which he contends is “the greatest thing I ever did” for learning to develop relationships.
“That taught me to pay attention to your customer,” he said. “Have a relationship with your customer. That was so important.”
The young entrepreneur then started his first business - stringing and regripping tennis racquets - before becoming a teenaged-tennis pro. Many years later he implemented the skills he learned from his earlier jobs when he opened his own chiropractic practice.
“I had thousands of patients,” he said, “When I was in the room with them it was quality time. It’s the same thing (in business). It’s establishing a relationship with your patient, your customer, your tenant, whoever. Anybody you’re doing business with, pay attention to them and establish a relationship with them.”
Be Prepared to Work Hard and Learn:
Learning about the business world can come from classroom education or hands-on experience. Barowsky believes that either path can lead to success, but motivation to continue learning is key to achieving goals.
“You have to be knowledgeable, willing to work hard, be committed, and stay the course,” he said.
Barowsky was dedicated to his chiropractic practice for decades, adding additional chiropractors, physical therapists and massage therapists to his staff. His business became the most important priority in his life beyond his family.
He used referrals to his benefit, with medical specialists at his office at least once a week making his business even more successful.
Know When to Ask for Help:
In 1999, family health issues prompted Barowsky to sell his practice, a difficult decision that was right at the time but remains a regret. “[It was] the worst business decision I ever made,” he said.
For other entrepreneurs struggling with their own business challenges, he has some words of advice.
“Reach out to business advisors and other successful people and not be bashful about it,” he said. “There are a lot of people willing to help.”
He knows that many factors can cause work to go awry, from family and personal issues to basic business challenges. Barowsky believes that if goals are established, business can eventually get back on track. He suggests seeking advice from members of professional organizations, individuals, and business groups.
“Figure out your pain points, where it’s working and why it’s not working,” he suggested. “Just stay on purpose to reach those goals.”
Sometimes It’s About Luck:
A few years after opening his practice, Barowsky bought his first commercial property. His timing was perfect, purchasing the building when real estate in the area was about to increase.
“I definitely believe in luck,” Barowsky said. “If you get a lucky break, take advantage of it.”
In 1996, he found another investment property near Holyoke Mall. Over the years he upgraded and improved the property, adding wings, updating the façade, and turning it into a mixed-use facility.
In 2020 his largest tenant, Pier One, left the building and Barowsky began to rethink how to use this newly available space. The idea to reconfigure it for VentureX began to emerge.
The interior required a significant overhaul, updating ventilation systems, creating individual and shared offices, building several large offices for multiple workers, incorporating a podcast room, and adding multiple conference rooms with state-of-the-art technology. The facility opened on January 1, 2021.
VentureX has become home for professionals like physical therapists, lawyers, mental health therapists, advertisers, accountants and many other types of businesses.
With his own background in startups, Barowsky knows how VentureX can be a lifesaver for those just starting on their own, as well as established business owners and professionals seeking a place to connect with other individuals.
“The nice thing about VentureX is you can grow your business within VentureX,” he said.
Be Both a Mentor and a Mentee:
Even after more than 50 years in business, Barowsky knows there is always room to learn from others and share his own knowledge.
“Get connected to someone equal to you or smarter than you. Learn from that person and they can learn from you,” he suggested. “It’s a two-way street. Take, but give back.”
Barowsky and Connolly
He formed a connection with Stand Out Truck® owner Mychal Connolly, a VentureX member. The two work together to brainstorm ideas for their respective businesses.
“I learn a lot from him, and he learns a lot from me,” Barowsky said. “We both mentor each other.”
When he began hiring the best in the industry - those with different experiences and stronger knowledge in certain areas - he learned from them and his business grew.
Integrating all of his experience, Barowsky has created a place for other business owners to build their own successful enterprises at VentureX. Schedule a visit today to learn more at VentureX.com/locations/Holyoke.
Want help with your business’ strategic plan? Contact the Stand Out Truck® and find a way to make your own business STANDOUT. Visit standouttruck.com/contact
