Meet Tabatha Turman, Founder and CEO of Integrated Finance and Accounting Solutions LLC (IFAS, LLC)
Tell us about your business?
IFAS is a professional services firm that applies integrated finance and accounting solutions to every engagement to help clients build sustain, and maintain a profitable business model. We do this with a corporate commitment to provide on time service that is mission focused and results driven. It is our true belief that finding the right solutions to your business’ mission makes doing business less challenging.
Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?
I wanted to create a legacy for my family as well as show myself that I could set and achieve my goals to own and run my own company. It also allows for me to have a stronger role in giving back to my community and demonstrate to others who come from lesser means that their future success is possible if you’re willing to work for it.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
First and foremost my mother who was an extremely strong and resilient person. When I face adversity I often think “What would my mother do?”. She raised me to set goals and strive to achieve them even with limited resources.
I was also inspired to go into business by the volunteers with the Junior Achievement organization of St. Louis where I am from originally. I would go once a week to hear business owners speak about their path to success and it was the first time I was exposed to being an entrepreneur as an attainable concept.
What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
Having the courage to leave the security of a government job to start my own business.
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
It’s never too late to pursue a new profession, go back to school or start your own business. Start with a plan and hold yourself accountable to a timeline. When you’re an entrepreneur you’re the only one that will hold yourself accountable to your goals.
What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?
In general just putting myself out there to talk about my business and forge relationships as much as possible. I exhibited at professional organization/associations, completed cold calling and emails, networked with military contacts and attended professional seminars with a goal of handing out and collecting as many business cards as possible.
What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
In the military you follow orders, but when you become a civilian you have to learn to articulate your vision and incentivize your team. Get them involved in wanting to get the company where you want it to be. Motivate and inspire your team to join in the company’s success.
Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business?
Networking is truly an underrated and very valuable tool for professional advancement.
Do you have any new projects coming up? If so, please tell us about it.
I am developing a specific Community Outreach plan and program within my company focusing on supporting veteran health education and wellness. We will be have opportunities for employees to use work hours volunteering in our community.
What do you do for fun/relaxation?
To truly let go and relax I attend a spa or read. But I also love being with my family and taking time to travel.
What is the Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?
To formalize my company’s Community Outreach program.
You want to write a book on ….
Helping young women to become more interested in entrepreneurship and how to hone their leadership skills early on in their education and career..
What’s the best way for our readers to connect with you (feel free to include the links to your social networks and websites)?
Facebook: Twitter: @TabathaTurman
WEBSITE: www.ifas-llc.com
