Name: Corinna Aiken

Area Center: Orangeburg

Title: Business Consultant

Start Date: 3/1/2021

QUESTION: What was your career track prior to joining the SC SBDC? ANSWER: Small Business Owner, as well as Organizational Consultant or Sales & Marketing Manager. I own and operate Mattress by Appointment Orangeburg. I received my Master of Business Administration in Dec 2020. Given my education and 10 years of management and marketing experience, I had planned to join a large and/or growing company as an organizational manager or a sales & marketing manager.

QUESTION: What motivated you to become an SC SBDC consultant? ANSWER: I enjoy helping people start and grow their businesses. For entrepreneurs, their business is often sparked by a dream or passion of theirs. Making those dreams come true is the greatest feeling for me.

QUESTION: What is the best piece of advice you would offer an aspiring business owner? ANSWER: A strong foundation makes a world of difference. Start your business with a solid business plan and high-level systems and procedures in place. It‘s easier to build and grow from a strong foundation than it is to rebuild and restructure to grow.

QUESTION: What area of interest/expertise do you offer your clients? ANSWER: Sales, Marketing, Human Resources and Employee Relations

QUESTION: Why is the SC SBDC an important resource for business owners in South Carolina? ANSWER: The SC SBDC provides a wealth of valuable tools and hands-on, personal assistance to aid business owners in starting and growing their businesses. Any and everything an entrepreneur could need to become successful, can likely be found by reaching out to a SC SBDC business consultant.

QUESTION: What is your favorite part about working for the SC SBDC? ANSWER: Exceptionally positive work environment. Everyone in the organization is incredibly friendly and eager to help.

QUESTION: What quote/saying/maxim expresses your philosophy toward work and/or life? ANSWER: Sometimes, the greatest success comes from being creative and open-minded enough to see what others can’t, and courageous enough to do something about it.

QUESTION: Describe your approach to counseling. ANSWER: Listen to what the client needs, then do my best to meet those needs with excellence.