Today we’d like to introduce you to Oriel Ross McKinney.
Oriel, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My pioneering company is The Small Biz Engine. It’s a small business consultancy specializing in business and brand development. I initially launched this company after a series of successes that sparked from conversations and recommendations I made to friends who were starting businesses. I realized I established a methodology for expansion and there was value there. Over ten years later, now with my husband Brian, we’ve expanded with our parent company McKinney Brands to include, a full-service travel agency (McKinney & Associates Travel/Dream Vacations), a real estate brokerage (McKinney Property Solutions), and a restaurant (1000 Degrees Pizza of Winter Garden).
Frankly, I enjoy connecting with people, sharing my story and experience. I routinely speak on topics like Business Development, Finding Clarity, Capacity, and Control, and Mastering Dynamic Conversations, to name a few. I’m a co-author in Soaring Beyond the 9 to 5, an Amazon Best Seller, a nominee in for the upcoming BWHB Awards – For Profit – Women in Business Awards, and representing Florida in the Majestic International Pageant also coming later this year. Representation matters and those who see themselves in me is a connection I honor. More to come 🙂
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I’ve learned to appreciate that the ebbs and flows of life and business help to position me where I need to be. On the business side, I’ve faced challenges on growing my business, being bogged down with inefficient processes, entering bad partnerships, ineffective pricing and margins, Personally, I’ve had to pause as I’ve had two babies born prematurely and also helping to take care of my aging parents. But that’s life! If it were a linear path, there’d be no story.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Small Biz Engine – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others
As a High Impact Business Strategist, it’s important when clients connect with The Small Biz Engine consultancy, we understand the nuances of their business and goals. Working with entrepreneurs and companies to drive specific results based on market climate and analyses, while introducing innovative ideas, gives us a unique advantage. One client remarked that we “built the intellectual capital and value” of his company. That was the greatest compliment. I’m currently working on a CEO Peer community to tap into the potential of the innate passions we all have. It’s time to knock down walls and own our value.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I grew up in Queens, NY. That NYC edge fuels me everyday. Growing up, I was perceived as pretty quiet in most circles, but when I was in my element, there was nothing but laughs and smiles. I loved dancing, still do. For 20 years, I trained in ballet, body movement, African dance, and tap. It’s the one passion I will return to one day. I loved going to the beach and quiet moments. Sometimes, my father would (out-of-the-blue) say, “Hey, let’s drive to the beach”. To this day, if my husband suggests, let’s just drive to the beach, I’m in.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thesmallbizengine.com
- Phone: 407-504-7677
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesmallbizengine/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesmallbizengine
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/smallbizengine
- Other: www.mckinneybrands.com and www.orielross.com
Image Credit:
Candid and Emerson McClain of iPose Media
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