Meet Charlie Whitfield of Whitty IT Solutions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlie Whitfield.

Charlie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started the company in Oct 2011 after losing my job which when I look back on it now, that was the best thing that could have happened to me. Without that push, I might not have left that safety net of getting those paychecks every two weeks. I had the desire to start my own business but not the guts to step out 100% until that day came.

Starting the company, which was named “Whitty Apps” at the time later changed to “Whitty IT Solutions just seem right although family members were suggesting that I go get another job when I complain that times and money were lean.

There was a time when we were waiting on a client’s check to come in the mail and as they say “waiting on a check only makes it come slower.” I ended up making a homemade biscuit like my mother used to make with peanut butter and they were the best!!

I also had times when I wondered if anyone was going to purchase my service which was a scary thought but I just suited up and showed up the next day.

I had my office at home till about 15 months ago so cost was low keeping the business going, but at some point, it’s time to make your business a real business and that’s what I needed to do.

Many days was either networking with groups like BNI, TAG, and the like. LinkedIn became a big part of my marketing and building my leads and pipeline.

I had to learn that no one was going to come knocking on my door, I had to let them know that I had a door!

I had the help from my husband who is a LinkedIn expert help me grow my LinkedIn profile and online presence. As of September 15th, I now have over 20,000 connections, belong to many relevant groups, and learning more of its efforts.

I have also learned to ask for help, to put ego aside. Knowing that there is a lot of smarter people out there who are more than willing to help brings an ease.

My organization as also learn to enter into teaming opportunities which have created win-win scenarios for all has been very rewarding.

I have also learned in my few short years of being in business is to learn to focus, set goals, and “fly with Eagles.”

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth start. I started this company in 2011 after losing my job of 20 years. I had about $1500.00, a dream, and a very supportive boyfriend who is now my husband. So, I have bootstrapped this company for the last six years. I didn’t have the funds to pay an organization to prepare the certifications for my company, so I learned to do them myself. As a result,

Whitty IT Solutions is an SBA certified 8(a), Women-Owned, Serviced Disabled Veteran Owned, HUBZone, among other local certifications. This allows our company to compete for the set-a-side federal and state government contracts. These certifications weren’t easy to learn to obtain but I am glad that I chose to learn I have helped others obtain their certifications as well.

The other big hurdle was and still is for most small business is the lack of access to funds. Finding out that a lot of banks don’t lend to small businesses who don’t already have money was disappointing. Also having personal credit issues will also complicate matters.

I don’t believe that one can ever be totally prepared to take the leap, but learning from others that have gone before you could give you a great learning curve.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Whitty IT Solutions – what should we know?
Whitty IT Solutions is a business solution, engineering & integration company specializing in Account Management, Big Data, Enterprise Resource Planning, Mobile Application Development, Graphic Design, Business Process Management, Development and Support for US Department of Veteran Affairs (Veteran Health Administration).

Our core competencies are the following:
• Business Solutions
• Data Analytics
• Engineering & Support Services
• Enterprise Risk Management
• Cyber Security Assessment
• Account Management

I am very proud that Whitty IT Solutions LLC, an SBA certified 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WBE, MBE, WOSB, owned and operated Company going into our 7th year in business.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe one of the strongest assets I bring to my company is the ability to build relationships. I truly love people and interacting with them. I believe everyone has a story and most people want to tell it. I really want to bring value to others.

There is a book that I really love and have suggested to many called “The Go-Giver” and I believe it has helped me see the value in business relationships.

I also feel that my organization is blessed to have the opportunity to work with some of our awesome larger company partners who sees the value in our small and emerging company. Again, building and having strong relationships can go a long way in business success.

Contact Info:

• Address: 260 Peachtree Street, NW Suite 2200 Atlanta, GA 30303
• Website: http://www.whittyit.solutions/
• Phone: 404-823-6955
• Email: charlie@whittyit.solutions
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/whittyapps
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliewhitfield/

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