Meet Delmar Johnson | Principal HR Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Delmar Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Delmar, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?

In my years as an entrepreneur in my role as an HR development consultant, one invaluable lesson stands out above all others: the importance of flexibility, because no two days are ever the same. Throughout the highs and lows of entrepreneurship that I’ve experienced, the ability to be flexible and in many ways adapt, has emerged as the cornerstone of success, shaping my business, and teaching me invaluable lessons along the way.

The business landscape is an ever-evolving realm, characterized by constant tech advancements, shifting market dynamics, and unpredictable customer preferences. As an entrepreneur, I quickly realized that to stay ahead, I needed to embrace change and develop a business that could pivot with agility. This realization is at the core of my entrepreneurial journey and continues to be the driving force behind my business decisions.

One of the key lessons learned is the necessity of being open to new ideas and perspectives. Markets are dynamic, and what may have worked exceptionally well yesterday could become obsolete today. By actively seeking out fresh insights and continually staying abreast of trends in my industry, I have been able to identify emerging opportunities and adapt my business strategies accordingly. This intentional pursuit of knowledge and openness to innovative approaches has enabled me to stay competitive and deliver value to my clients

What should our readers know about your business?I would have to say what I’m most proud about my initial brand, HR Brain for Hire™, is that it was built from scratch, no blueprint or 30-page business plan, and it provided an outlet for me to figure out how to put the pieces of my life back together, while seeking an opportunity to help others and learn how to become part of the marketplace. I will say it was not my first attempt as enterpreneurship, however, it was one I saw could be much more than a “side gig.”

It has not been easy at all, but it has been worth it. All the ups and downs, the breakdowns and high highs, has equipped me with the knowledge that pushes me to continue, even when I don’t have all the answers or know exactly when something is going to happen. Without a doubt it has been a catalyst for my resiliency and my stick-to-it-ness.

In addition, the challenges being addressed particularly in the marketplace is the high percentage of small to midsize businesses that struggle with long-term sustainability, that often is the result of nominal cashflow that will allow them to invest in their organizational structure, build strong teams, integrate systems, and establish best practices.

That’s why HR Brain for Hire™ Agency seeks to address the specific needs and challenges with startups and established small to medium businesses that are in growth mode and scaling, which led to the launching of a tech enabled brand this year called ExpandHR.co, which is a tool for payroll, hiring and onboarding processes. HR Brain for Hire™ provides Organizational Design Services for scaling businesses ready to implement more structure and systems, build teams, develop a culture and their people, establishing process and systems. Our clients are further impacted by our Professional Development Services for teams and management groups by educating and equipping individuals to advance professionally and personally as they navigate through diverse and sometimes challenging workspace environments.

As far as the lessons I’ve learned along the way, there have been many. One of the biggest that I’ve learned is how to become comfortable with showing up as who you are authentically, in other words, choose to not show up as your “representative’, because what I’ve learned is people appreciate real.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In my view I think this week could definitely be filled with fun, excited, and thought provoking experiences.

So here’s an example of what the itinerary for Day 1 to kickoff the week:

Morning: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Breakfast at Barney’s. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant Piedmont Park, a beautiful urban oasis with walking trails, green spaces, and stunning views of the Atlanta skyline.

Afternoon: Head to the Atlanta History Center, to explore the rich history of the city and visit the Swan House, a stunning mansion featured in “The Hunger Games” films. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the gardens before venturing to the nearby Buckhead neighborhood for some shopping at Lenox Square, a premier shopping destination with a wide range of luxury boutiques and department stores.

Evening: Treat my friend to a delightful dinner at The Optimist, a seafood restaurant known for its fresh catches and coastal-inspired dishes. Afterward, head to Ponce City Market, a vibrant mixed-use development with an array of shops, boutiques, and food stalls. Take a ride on the historic Ponce City Market Rooftop amusement park, Skyline Park, for breathtaking views of the city skyline and some fun carnival games.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I will say after so many years as an entrepreneur it’s really not very easy to pinpoint one person, group or organization that has had an impact in my journey over the last twelve plus years supporting the small business community. But if I had to pick one over more recent years it would have to be a group called Traffic, Sales and Profits. The level of information shared, training, support from likeminded fellow entrepreneurs, has been tremendous. Among many things, being a part of this group has elevated my mindset in how to navigate entrepreneurship in the highs and lows, the power of leveraging relationships, and the importance of keeping your why in front of you at all time. Because this entrepreneur pursuit is challenging. Social media would have you think there are no twist and turns that can literally make you want to quit on a regular basis. So being connected to individuals who are aligned helps immeasurably. I would like to also give one specific individual some recognition as well, and that is Tierra Destiny Reid, TDR Brands International. She was the first small business owner who gave me my first shot at providing HR Consulting support as an independent consultant. This was after my decision to give it a try, following some very hard life circumstances that stirred up ideas of how I could transition my corporate HR skills into the entrepreneur community. Tierra, took a chance on me and became my first client, and she mentored me at various times over the last twelve years.

Website: https://hrbrainforhire.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrbrainforhire

Linkedin: https://www.facebook.com/delmar.johnson1/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DelmarJohnsonEnterprises/

Image Credits
Tyler New Media