Susana Lacalzada Del Busto
Segur Rioja Agencia Reale Gran Via
Tell us a little about yourself: What field do you work in and how did you get there?
My entity is a family business that was founded by our parents. When it came time for their retirement, my sister and I decided to get involved in the succession and continuity of the business.
Our parents then introduced us to the sector and we completed different, more specific training through the General Directorate of Insurance.
Prior to business development, my personal and work side has always been closely linked to the Environment and sustainability, I have worked in large companies in the development and implementation of environmental regulations, I have been a coordinator in Life projects linked to eco-efficiency, collaborated in Erasmus and even given training on the environment, although you can and should always continue learning, especially in innovative actions such as those of the Green project, in which I have participated both as a trainer in my specialty and as a student in fields with which I did not have as much knowledge. knowledge and They have given me guidelines to apply in my company.
Why is the "green", i.e. ecologically sustainable dimension of business important to you and why do you think that other entrepreneurs should also deal with it?
Although the two partners who make up the company come from very different worlds, we both have technical training in Industrial Engineering and Agricultural Engineering respectively and we have put this knowledge into practice in refounding the company with fundamentally ecological principles.
We have defined a clear strategic plan to reduce waste and minimize the use of resources for the most sustainable management possible. For this, work procedures have been modified by promoting video visits (virtual visits) to our clients' companies, this minimizes the impact since by not having to physically go, vehicles are not used with the consequent energy savings and in atmospheric emissions, also in our usual trips we use an electric vehicle.
On the other hand, during the years 2023 and 2024 we have promoted the reduction of the use of paper and printing of documents, promoting the exchange of documentation digitally, achieving a reduction in paper consumption of up to 99.99%, for which we received the national award from Reale Seguros.
What advantages does entrepreneurship bring to your life compared to a job?
The freedom of being able to develop your own concerns more freely, setting your own goals, so the only limit is you or you set it for yourself.
How do you promote your products? Is online marketing important to you and do you think it is important to people in business in general? (Are you involved in building your customer community in any way?)
Our products and services are increasingly globalized, which is why online marketing is becoming more and more prominent. Its promotion through social networks, distribution lists with our clients, WhatsApp and emails is essential in our company. Obviously this online marketing should be part of the promotion, dissemination and business plans of all companies.
What advice would you give to ladies starting a business?
My recommendation for new entrepreneurs is to trust themselves, to not give in to difficulties, to use difficulties as incentives for continuous improvement and professional development, and to develop their business based on sustainable and efficient elements.