Listen, I don’t have all the answers, but I can share my experience thus far as an independent, female business owner. I have to constantly remind myself, that’s no small feat. I have made many mistakes and will continue to make them throughout this journey as a business owner. I think it’s important, especially for beginner coaches to remember that you’re also an entrepreneur and business owner. If the pandemic taught me anything, it was to adapt. Sounds easy, but it was terrifying at the time. I realized I had been so focused on my day to day coaching life that I had really no existence of a brand or business. I worked for a gym and they took care of the marketing, referral programs, my business cards, etc. I have been coaching for nine years, but my business was truly born because of the pandemic. I had to adapt to the circumstances. It’s been a journey and I continue you to learn and improve my business everyday. It’s hard as shit, but it’s a blessing to be able to run my own business and at a time where you can really do anything. It’s been inspiring to watch my peers come up with the coolest ideas, business models, and paving the way for so many up and coming business owners.
Here are some tips that have really helped me and continue to help me throughout this journey of owning and running my own business.
- Ask for help. Truth be told, asking for help has never been easy for me. I’m pretty stubborn, but you come to realize that in order to do something great, it can’t be done alone. There are so many talented people who are more than willing to help and support you and can get you way farther than if you did it on your own. Especially, for things that maybe that aren’t in your wheelhouse. Hire or reach out to a graphic designer, photographer, bookkeeper, etc.
- Identify your values. Your core values are the backbone of your business and you should know them by heart. They are a representation of you and what you stand for-this will ultimately lead to building a community or organization with the same or similar values as well. All your decision making will and should be based on your values.
- Focus on what you want, not what you think you should do. It’s so easy, especially in this industry to look at others and think, “oh, everyone is doing that so I should too.” Well…do you really want to offer that service? Do you really want to work weekends? Do you want to coach virtually? Build your business on what works for YOU, not others.
- Get a mentor. Why not find someone who has gone through this process already? It has been so helpful to have a handful of people to refer to over the years who can give me advice when I feel stuck or just need some extra help. They only want to see me succeed and I trust them completely.
- Stick to your guns. It’s never easy being in a male dominated industry or if you’re a minority in any situation. It can be intimidating at times to confront a boss, peer, or someone who holds power. It took me years of practice to find my voice and make sure that I hold the integrity of my business.
- Write down your goals and business plan. Really making sure you stay organized and be clear because it gets overwhelming real fast. Make sure you are clear on how you’re moving ahead whether it’s hitting financial markers, members joined, or building your newsletter. Make sure you are growing and staying on track because it will feed back into your business. Keep learning, keep growing. Your goals and plan can always change so be sure to revisit them!
- Set boundaries with yourself and your clients. Owning a business sounds luxurious, but it’s extremely difficult to separate work from personal life. There’s always something to be done and someone is always in need. Be clear on your boundaries so you can take time for yourself and be clear on your boundaries when it comes to your business. You cannot expect your clients to know unless you tell them. Make them clear as day and put it in writing!
- Enjoy the process. This seems obvious, but it’s not. It’s so easy to have blinders are on when you’re in it. The process is what makes the experience, not the end result. There are so many small wins and big milestones we hit along the way that we neglect to celebrate. Take those moments in and don’t rush it.
