Stephanie A. Wynn isn’t messing around. On this episode of She Turned Entrepreneur she explains what her first book was designed to be: Everything she had looked for – and couldn’t find – in the early days of pursuing her own entrepreneurial dreams. Fortunately for us, she and her co-author Jeffrey White have compiled all that and more in "Readi- Set Go!: A Simple Guide to Establishing A Successful Small Business."

Inspired by her entrepreneurial grandfather, Stephanie feels in her bones what it means to create a sustainable business. She is a coach whose focus is on helping other coaches, consultants, teachers and speakers of all kinds write and promote books that will define their brands. Stephanie knows how to navigate the territory and exactly how much dedication is required. It’s not dissimilar from the passion for gardening she also took from her grandfather. The process requires faith, affirmation and diligence. Stephanie advises doing a lot of research, figuring out a concrete plan to which you’re going to be accountable and establishing the growth mindset you’ll need on the inevitable tough days.

Stephanie doesn’t mince words when it comes to determining whether you’re ready. Basically, she says, If you’re not prepared to put in a ton of effort and time, then don’t waste your money! But if you’ve got the passion and the belief in yourself to match, then Stephanie’s got some great suggestions to share for building the runway you need. She also offers an important recommendation. “Work while you wait,” i.e. keep your day job while you sock away savings in anticipation of that day when the time to fly is right.

At work on upcoming books, including one about the successful battle she has waged against Crohn’s Disease, you’ll be energized by the focus, excitement and palpable drive Stephanie emanates. She is here to help other authors find their target audiences and do the spade work – the tough, disciplined execution – necessary to achieve their dreams. “We want overnight microwaveable success,” says Stephanie. “We want these things just to fall out of the sky … but even the wealthiest entrepreneurs put in the work, the effort the time.”

It may be a rollercoaster, but if you’re truly passionate and committed, says Stephanie, you’ll wake up every day with grace and ready to take on the world. She also shares some affirmations to help get you into the right frame of mind!

Please check out Stephanie’s book, "Readi- Set Go!: A Simple Guide to Establishing A Successful Small Business." You might also enjoy her podcast, available here. Or download her free Ideal Reader Avatar Guide here.

Here are key takeaways from the conversation:

• When you finally have in hand the book that you’re ready to promote, Stephanie recommends first identifying exactly the audience to which you want to speak.

• Branding and brand are not the same thing:

o Brand is external. It’s how you show up in front of your audience.

o Branding is internal. It’s the strategy you deploy to position yourself and inspire stakeholders within the marketplace.

• The starting point for any entrepreneurial venture? A founder who 100% believes.

• Identifying your target audience is a critical piece of the entrepreneurial puzzle.

• You need a strategic business and marketing plan – as well as a commitment to executing it through resources, discipline and accountability.

• It’s smart to start out using a day job to fund your purpose and your passion.

• Three key ingredients for entrepreneurial success: Investment, effort and time. And if you’re not willing to commit the effort and time, then don’t waste your money!

• When it comes time to level up, make sure the right team and systems are in place.

Here’s a quick look into the episode:

• Stephanie has a background in financial services, which was initially inspired by her grandfather’s entrepreneurial flair and ability to support a huge extended family.

• All about gardening – another passion Stephanie inherited from her grandfather – and how putting her hands in the soil rejuvenates and inspires her on many levels.

• Stephanie’s branding, marketing and business development company helps aspiring and emerging authors – in particular those who are coaches, consultants, teachers and speakers with a book to share.

• Identifying the audience to which you want to promote:

o Who are they?

o Where are they?

o Are they on or offline?

o Have you built the brand that will be your springboard to exposure?

• Stephanie gives the overview of branding versus brand – and what it means to entrepreneurs trying to establish themselves and win exposure.

• Stephanie’s tips for aspiring entrepreneurs:

o #1: You must have a growth mindset and believe unconditionally in yourself.

o #2: You’ve got to be clear on your audience: Who are they? Who is most likely to be interested in what you’re selling?

o #3: You need a solid plan! What’s your strategic marketing approach for 30, 60, 90 days and beyond – and what’s it going to cost?

o #4: Execute! You’ve defined your playing field and approach. Now it’s time to onboard the tools, determine what needs to be outsourced and how to hold yourself accountable to meeting milestones week by week.

• Why Stephanie breaks down her goals in 30-day increments. She uses the month of October as a period of inventory, when she assesses where she is and what concrete goals are prioritized for the year ahead.

• Stephanie offers both one-to-one and group coaching.

• About "Readi- Set Go!: A Simple Guide to Establishing A Successful Small Business."

• Advice for entrepreneurs on the precipice and the questions to ask:

o Is this something the world really needs?

o Do I believe in it 100%?

o How will this impact me and my family?

o Have I created a viable plan?

• Don’t skip the research, the planning

• Stephanie offers some affirmations to wrap up the show.

About Stephanie:

Stephanie A. Wynn, Author, Branding, Marketing and Business Development Strategist ,and Crohn’s Survivor is a native Floridian, Stephanie has owned several successful businesses in the past, establishing her first business at the age of 23. In addition to being an entrepreneur, Stephanie has worked for one of the largest financial institutions, JP Morgan Chase and former broker dealer INVEST Financial, working side by side with successful financial advisors and business savvy investors.

Connect with Stephanie!

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