Teacher Turned Entrepreneur

"[A] system isn't something you bring to the business. It's something you derive from the process of building the business."

― Michael E. Gerber, The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It

My next guest Skye Barbour knew that entrepreneurship wouldn't be easy at an early age. Watching her father run a business was inspiring but realizing that company affairs left little time for anything else didn't appeal to Skye. Instead of diving into the waters of entrepreneurship, Skye tested The water by fast-tracking her career at large-scale retail operations. After nine years of service, Skye knew it was time to jump into the deep end and swim the waters of entrepreneurship just like her father and grandparents had done before her.

Luckily the waters were a lot different than they were when her grandparents and father had swum them. Thanks to technology Skye's innovation and determination, this dynamic entrepreneur built a thriving Coaching Business on the belief Business owners" could have more time, more money, and the freedom to lead business their way."

Here's a quick look into this episode:

● [00:03:20] Get to know Skye Barbour

● [00:04:00] After nine years on the fast-tracked Skye left her corporate retail career, she shares her experiences with us.

● [00:05:36] The motivation for entrepreneurship is different for everyone - Skye knew that entrepreneurship would allow her to be a present mother while providing financial security, but the path wasn't always smooth - find out how Skye overcame hurdles.

● [00:06:31] Searching for the perfect business idea? Skye shares her process and tips for listeners who may be having trouble launching.

● [00:11:49] Sometimes, getting uncomfortable is necessary to create change. Listen as Skye shares the valleys of her career that led to the peak of happiness.

● [00:14:47] The juggling act of business growth and development Skye shares how we can drop the act and start focusing on what matters

● [00:16:37] Are you a Delegator, Director, or Maxed Out Doer? Skye breaks down the possible freedom blocks that could be holding you back in your business.

● [00:18:42] Interested in how the Full Freedom Framework works? Here it is.

● [00:21:07] How to time track and what entrepreneurs think they should spend their time on versus what drives business and sales.

● [00:24:47] How to recognize freedom blocks and why the excuse of being busy could be costing millions in lost revenue.

About Skye Barbour:

Skye Barbour is an international business coach best, selling author, farmer's wife, and mom of two boys with 15 years of corporate experience. Skye takes clients through a practical and personal development journey, helping ambitious entrepreneurs build six and seven-figure businesses.

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!

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Blog | Podcast

This episode of She Turned Entrepreneur features a franchise niche that is as inelastic as they come: Home Healthcare. Jamie Lavigne, franchise development manager for Homewatch CareGivers, walks us through the model and what makes for an ideal business owner. It’s an industry unlike any other, given the level of trust, intimacy and adaptability required. The work may not always be easy, says Jamie, but it’s always meaningful.

Homewatch CareGiver franchises have recently seen a 11% increase in business year over year, not only because of Covid impacts but also as the result of an aging population. And because this is not strictly an elder care business, the customer base also includes post-operative patients of all ages as well as people with mental disabilities or mobility challenges.

Homewatch’s heavy emphasis on training fosters retention and provides resources that enable aids to focus on their true mission – caregiving – which, as Jamie points out, is not a skill that can be taught. It’s the passion and generosity of spirit that should be central to anyone who enters this fulfilling, but challenging space.

Jamie walks us through the business model, what the franchise provides in terms of ongoing support, the biggest obstacles and most desirable skills for would-be owners. The model offers engagement in either or both of two capacities: As an outward-facing community resource manager or, for those who prefer to stick closer to the back office, as an operations manager. Jamie shares the skill sets required and explains the differentiators that prepare Homewatch franchisees for long-term support while riding a tidal wave of demand. The franchise owner’s biggest challenge is hiring and retaining staff who understand the mission and are ready to embrace Homewatch’s gold-standard training. Put the right team in place, says Jamie, and get ready for exponential growth.

Here are key takeaways from the conversation:

• Homewatch CareGivers grew slowly and methodically over many years before moving to a national franchise model.

• A huge challenge within the home health caregiving industry is retention, which Homewatch addresses through extensive and ongoing training/support.

• Recipe for Success: Providing support first and foremost to franchise employees, who represent the business and build relationships.

• Homewatch franchise all-in costs vary in part based on size of territory and local tax/insurance rates.

• Home health care is recession-proof and ecommerce-proof, especially as the population ages and needs become more acute nationwide.

• Home health care isn’t always easy, but it is always rewarding!

Here’s a quick look into the episode:

• Jamie shares the “origin story” for Homewatch CareGivers, founded by a military veteran in 1974 as a pet sitting business that quickly morphed into general caregiving and,16 years later, into a franchise model that eventually went nationwide.

• Today Homewatch is part of Authority Brands, which is an umbrella for a total of 12 franchises.

• A day in the life of a Homewatch franchisee can involve either or both of two roles:

o A Community outreach coordinator, who is constantly building relationships within the community at three major levels:

 Healthcare continuum: Identifying the best local medical resources.

 Ancillary businesses: Repair, home maintenance and other support.

 Brand ambassador, making home visits and building general trust and respect within the community at large.

o An operations manager, who on a day-to-day basis is:

 Answering/returning calls.

 Scheduling visits.

 Recruiting and retaining qualified home health care staff.

• Jamie explains Homewatch’s primary differentiators, which are primarily inhouse:

o It’s among the oldest, most established brands nationally.

o Care to Stay: A program that Homewatch has instituted to support franchisees in promoting all-important caregiver staffing and retention.

 The program boosts retention to 30-40% (well above the average in the home health care business).

 Homewatch supports 12 hours of ongoing training and development each year, including access to 2400 Homewatch Care University courses.

 Operational training for franchisees that extends a full year.

• What Homewatch looks for in ideal franchise owners:

o #1 hands down: Passion for people.

o Ability to problem-solve on the fly.

o Leadership skills.

o Sales ability is a big plus.

o Solid financials: at least $80,000 liquid and net worth of about $350,000.

• About the franchise fee: $49,500. Overall cost ranges from $92,000-$164,000, depending on the size of territory and insurance/tax rates locally.

• Rounded up, Jamie suggests prospective owners be prepared to float a $200,000 worst-case-scenario investment if it doesn’t take off like a rocket ship.

• Home health care is resilient as far as recession and economic trends. It’s also fairly simple: Managing caregivers and clients.

• It’s not always easy, but extremely scalable and rewarding.

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Some people chase their passions. But some wait for their passions to chase them.

If you asked Amy Jorgensen about her tryst with energy work and human design sometime back, she would probably look at you in wonder, asking why you even thought about it in the first place.

Following the conventional college education path to the most enthralling job as a pilot in the Air Force, Amy was raising the bar for women wanting to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

But the job slowly started affecting her personal life… as a mother now, she realized she couldn’t dedicate enough time for her kids. That's when the idea of building her own business first hit her. She started her own business with her husband and slowly grew it into a full-time venture.

It all went well, until she lost her husband. And then she lost her daughter, within four years of his passing.

Years of effort trying to fix her broken life through therapy and medicines, and she realized it wasn't helping her…

But to her blessing (and ours too), energy work practices found her. At her lowest, feeling lost and empty, it aligned her with her purpose and passion.

The new sense of awakening grew inside her every day, imparting her strength, wisdom, and knowledge to guide others going through hardships in life.

Amy's eyes sparkle with a genuine embrace for the practice. She remarks, "your body is overall an energy system first, and it's physical after", and means every word she says.

My conversation with Amy feels no less than energy therapy. Of the many valuable bits of information she shares, the one I will always remember is where she asks us not to "shove ourselves into boxes". The practice of human design teaches us that we're uniquely designed.

Here's a quick look into the episode.

[03:23] Taking a traditional college-job path, Amy started as a pilot in the Air Force. But the job was taking a toll on her personal life - she wasn’t able to dedicate her time to her kids. That’s where the thought of her first business came over - Amy and her husband started a business of dehydrated food mixes.

[04:29] Emerging out of a tragic sequence of events: While Amy and her husband had turned to entrepreneurship full-time, her world came crashing down when her husband took his life. As she tried to regain herself back, she lost her daughter three to four years later.

[05:15] The following years saw Amy trying hard to find herself, as she seemed to have lost everything, but no matter the therapy or medication, nothing was working out – until she discovered energy therapy.

[06:46] Lessons from her failed businesses: Amy explains why it’s important to never look back at your failures with fear. Your failures are learning opportunities and have happened for a reason. You’re never the same person you were before it happened.

[08:58] Amy explains how her business provides energy work services for people. The most important service she offers is Human Design, largely mistaken for astrology but broader than that.

[11:05] Amy uses Human Design to teach people why they needn’t try to fit themselves into a box because it worked for another person. If you’re a go-getter, chase that path. If you’re someone who aligns with waiting for an opportunity, that’s good too.

[13:26] Amy talks about Soul-Centered Academy’s one-on-one coaching program that helps people align with their energy using energy healing tools. She also talks about her free training EVERY Monday and other freebies designed to make energy clearance accessible for everyone.

[16:18] Amy’s idea of socializing: Amy explains she believes in offering value to others on social media and pitching yourself when you see someone who needs your help. Amy also doesn’t go about asking people to promote her services. She also talks about the importance of sharing your knowledge and making it accessible to people so they can benefit from you and know what you’re capable of helping them achieve.

[19:50] Are you planning on leaving your corporate job to fulfil your dream of starting a business? Amy would ask you to chase a path that works for you: does it work for you to keep your job while growing your side hustle? Go ahead and do it. Does it work for you to dive headfirst into the new opportunity? Go for it. Discover what works for you; go against the flow.

[22:04] Where to connect with Amy

About Amy

Amy Jorgenson is the Founder of Soul-Centered Academy, her coaching business where she helps people remove blockages in their energies and live a life of purpose.

This is a warning - step away from the energy drinks and pour the 32 oz of coffee down the sink.

Feeling sluggish and chronically fatigued isn't normal, but we've written off these symptoms and others as the price we pay as entrepreneurs and high achievers. We have normalized not feeling well, and the results have been disastrous.

On May 28, 2019, the World Health Organization recognized burnout as an occupational phenomenon. So isn't it counterintuitive that even when we leave Corporate America, we operate our businesses with the same tactics that lead to burnout?

Here to help me unpack this question and other questions about health is Eva Vennari, Founder of the Ellevate Institute, a cutting-edge health coaching firm specializing in mineral balancing.

If you have found yourself daily binging on caffeinated drinks, tossing and turning at night from insomnia, and feeling like something is wrong but being told by doctors that it's all in your head. In that case, this might be the episode that changes everything for you.

In today's episode, Eva will share the different ways our bodies communicate with us and how we can slow down and listen.

Here are the top takeaways from this conversation:

● High performers and corporate ladder climbers need to know about the quality of life versus preserving life.

● The private conversation that we will all have to have with ourselves eventually

● Symptoms that we ignore that alert us of our bodies being off track

● How does our health impact every area of our life?

Here's a quick look into the episode:

● [00:03:25] Get to know Eva Vennari and learn more about mineral balancing

● [00:05:37]The discord that took this natural-born healer into health-coaching

● [00:06:52] What could cause someone to feel unhealthy while being told by doctors that nothing is wrong with them? Eva shares her Story and insights From her lived experience.

● [00:09:12] Quality of life versus preserving life and why every entrepreneur needs to know the difference

● [00:10:53]The Art of Health Coaching and how Eva helps burnt out Corporate Climbers and Entrepreneurs

● [00:13:00] The private conversation that every achiever must have with themselves

● [00:19:42]Eva walks us through her framework and shares her favorite success story along with actionable tips for listeners who are feeling chronically tired

● [00:23:37] Connect with Eva and her exclusive gift for listeners of the She Turned Entrepreneur Podcast

About Eva Vennari:

Eva Vennari is the founder and CEO of The Elevate Institute, a cutting-edge health coaching firm specializing in empowering driven professionals to take charge of their bodies and health. She is the Creator of REVEAL Optimal Health Intensive that lets you understand precisely what your body needs to heal and rejuvenate so you can continue bringing your vision to the world.

The idea of marketing as a solo entrepreneur is daunting- what should I focus on first? What makes the most significant impact? Is It posh marketing materials, live streams that build authority, or content that raises curiosity?

The overwhelm is probably the reason that so many marketing courses go unfinished. It is easy for Solopreneurs to fall into analysis paralysis as so many areas of your business are fighting for your attention.

In this episode, I speak to Allison Nelson, a Marketing Maven who offers her clients a step-by-step solution to help them Fast Track To Five Figures with simple and effective marketing strategies.

Here's a quick look into the episode:

● Get to know business strategist Allison Nelson and discover how her Empowered and free no-BS organic marketing program helps solo entrepreneurs.

● How did this Marketing Maven turn her "Naptime Hustle" into a six-figure business?

● What differentiates the marketing needs of new entrepreneurs from their seasoned counterparts? Allison explains as she walks us through her Fast Track to Four Figures Framework.

● Are you struggling with Content Marketing? - Allison shares how to create killer content for service-based professionals and what needs to be included in every piece of content.

● How to create content that provides value and sells your services.

● Allison shares a life lesson that became one of her most powerful selling assets.

● Three things to simplify your business and save you time.

● Think polished marketing materials always result in a return on your investment? Allison explains why this isn't always true.

● Listen as Alison and I discuss the power of authenticity and how your life values influence your business.

● Three tips for time-starved startups that you can use to market your services right now!

● How to connect with Allison Nelson

About:

Allison Nelson is the founder and CEO of Allison Nelson Business Strategies and creator of Fast Track To Four Figures. Her mission is to empower female entrepreneurs on how to build long-lasting businesses that will give them financial freedom confidently.

When she and her husband started Handyman Matters back in 2004, Colette Bell had no thought of becoming a national brand. But that’s what happened to the Denver-based couple in 2019, when Ace Hardware acquired their thriving independent franchise business. As you’ll hear on this episode of the She Turned Entrepreneur podcast, the Bells and their lucky franchisees have been on a turbocharged ascension. Best of all, Ace chose to leave home office management in the hands of its founders – a wise choice! With their legacy systems of training and implementation, the Bells have facilitated a seamless transition.

It has been a huge rebrand but Colette had all the right protocols and instincts in place. Their owner-operator model ensures franchise owners who are committed to growing their businesses full-time. Their onboarding process includes a multi-phased training that leaves franchisees ready to roll (with ongoing support) in just over 12 weeks. And their commitment to community encourages doing well by doing good. It all adds up to valuable repeat business and solid returns. Ace Handyman Services saw 41% unit economic growth last year and the number of franchises has rocketed, nearly doubling to 111 territories in 2021 with about 30 more anticipated by the end of 2023.

There haven’t been many silver linings in pandemic, but Colette’s teams were ready to lend a hand when people suddenly locked down in their homes began to notice all kinds of deferred projects that Ace’s skilled craftsmen were ready to address. And if you’re wondering whether you need to have contracting skills in order to run an Ace franchise, the answer is definitely no. The model teams up skilled craftsmen with franchise owners who bring the admin. and customer service know-how. “This is more than just making widgets,” says Colette. “We are a very high-touch business. We go into people’s homes and hopefully make them better.”

Another interesting thing to note: Colette has found that women make fantastic Ace Handyman franchise owners. Their ability to multi-task, connect with homeowners and manage with a light touch makes a great fit. It’s a business model that is also working for millennials, retirees, corporate refugees and veterans – all of whom make up the successful ranks of Ace Handyman franchises.

The standards are straightforward: Integrity, fair wages, community spirit and professionalism. “We’re looking for people who want more than to run a great business. We want people who are going to make a positive impact in their community,” says Colette.

Here are key takeaways from the conversation:

• Having your franchise acquired by a corporate like Ace Hardware is like having your car completely repainted and updated. For Colette, her husband and their franchisees it has been nothing less than an American dream.

• The owner-operator model is designed to ensure a full-time commitment of time and resources on the part of franchisees.

• The Ace model is based in large part on a robust network that generates a lot of business, including referrals from real estate agents, home inspection companies, lawn care companies, carpet cleaners’ companies and local Ace retail outlets.

• The Ace Handyman onboarding process is comprehensive. Knowledge of construction is not required.

• Colette has found that women, still in the minority, make fantastic Ace Handyman franchise owners.

• Franchise owners saw an average 41% increase in unit economics last year over 2020, which was also a great year despite lockdown.

• The franchise system’s growth: An additional 61 territories in 2020 and 111 territories in 2021. The projection for this year is 140 territories.

• The franchise model is like buying a home – you can do it on your own or do what to Colette makes far more sense: Find an expert (like Dori) to show the way!

Here’s a quick look into the episode:

• Colette explains the evolution of Handyman Matters, the franchise she and her husband had built up over 22 years, to a wholly owned subsidiary of Ace Hardware that put all their franchisees on the map in a bigger way overnight.

• It was gravy that in addition to the powerful re-branding, Ace Hardware corporate opted to let the Denver-based Handyman Matters home office continue managing the concern.

• Ace/Handyman use an owner-operator model developed because staff are full-time W2 craftsmen who want to work somewhere where they are appreciated, fairly compensated and have an opportunity for growth – all of which can’t happen without singularly focused franchise management.

• All about networking and the role it plays locally in driving referrals from ancillary businesses. It’s an ongoing effort that Ace supports by onboarding franchisees with a list of 33 different trades in which to cultivate contacts.

• Why the Ace model focuses on short-term handyman-oriented projects (hint: recurring business is a great revenue driver).

• The Ace Handyman onboarding process provides help with:

o Recruiting and training qualified craftspeople.

o Twelve weeks of data, videos and other information hosted by an onboarding specialist.

o Support tools for learning about project management.

o A one-week live and “hands-on” Ace Handyman University, where franchisees learn everything to date and more.

o Field trainers follow up to ensure in real-time that franchisees roll out their businesses quickly – usually within two weeks.

o A final visit occurs at about 60 days to assess and implement any necessary course corrections.

• The Ace franchise community skews more masculine, which Colette would love to change. But women, she says, generally make up 50% of their Top 10 performing businesses. Why?

o They excel at the requisite multi-tasking.

o Women customers love a female-owned handyman business.

o Craftsmen who have never worked with a woman boss before find it a complementary relationship, marrying customer service and skills.

• The ideal Ace Handyman franchise owner may come from any walk of life:

o Corporate refugee looking to transition.

o Retirees.

o Married couples (as well as single people).

o Millennials who want something entrepreneurial.

o Military veterans.

• What all Ace Handyman franchisees have in common, however, is the desire to run a good, solid business and make a positive difference in their community.

• With respect to Covid, the acquisition of Handyman Matters was timely. People were stuck at home and looking for a trusted brand to help manage projects.

• The franchise system is growing exponentially with a $60,000 fee that covers the acquisition of a territory, defined by zip codes that optimally cover 70,000 households.

• Additional elements like marketing generally cost an additional $38,000 – for an estimated $150,000 all in.

• Possible vehicles for funding a franchise:

1. A Small Business Administration $150k express loan.

2. A 401K rollover.

3. A home equity line.

About Colette:

Colette understands the hard work, dedication and challenges that one has to overcome to build a successful franchise. She has been a franchisor for nearly 20 years and has been involved in starting up and operating formerly Handyman Matters and now Ace Handyman Services. The acquisition to Ace Hardware on September 4, 2019 will be a tremendous improvement to not only our franchise system, but the handyman industry as a whole.

Opt-out Of Others’ Validation and Take Ownership of Your Life

What if your dream of starting your own business hit you very early on in life? And you decided not to pursue it, fearing you might not make it. After all, ‘the others’ told you that you shouldn’t.

But your dream never faded away.

Fast-forward to a decade later, you have a stable job, a comfortable lifestyle, and can spare enough money to relaunch your business idea. But ‘the others’? They’re not convinced yet.

Perhaps they’re right; it’s risky. But should it matter to you what the others think if you know, they don’t understand you well enough?

Do they know how your dream continues to bug you or how much you’re capable of achieving? Do they know what brings you joy, what lights you up?

People-pleasing is scary, uncomfortable, and so much a part of human existence. We’re tempted to believe that to put ourselves first is selfish, but is it really?

As an Asian woman residing in the UK, it was nerve-wracking for Ambila Nath to leave her full-time job and start her own coaching business - at a time when not so many people were pursuing that path.

After a decade of working as a management consultant, Ambila decided to pursue her dream of becoming a coach.

The rest is history.

Ambila is now a thriving spiritual business coach, regarded by her clients as ‘The Girl Next Door of Spirituality’. She helps business owners frustrated with their business journey through one-on-one coaching to help them cross every entrepreneurial hurdle with ease. Hear her story on the She Turned Entrepreneur podcast today.

Here's a quick look into the episode:

[03:18] Ambila Nath’s desire to have her own business came as young as 19. As she dug deeper into it, she saw the spirituality realm open up to her and launched her coaching business, investing her time entirely into spiritual coaching, tarot readings, and palmistry.

[05:10] Ambila Nath shares the challenge of leaving her corporate job and venturing into coaching when there weren’t so many people doing it. She shares sailing through all the judgement because of her desire to make a difference in people’s lives.

[06:28] Do not let others’ opinions of you affect you. Here are a few things you could keep in mind if you’re just embarking on the journey:

1. [07:13] Believe in yourself, completely. You know you better than anyone else.

2. [07:21] Connect with people who uplift you, empower you in your new venture. They might not know you 100%, but they would trust you enough and support you in your cause.

3. [08:29] Don’t be afraid to ask people if you don’t know something. There are a ton of social media groups and communities filled with people who would heartily help you in your journey.

[09:23] People-pleasing: We are accustomed to seeking another person’s opinion to validate our confidence in our work. But the world doesn’t work that way. You have to be your best advocate, trust your years of struggle, get over your fears and doubts, and never give up on your dreams.

[11:15] People-pleasing isn’t a cultural thing. It’s ingrained in our subconscious - we tend always to put other people first. Putting yourself first is considered selfishness. Until you recognize the pattern, you’ll be caught up in constant guilt.

[12:10] About Ambila Nath’s coaching program and ideal client: Ambila Nath works with entrepreneurs and business owners who feel stuck, frustrated in their business and unable to make enough money to get to where they want to in life. She helps them align with their energy, shift their mindset, and incorporate daily, positive habits to lift their business growth and help it reflect confidence.

[13:23] Ambila Nath’s tips for dealing with frustration in business:

1. Breathe, step back. Let go of the urgency of ‘finding a solution’ or getting your business rolling.

2. Once you’ve given yourself the space, use your freshly gained sight to think why you started the business, whether it was because of a product or service in particular or the business as a whole, whether you relate with your products and services, whether your business is giving you joy. Analyze carefully how you should tweak your goals and business flow to suit your larger goals.

3. Manage your time effectively.

[16:28] Ambila Nath works with clients one-on-one, but is also in the developmental stages of a group. She believes that one-on-one coaching removes any communication barriers and allows honesty and transparency between her clients and herself.

[17:37] Are you planning on leaving your corporate job to fulfil your dream of starting a business? Here are a few tips from Ambila Nath:

1. [17:40] Look at your finances. Consider if you have the savings to support yourself and your new business.

2. [18:10 Get yourself a coach. It would save you years of learning how to set up and run your business. Find an authentic coach.

3. [19:07] If you cannot find a coach, follow the others in your industry who’ve mastered your chosen path, enroll in their free masterclasses, and dig up the internet for resources to learn from.

4. [20:10] Take complete control of your journey. Do not let anyone, even your coach, decide your future steps. They’re there to guide you, not determine your path.

[21:06] Where to connect with Ambila Nath

About Ambila Nath

Ambila Nath is known by her clients as ‘The Girl Next Door of Spirituality’.

She is a serial entrepreneur, certified coach, spiritual teacher, international speaker and an avid follower of her passions. Ambila chased her dreams and left her corporate job to start her own business, and lives the life of her calling today.

If you are a parent, you know about the joy you feel when you watch your child achieve a difficult feat. We watch in awe as our children take their first steps, say their first words, or walk across their first stage in a cap and gown.

But have you ever considered that our children feel the same way about us? As parents, guardians, and caregivers, children look to us to show them what is possible. So isn't it wonderful when they can watch us accomplish a challenging feat like launching our business?

In this episode, I interviewed Dr. Karen Kaufman, a Board Certified Allergist Immunologist by day and Superhero by night. Not all superheroes wear capes -sometimes they wear military combat boots and lab coats.

In January of 2020, Dr.Kaufman added another superpower to her arsenal - Entrepreneur by establishing Kaufman Allergy & Asthma Center.

In this interview, she shares her experience, the benefits of entrepreneurship, and advice for entrepreneurs on the fence.

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Here are the top takeaways from this conversation:

● Do it messy - If you're waiting for A perfect time to start a business, you'll be waiting forever.

● Build a network of peers from whom you can draw inspiration and advice when you need it. Dr. Kaufman shares how her network became her sounding board in this interview.

● There are so many benefits to investing in Business Coaching. Tune is as she shares her experience.

Here's a quick look into the episode:

● [00:03:30] Get to know Dr. Karen Kaufman

● [00:04:51] How did the military influence Dr. Kaufman's career trajectory?

● [00:05:51] We've all second-guessed ourselves as we embark on this journey of entrepreneurship. Listen to our guest shares her inspiring journey built on her need to serve her clients.

● [00:08:30] How do you begin the process of opening a brick and mortar business during a pandemic? Dr. Kaufman shares her process.

● [00:11:10] The value of investing in Business Coaching led to a ROI of 350 clients! Dr. Kaufman shares the secrets to a successful launch.

● [00:13:00] Launching during Covid while homeschooling? Listen as we share the importance of support.

● [00:19:38] Despite building delays and staffing challenges, Dr. Kaufman shares how being an entrepreneur has made her happier in every area of her life.

About Dr. Karen Kaufman

Dr. Karen Kaufman is an award-winning allergist-immunologist. She completed her internship and residency in the Internal Medicine Navy Medical Center in San Diego, California, and a fellowship at Louisiana State University.

Sometimes what we really need most is a non-negotiable nudge. That was the case for Alexandria Cox, a digital marketing specialist who had known for years that she wanted to be an entrepreneur. When she was hit with a pandemic layoff, the siren call grew too loud to ignore. This episode of the She Turned Entrepreneur podcast features Alexandria’s journey to building a successful consultancy that turns women’s business ideas into money-making realities.

It took Alexandria a minute but in time she found just the right niche, focusing on coaches in the health and wellness space. Her skill set is the perfect complement for entrepreneurs who are feeling overwhelmed, or perhaps stuck. Alexandria’s tool kit offers everything from one-to-one brainstorming and business road mapping to sales funnel development and lead generation, marketing collateral and a new online course about cultivating that all-important customer base.

Alexandria’s main goal is to lift your idea beyond abstract plan to a “minimally viable business,” which means income generating out of the gate. With a special affinity for Black women business owners, Alexandria brings a unique background that includes an understanding of mindset manifestation, the Law of Attraction, and the psychological implications of “generational trauma that isn’t easy to wash away.”

You’ll enjoy hearing about Alexandria’s entrepreneurial journey. She also shares some very clever tips related to market research, lead cultivation and social media – tools to support the outcome you desire for the business of your dreams!

Here are key takeaways from the conversation:

• Sometimes a bad break (like being laid off) is exactly the nudge you need.

• Many entrepreneurs have the idea and the know-how but lack the technical skills to support the business (i.e., marketing, lead generation and other systems). Coaching of the kind Alexandria provides bridges that gap.

• Finding a niche, as Alexandria has done within the health and wellness space, generates focus and a clear path forward.

• Pacing and self-knowledge are key for entrepreneurs who want to avoid burnout.

• Tips and tricks for getting around business challenges, dealing with introverted tendencies, and gathering market research in unconventional ways.

Here’s a quick look into the episode:

• (03:25): Alexandria recalls the entrepreneurial bug that bit her early and inspired several early ventures.

• (05:00): A pandemic layoff gave Alexandria the nudge she needed to take her consulting practice to market, helping people build businesses from scratch.

• (07:47): Alexandria provides her clients a framework for their entrepreneurial pursuits based on one-to-one assessment and their personal narratives. She offers different approaches to getting to the goal of a “minimally viable business.”

• (11:28): Among Alexandria’s offerings:

1. Creating sales funnels, sales pitching, and marketing collateral.

2. One-on-one coaching.

3. Business mapping: figuring out the elements of a business that works.

4. Discovering and then narrowing options within business models.

5. The “Easy Yes Discovery Funnel System,” a pilot online course to help clients build out a steady base for their business.

• (15:00): Alexandria’s niche is working primarily with coaches in the health and wellness sector, providing critical technical support, platforms, and marketing tools.

• (18:34): A bit about Alexandria’s branding and what it means exactly for her to “be the peanut butter to your business-building jelly!”

• (20:05): Alexandria’s Top Three Tips for aspiring entrepreneurs:

1. Always do your market research. Knowing who you want to work with and where they are is incredibly important.

2. Start with the end in mind. Building out a course right out of the gate isn’t as effective as creating offerings that are available right away.

3. Posting on social media is important but getting out and interacting live in various forums is even more critical. Providing a minimal amount of free support or material can pay huge dividends via word-of-mouth referrals.

• (25:20): There is powerful data available within Amazon customer reviews, which can inform all kinds of ideas for marketing to the buyer’s journey. They will tell you everything you need to know about how to market to and create products for a given demographic!

About Alexandria:

Alexandria is a marketing strategist who provides a clear sales/marketing plan of action for coaches and related professionals within the health and wellness sector. She is excited to be sharing The Generosity Method™ with hundreds of women every month and is also the founder of Lead Panda, an all-in-one software for coaches and course creators.