Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in coaching but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jocelyn Reaves, Founder of CoachedIt, located in Tulsa, OK, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
CoachedIt connects people with coaches and coaches with resources. The CoachedIt mission is to connect those in need of guidance with the support and resources they need to pave their pathway to success. We are a one-stop connection hub that facilitates meaningful connections between coaches and prospective clients. From life and business to fitness and finance, our goal is to get people coached in the areas they need to strengthen and grow as individuals or organizations.
Tell us about yourself
I want to live in a world where people freely pursue their passions and live so abundantly that they feel compelled to spread that abundance to others. So what's the problem? More than anything else, I believe that one of the biggest barriers that stands between us and our goals is a lack of confidence, fueled by a general lack of mentality that permeates society as a whole. To combat this, I work with individuals to go from a mindset of not enough to more than enough.
Working as a consultant and leader in healthcare helped me to understand my passion for helping people. At the core of that passion was the desire to help people actualize their potential, so I developed businesses to do just that: I spend each day helping organizations reach their connection goals through my company Fireside Insights, where we focus on connection, communication, and cultural competency. I am also the founder of CoachedIt, a resource that connects people with life and business coaches and coaches with resources.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think I was put on this earth to help people unearth the confidence that exists within them and become self-actualized. Each time one of my clients "gets it" and unlocks their dormant potential is an incredible day and a huge accomplishment for me.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Setting boundaries. Many people say that having a business is like having a child, and while I have no experience with the latter, I can understand how that sentiment holds true. Your business won't thrive if you don't give it the proper care and attention, and sometimes that can feel overwhelming because life comes with a whole host of other priorities like family, relationships, hobbies, and so forth. Placing clear boundaries around your time can help ensure that you maintain balance.
Staying aligned. When things pick up, a lot of different opportunities will come your way, and some will come with a very large monetary payoff. However, it's important to ensure that any client, investor, or project you take on is aligned with your vision and purpose. It can be hard to turn work down (especially if you are concerned about cash flow), but ultimately the best thing you can do as a business owner is to honor your purpose.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Before you start, get really clear on your "why." The entrepreneurial road isn't always an easy one, but if you know why you started and keep your focus on your purpose, you'll have the drive you need to keep going. Motivation is fleeting, but the purpose is unwavering.
- Know when to refuel. As a business owner, you'll have to put in some extra hours, but it's important to know when to take a break. As an entrepreneur, you're not just a leader or business owner, you are a creator. The reality is you can't create when you're tired and overworked. Taking a step back or retreating may be just what you need to solve a problem or get a new and fresh idea.
- Don't try to do everything alone. There is power and magic in teamwork. While many start as solopreneurs, it's important to have advisors and mentors from who you can bounce ideas off of. Having unique perspectives is invaluable to building a product or service that stands the test of time. Your tribe or community are also the people who will encourage you when the going gets tough.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.coachedit.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachedIt/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coached_it/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelyn-m-reaves-mph/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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