Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in coaching, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jean Hamilton, founder, and owner of Speaking Results LLC, based in Seattle, WA, USA. Jean is a World-Renowned Public Speaking Coach.

Tell us all about your business...

I coach people on their presentation and communication skills, enabling them to become more confident, effective, and engaging leaders. I have worked with a wide range of people--from CEOs of large companies to entrepreneurs at the beginning of their careers. I’ve worked with nonprofits, tech industries, lawyers, doctors, engineers, and educators. We work on overcoming fears of public speaking, creating a clear, concise message, telling engaging stories, and using voice and body language to enhance communication. Ultimately, good communication is about making an authentic connection, so I ensure everyone connects with themselves, their message, and their audience.

Tell us about yourself..

I did not take the typical path to become a speech coach. I started as a professional modern dancer, then I became certified in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) then I studied speech. About 20 years ago, I put together my past lives and created Speaking Results. My background in dance, theater, and NLP helped distinguish me from other speech coaches. I work on what I call the “inside out” and “outside in.” We work on transforming any limiting beliefs about yourself and public speaking that might be keeping you stuck in fear. That’s the inside work. We also work on developing your skills such as how to craft a great story or how to use your voice effectively—that’s the outside work.

I love supporting people in whatever way will best serve them to meet their unique needs. My job is to help bring out the very best in people. That’s why I love my work so much—I get to witness a significant and impactful change in people!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I've had the great pleasure of working with some pretty awesome people and have seen them give amazing speeches. That's very rewarding! I would say I am most proud that I created a successful coaching business while also bringing up my two sons. They are in their 20’s now, when in their early years I first created my business. I was able to effectively balance my work as a coach with my work as a mom. My business grew slowly at first, which I realize now was perfect because I was able to spend a lot of time with my kids—and those early years pass in a blink of an eye!

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

My business was going very well until the pandemic hit. I’ve had to re-adjust and now offer all online coaching. As it turns out, online coaching works great! Business is finally starting to pick up, but it has been a challenge. When there are no clients, there is no other income coming in. Fortunately, the PPP loans helped a lot!

What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Love what you do. Your passion for your work is contagious and will draw people toward you.
  2. Keep learning and growing. There’s always more to learn. I’ve participated in countless workshops, classes, and coaching, because I know I will be better for my clients if I keep expanding my knowledge. My most recent training has been in VoiceOver. What I have learned from VoiceOver is very helpful for my clients to enable their voice to sound natural and dynamic.
  3. Be committed to always doing the best work possible. That’s how you get referrals. If your clients are happy, they will tell others about you.

What are some of the things you put in place to maintain a healthy work/life balance and to keep it all together?

My dogs! I adore them, and they make sure I get outside to take walks a couple of times a day, every single day. Spending time outdoors always recharges me. It’s important to make sure you spend time doing things you love every day. I love coaching, so even when I'm working, it's fun!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Life is too short to stay stuck in a job you don’t love. Go for what brings you joy and makes you feel truly alive!

Where can people find you?

Website:
https://www.jeanhamiltonvo.com/
https://speakingresults.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/speakingresults/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share then email community@subkit.com, we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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