Top 5 Lessons I’ve Learned While Running My Business

Whenever I get asked about my experience as an entrepreneur (whether it’s in a podcast interview or a simple conversation with a friend), one of the top questions that comes up is “What lessons have you learned?”

Generally, it’s from a place of curiosity, connection, and honestly, a desire to avoid these lessons themselves. So I figured these lessons would be helpful to share with all of you as well so you can hopefully learn from my mistakes. Just because I’m a coach doesn’t mean I’m perfect (no one is!) so I learn and adapt, edit and adjust just like everyone else.

How I Tackle Business Planning and Goal Setting

So. Let’s talk about traditional business planning. Whether it’s the beginning of the New Year, the start of your business, or simply a point where you need clarity on what’s coming up next, having a way to set goals and work “on” instead of “in” your business is imperative. In my experience, I’ve found that while we all want to take our dreams to the next level, we’re often stumped on how to do it. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how I do business planning and goal setting each year as an entrepreneur.

Book Review: The Four Tendencies

Raise your hand if this thought has ever crossed your mind:

“Am I lazy?”

Because I’m not afraid to admit that it has definitely crossed mine. You see, I’m not internally motivated. I’m not one to set gym goals and achieve them on my own. I can’t promise myself to do something and always expect to keep that promise. But it doesn’t mean I’m lazy. In fact, thanks to Gretchen Rubin’s The Four Tendencies, I know now it just means I’m an Obliger.

Business Anniversary Recap: Year One

So in full disclosure, this recap is inspired by Paige Brunton’s annual post that goes over what she made, what worked out for her, and what didn’t. I love the transparency she shows — it’s such an amazing resource for other entrepreneurs! This year I’ve decided to really showcase what goes on behind-the-scenes so everyone (including me!) gets to learn from my challenges and my wins. Here we go!

How to Provide the Best-Ever Customer Experience

I firmly believe that the success of a business is built on a foundation of amazing customer experience. You can have the best product, the most amazing marketing team, or the most beautiful website, but if your client doesn’t have a pleasant experience while they’re working with you, it doesn’t matter. They won’t come back.

One of the easiest ways to provide for your clients is to go over and beyond with your customer experience. Instead of providing a good experience, how can you absolutely wow them? How can you make them feel like they’re completely cared for? How can you eliminate any obstacle that is in their way of purchasing your product?

Book Review: The Fire Starter Sessions

It’s time to say something absolutely radical: You should run your business (and your life) based off your feelings.

The Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte breaks that all down. Instead of focusing on building a life that we think is what we’re supposed to be doing, it urges us to follow our inner truth to decide what direction to move forward in — both in our personal and professional lives. LaPorte moves through issues such as fear, rejection, marketing, hard work, money, and criticism to help us build a future that we feel excited for.

The Ultimate Business Book Gift Guide

Anyone who has been following along for a while now (or knows me in person!), understands that I have an ardent love for reading. Whether it’s historical, mystery, biography, essay, short story, business (the list LITERALLY goes on), you bet I’m down to read it.

So this holiday season, consider getting your favorite entrepreneur (or yourself!) one of these must-read business books:

5 Myths About Working with a Life Coach

If you’ve found your way here, then you probably know what a life coach is. But that doesn’t mean that it isn’t still a fairly new profession in the world. Learn these top life coach myths and why they’re so important to understand!

Life CoachKatrina WidenerNovember 7, 2018life, life coach, coaching Comments