Your Initiative Co.

Business coaches come from different industries, experience levels, backgrounds and educations. They have their own beliefs, methods of coaching and areas of expertise. In theory, they should spend most of their time listening, collaboratively brainstorming and holding space for their clients to find their own answers. But unfortunately, in many cases this isn’t what happens. I’ve had too many clients come to me after being talked into accepting expensive business coaching services, paying for large social media packages, being asked to engage in marketing that doesn’t align with their values and so on. In some cases, the entrepreneur is promised an outcome that feels too temping to resist. Note: if you are being promised an outcome that the person selling you services or products can not control then it’s time to start questioning it. And/or if the person coaching you doesn’t have official qualifications, lacks real life experience as a business owner or talks more than they listen - those are clear signs to walk away. True business coaching consists of the coach actively listening to your unique experiences, brainstorming ideas, sharing resources and ask supportive questions. In the relationship, you are the expert in your own life and business. Your ideas, experience, concerns, fears, and achievements must be taken into consideration throughout the process. You lead the coaching relationship and set your own goals. That is how sustainable business and personal growth happens. The space should feel safe for you to share what you are struggling with throughout your entrepreneurship journey. As a coach, I might come up with ideas for consideration but I make it clear that if they don’t resonant with you specifically - then to leave them be. There should be a mutual goal to see you grow as an entrepreneur and that’s can’t happen without cultivating a safe and supportive environment. If the relationship consists of the coach giving advice that feels more like “if you don’t do this - your business will never work” that is not coaching and ultimately it does not end with long term business growth. Choosing to invest in coaching services can be an incredibly empowering and educational experience but it all comes down to who you choose. Ask yourself, how do I feel about myself and my business after interactions with this person? Do I feel more empowered and educated? If not, it’s time to choose another path. As a coach, I believe that my clients are the experts in their own lives. They know what they want and my job is to help them set authentic, meaningful, and realistic goals to help them get it. My role is to hold space for the human who is experiencing the thrilling, terrifying, beautiful, and challenging ride that is entrepreneurship.

*Once upon a time, there was a little girl who was born with a flame inside of her body. While she was a child, it crackled happily. She was able to be curious, adventurous, and brave, and everyone loved her for it. Her mistakes were forgiven easily, and her courage was rewarded. She learned to explore the world, test limits, and share that light with others. But as that girl grew, she met people who didn’t admire her fire. They felt it was too hungry, too busy, and too curious. Sometimes, when she burned too brightly, people would dim her light or extinguish it all together. She learned that in order to survive, she needed to fit into spaces with people who didn’t have any fire inside of them. Instead of glowing, she began to dim her light. She found out that if she stopped feeding the fire, she could be smaller and quieter, which allowed her to blend in. Without fuel, the fire was reduced to ashes. The little girl grew into a confused, angry woman who moved in spaces that seemed relentlessly cold and unfriendly, lacking any hint of the flame she lost so long ago. Over the years, the world seemed to require so much of her that she focused on merely surviving. In time, that woman had a baby girl and that tiny baby changed everything. The woman looked at that little baby girl born with a flame inside of her body and suddenly realized what she had lost. She swore she would never again let the world snuff out her fire. She began to question the systems and the cage she was born into. Determined to rebuild her flame and lay the foundation for a new way of life, the woman started to seek out people who had beautiful fires inside of them — women who had lives fueled by their internal fire. They had financial independence and loved the work that they did every day. These women treasured their inner fire. They used its energy to create opportunities, change communities, develop innovative solutions, and build careers that brought them long-term happiness. The woman learned that these people were called Entrepreneurs. With shaky courage, the woman decided that it was time she joined them. With every new experience, she grew more confident and focused. Her flame grew strong and healthy again. And although she wouldn’t realize it until years later, this decision changed her life forever. The woman in this story is me and so many of my clients have shared a similar origin story. Sometimes the catalyst in the story isn’t a baby. Perhaps it’s the loss of a loved one, experiencing extreme burnout, getting chronically ill, going through mental health challenges, or being diagnosed as neurodivergent. If you haven’t already experienced a catalyst that has made you want to put the work into building a business of your own, then I hope this blog becomes that for you. It is time to explore who you are, what you want, and how to get it. These women are not only business owners.... (see comments)