Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Annie Meehan, Owner of AM Speaking and Consulting, located in Fort Myers Beach, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a Professional Speaker, Award-winning author, Certified Coach, and Vistage Chair. I have many clients, from Financial Services to Health Care to Social Services to Business owners. I speak all over the world to offer Hope, Inspiration, Motivation, and Activation. Some call me a Mental Wellness expert, while others say I am the Brene Brown of the Midwest, or my book Be the Exception is like Glass Castles.
I travel the world inviting people to join me in being the Exception by being Pineapple People who See, Value, and Spread Kindness to others.
Tell us about yourself
I am considered a Mental Wellness expert. I lost three generations of men in my family to addiction and Mental Illness. I just lost another sister last month. I broke the cycle I lived beyond free to Happy and generous. I started speaking in the faith community, then wellness, and now all over the world in many industries to help spread Hope, Health, and Happiness which leads to healing.
I am passionate about showing people how to use their pain because their purpose is to heal themselves first so they can serve others. I spent 9 years in the financial world and then 12 owning 2 gyms before growing my speaking business.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Oh, so many things; I was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the state of Minnesota as a speaker, and I earned my CSP, CVP, and CLC. When my book won the Ben Franklin National award, I bought, built, grew, and sold businesses, and I have impacted tens of thousands of lives.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Staying motivated, knowing when to take time off, all the hats you have to wear, all the work you do behind the scene to be successful, and people think it is easy. I sometimes work 12+ hours a day, and you deal with lots of rejection before you find your YES.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Have savings, and make a budget. You will wish for the 40+ hour weeks. It will be challenging, but if you believe in your work and feel called to do it, then it will be so worth it. Get a great support system. Take good care of yourself, so you can keep doing what you feel called to do. It will be harder than you think, but it is doable.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I love challenging and inspiring people with dreams because I always want them to win, but I know how hard it will be to get there. I have done hundreds of tip videos to encourage people. I have a Tedx on Lessons from a Pineapple...I think you would love it!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.anniemeehan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annielmeehan/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meehan.annie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnieMeehan6
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anniemeehan/
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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