Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with George Thorman, Executive Coach of By George, located in Kansas City, MO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I offer to Optimize Coaching packages and individual sessions of EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and Thetahealing. I also teach 14 different certification seminars for the Thetahealing Meditation Technique. My customers are people that want to change something in their life. Whether it’s creating more physical health, finding their life partner, or a professional accomplishment, I help people accomplish their dreams.
Tell us about yourself
I didn’t mean to go into Coaching. I went to film school and became the executive director of an international film festival. Helping people become their best selves wasn’t even on my radar. And frankly, I didn’t have a favorable opinion of Coaching in general. Throughout my teens and twenties, I really struggled with my mental health. I did all the things I thought I was supposed to. I went to therapy; I took pills, I journaled, and I watched “The Secret.” It didn’t work. At all. After an injury gave me severe anxiety, I happened into EFT. It totally changed my life. Over the course of the next two years, I found out all the things that did work. It was all stuff that my therapist and doctors had never mentioned, even though there is a ton of scientific evidence that they were key to happiness and productivity. Things like sleep, nutrition, and exercise. I read every personal development book I could get my hands on. I got certified in EFT, Sedona Method, Optimize Coaching, and Thetahealing. I knew I had valuable information that could help people change their lives the way that it had changed mine. I started Coaching, and I never looked back.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
By George is my third business. I’ve worked in multiple industries with all kinds of people. I’ve seen a lot of businesses fail. I even had one that did. I think my biggest accomplishment in business is staying in business. The market is saturated with coaches and healers. Most close within the first year. For the last 12 years, I have continued to serve clients and do work I love without having to work for someone else. That’s the dream, right?
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I think one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is inconsistent income, especially in the beginning. I’d have months where I made $12,000 and months when I made $200. Being financially prepared to cover your basics until you reach a more consistent income flow is key to staying in business. Most business fold when they are unable to cover their operating costs.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You need to have a great financial plan. Know your operating costs and be able to cover at least 4 months when you launch. That includes your salary and what you need to pay your personal bills.
- You need to have a great marketing plan. Know who your customer is and how to reach them.
- Be proactive and consistent. Make sure you follow through and follow up on all the resources available to you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://bygeorge.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bygeorge.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bygeorgeorg/
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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