Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tara Carbo, Owner of Carbo Coaching, located in Columbia, MD, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Blue-collar workers literally build up the world around us every single day, no matter what. They work hard- no question about that. But who is building up these workers, who acknowledge them for their effort, who is training their managers to become strong leaders, and who is training their owners to create thriving cultures? We are. Carbo Coaching is on a mission to create thriving work environments that foster happy, healthy team members and efficient structures. This creates what every business owner yearns for loyalty, lower costs, and higher revenue.

Tell us about yourself

My husband Mick and I got married when we were 18, 3 months after graduating high school. We immediately started a business and a family. I am a go-getter, a pioneer, and driving tenacious energy that loves an impossible challenge. And that's just what I got, a bunch of impossible challenges, and you know what? We overcame them all. We had that ceramic tile and marble installation business for ten years. Next started a fundraising company that is still in operation today. In 2012 we were introduced to the world of coaching and created Carbo Coaching. We are certified PCC coaches with the International Coach Federation (ICF), speakers, trainers, and consultants.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Learning that I am not always right. Growing up showed me that I was a great one-man show, I was right, and my way was the best way. Turns out that is not true. It was tough for me to learn partnership and collaboration. My default was either top dog or underdog, and building a strong relationship requires us all to come outside of such paradigms and into one of curiosity, empathy, trust, and humility.

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

Figuring out how to put your well-being first when all you can see around you are more things that need to be done. Not having the funds to get the support you need leaves you feeling like you have to be the one to do them. This creates a seemingly impossible catch 22.

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

  1. Hire a coach- You can only see from your perspective, from inside of what you already believe- this creates many limitations. A coach is your partner that helps you get outside of what you believe to consider what possibility exists in unknown territories. They bring out your zones of genius.
  2. Create a vision, and don't let go. Creating a vision is relatively easy. It is holding it in the forefront of your mind and caring for it like a baby that can be difficult. When you nurture your vision daily, you will naturally gravitate toward it.
  3. Create agreements and set expectations with yourself and everyone you are in partnership with. These are the support structures that you can count on when things get tough.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Building a business is not easy, but YOU CAN DO IT! You can also create a thriving business alongside a thriving family and a thriving life. You will need a strong team that shares your vision. Going it alone often ends with frustration and burnout. Learn leadership skills that will help you create the type of culture that will hold your company up with or without you.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://carbocoaching.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarboCoaching/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carbocoaching/

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickcarbo/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/taracarbo/

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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