Double Your Productivity & Increase Your Profit

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Caryl Lane, a Certified Coach-Consultant based in Seattle, WA, USA.

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

I show leaders in small businesses how to bring people together, double team productivity, and scale for growth.

Tell us about yourself

After 24 years of working with individuals and groups in the Behavioral Health profession, I wanted more freedom of time and energy than an employer could provide. I have a strong desire to serve others at the highest level possible while also generating financial independence in a way that feels ethical and helps others succeed. I believe that leaders are in an ideal position of influence to restore unity and healing during these uncertain times. I love the challenge of encouraging others to look beyond what seems impossible in order to create exceptional results, both personally and professionally.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

One of my biggest accomplishments as a business owner is the joy my clients experience when they move past limiting beliefs and emotions and take action for what they want. One of my clients is Will Chen, CEO of Will Chen CPA and a member of the Edmonds City Council here in the Seattle area. Will and his family came from mainland China over 20 years ago, started his business, and hired a handful of employees who were struggling to come together and focus on revenue growth.

We worked on mastering conversations that build trust and encourage collaboration. I challenged them to come up with ten goals specifically related to revenue growth in the next 12 months. They got excited and got to work. They have since upgraded their technology and expanded the business to include marketing support. This is what makes my work fun! Will recently spoke to a group about me, stating, "We hired Caryl to help me and the team get focused. I highly recommend Caryl! She is very valuable!

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

It takes a lot of courage and tenacity to stick with it when failures and roadblocks inevitably show up in the process of building a business. Mastering yourself is so important. Failure is nothing more than feedback that allows for the opportunity to correct course with new information.

But, it is also a frustrating experience because, as humans, we tend to blame ourselves. Instead, it's more useful to ask yourself what's working and what's not. Most opportunities are disguised as problems. My greatest moments of growth in business have come after failure, self-reflection, and course correction. Taking focused action is critical to this process.

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

Hire someone who can mentor you and show you the right steps in the right order. Coaches and consultants are valuable in helping you build speed and momentum because you won't be wasting time focusing on the wrong things.
Clarity of vision: Why do you want to start a business? What are you offering in terms of products and services? Are you passionate about it? Where do you want your business to be in one year, three years, and five years?
Continuously invest in your education in marketing, business structure, and the cultivation of skills specific to your area of expertise. Take time to know and understand market trends.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://caryllane.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cllifecoach
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lane.caryl/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryl-lane-76253995/

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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