Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jolene Watson, Owner of Clarity Coaching & Development, located in Saskatoon, SK, Canada.

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

Jolene Watson of Clarity Coaching & Development is a Certified Myers-Briggs® Practitioner, Emotional Literacy Coach, Executive Business Coach, Trainer, and Award-Winning Professional Speaker across Canada she also teaches at three local business schools. She speaks on a variety of topics and has notable expertise in the areas of networking etiquette, emotional regulation, personality types, presentation skills, and stress management. She helps her clients increase their confidence and charisma while effectively managing their stress. The overall theme of her company is 'Creating Connections.'

Tell us about yourself

Jolene grew up on a mixed farm in Saskatchewan, Canada, and this led her to her first career in veterinary medicine. She was quickly promoted to office management, given her fascination with psychology and communication styles. Her various careers after that focused on client relationship management which sparked her interest in creating her own company. In 2013 she went back to entrepreneurial business school (where she is now a facilitator) and launched Clarity Coaching & Development.

Her passion for helping others create meaningful connections has kept her motivated to continue on her entrepreneurial trajectory! She has gained 92% of her clients through networking and has the honor of now teaching networking skills in workshops and keynote presentations! Her ultimate goal is to become 'Canada's Networking Expert' at association conferences. Her career is one of the tops chosen for her particular personality type: ENFJ. As an extrovert, speaking on a stage in front of hundreds of audience members is exhilarating! She has truly created her dream career and loves being able to help her clients in career development, networking skills, and increasing their overall confidence to achieve their ultimate goals!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Jolene has received multiple awards and has successfully increased her business by an astounding 126.075% in the last year. She has also been published in multiple magazine articles over the past decade.

AWARDS:
2022 Recipient of the Woman Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (WESK) Achievement Award in the 'Growth & Expansion' category
2022 Recipient of the Regina Chamber of Commerce Paragon Award in the 'Customer Service Excellence' category
2021 Recipient of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce ABEX Award in the 'Service' category
Being able to share her passion with others is truly her biggest accomplishment!

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

Entrepreneurship requires many 16-hour days, and there is truly no such thing as a 'day off. There is always bookkeeping, marketing, business planning, etc. Managing work-life balance is one of the hardest things to achieve as a business owner! Adaptability and resilience are Jolene's key attributes to managing adversity! She works with many mentors and coaches and has found this to be extremely helpful! Being a solopreneur can be lonely at times. Ask for help if you need it!

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

  1. Prepare to work a lot.
    14-16 hour days are pretty standard in the first decade of running your own business. Always keep the big picture in mind
    flexibility will come with time!
  2. Do what you love.
    Spend an immense amount of time with self-reflection activities when thinking about what entrepreneurship will look like for you. Design a career that will bring you energy and will keep you elated!
  3. Never feel you are alone.
    So many local associations, communities, chambers, etc., are there to help you succeed! Get multiple mentors and coaches, as it will save you time, money, and energy!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Entrepreneurship is the most challenging thing Jolene has ever done it is also the most rewarding achievement of her life! Don't give up! If you have found your passion, please share it with others!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.jolenewatson.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClarityCoachingandDevelopment
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jolene_clarity/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/clarityCD
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jolene-watson-5881612a/

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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