Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Johnny Crowder, Founder of Cope Notes, located in Tampa, FL, USA.

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

Cope Notes uses daily text messages to improve mental & emotional health for people like you and me, all the way up to big groups like governments, school districts, businesses, and beyond! Each anonymous message combines peer support and positive psychology to train the brain to think in healthier patterns. And in an era where demand is through the roof and supply can't keep up. An infinitely scalable, immediately accessible, easy-to-use resource like Cope Notes is a literal life-saver.

Tell us about yourself

I grew up in and out of treatment for multiple mental illnesses, and I had a tough time figuring out what worked best for me. A lot of resources were too expensive, too time-consuming, too inconvenient, too invasive, etc. I wanted to create a resource that could help people like me live happier and healthier lives, regardless of their financial situation, whether or not they had a diagnosis, or anything else. Basically, knowing that I get to help people grow in the right direction means the world to me, especially because I've needed that very same help before. In fact, I still do!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Honestly, not quitting! Like many founders, I've had those creeping doubts and frustrations. Those days, weeks, and even months were throwing in the towel, and getting a "normal job" seemed much easier than powering through to continue building and pursuing our mission. Building a business is extremely challenging, and I am proud of that, but I'd say that enduring the tough seasons (like surviving the pandemic) is probably my biggest accomplishment to date.

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

While it comes with intangible positives, managing a team has proven to be a big challenge. Whether I'm trying to decide on the right candidate for a key hire, making the tough decision to fire an employee that is underperforming, or even hearing that one of my favorite team members is accepting a higher-paying position somewhere else, the personnel side of running a business always seems to tug on my heartstrings.

Fortunately, I'm getting much more skilled at not taking these things personally, which helps me make intelligent decisions that benefit the entire organization - even the team members that don't stay with us forever.

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

  1. Ask for help! There are so many great resources and awesome people who have already been where you want to go. There is zero shame in asking for input - it's one of the smartest and most business-savvy things you could do. You can't do it alone, and that's okay. You don't have to.
  2. As hard as it may be, try to resist selling to every person you meet with a heavy hand. It can be tempting to treat the entire world as your target audience, but I've seen this type of over-selling behavior inhibit and even damage valuable relationships. People are more important than business - don't pressure your connections with friends, family, and colleagues to grow your business! It won't be worth it.
  3. If the business fails, you are still you. If you go bankrupt or have to start over, you are still you if you get a normal job. If your company does a billion dollars a year and you retire early, you're still you. Don't conflate your self-worth and identity with your company's performance - your business can be replaced, but you cannot! Take care of yourself as a human being.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Even if you don't try Cope Notes, I truly encourage you to try some kind of mental health resource. A book, an app, an online course, a therapy session, or even something simpler like journaling or breathing. If you've been waiting for a sign to take your mental health more seriously, please let this be it! Take action today. Not this week or this month, but right now.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://copenotes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnnyxcrowder
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnnycrowderlovesyou/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/copenotes
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnnycrowder/

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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