Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brandi Molitor, Founder of Courage and Joy at Work, located in Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a business and life coach focusing on high-achieving business owners who are looking to get off the hamster wheel of success and enjoy life now.
Tell us about yourself
I've been working in the coaching industry for over 20 years. I noticed time and time again business owners were trying to fix their businesses in the hopes of making their lives better. The reality was they didn't realize they were responsible for creating the business that kept them trapped. I wanted to broaden the conversation for high-achieving, successful business owners to be the hero of their own lives and free themselves from the monster that has kept them trapped + overworked: The business they created.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Honestly, it would have to be how I run my life and my business. I am able to maintain my own inner peace and find joy in what I do and live out my life's purpose. I do this through rigorous self-care and personal development work. It takes a community of people to keep me moving in the work that I do, and I give thanks to my teachers, mentors, guides, and friends daily. I truly believe in the ripple effect. Together, we can do so many things for the better.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Accepting that something you're trying to do isn't working and making a pivot. I think there's a fine line between passion and drive and what is a reasonable business model. We've been taught in a lot of ways that if we're passionate, we should make money from that passion. That's not always the case. I am a deeply passionate and committed person, so it can be tricky for me to pivot to something that is more practical because it can generate revenue for my business. I can use my passions in other areas. Determining what works and what doesn't and accepting that feedback is work in and of itself.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get help! Don't go at it alone. I see a lot of times -- even with my colleagues -- they start businesses with just a little guidance and end up building something they become trapped by because they didn't ask the right questions to themselves before they started.
- Do the inner work. Ask yourself why you want to build this business and see if it's really based on that core desire, or is it because you want to prove something to someone, or are you running from yourself? Having your own business is A LOT of work. So many people think it's easier because "you're the boss." It's not any easier -- it can be a lot harder. Ask yourself what you are willing to suffer for.
- Set reasonable expectations. It can take 5-10 years to be fully financially stable from your own business. With so much instant-celebrity success and coaches out there pushing you to do what they did and do it all in a year or less... that's just bullshit. Do the work, create value, and watch your business grow. You have to do the work and create value. As one of my mentors says, "Profit follows value creation." So invest in yourself, learn, grow, and do good work, and it will happen. There's no fast track or magic bullet.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://courageandjoyatwork.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courageandjoyatwork
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi.molitor/
LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/3wbpchtx
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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