Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alissa Crabtree, Founder of Crabtree Coaching Collaborative, located in Houston, TX, USA.

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

Educators are essential to our society. From economic success to social justice, education is the foundation of a thriving community. However, the support for teachers, administrators, and other instructional leaders is inadequate and often nonexistent. Crabtree Coaching Collaborative creates impactful professional learning experiences for instructional leaders and incorporates a coaching approach to guide individuals and teams in surpassing their specific goals. While many consulting companies provide "one-and-done" services, Crabtree Coaching Collaborative works alongside leaders to support the work every step of the way.

Tell us about yourself

For the last 15 years, I have proudly served as an educator in the classroom and as an instructional leader. I believe in the power of equipping our youth with knowledge and curiosity, and the daily interactions with scholars ensure that one is never bored. The profession, although exciting, is also a challenging one. It isn't easy and requires innovation, energy, and unparalleled communication skills.

The number of mandates funneled down to campus leaders and teachers is unrealistic but, unfortunately, part of the job. Because of this, I have witnessed leadership skills and instructional strength suffer. When priorities are placed on compliance paperwork, testing, and political pressures, it is no wonder that individuals lose momentum. Many districts have tried to combat this with detailed scope and sequences or additional training, but with little progress. I eventually became so frustrated with the system that I knew I had to find a way to strengthen it. I wanted to support instructional leaders in identifying the root cause of pain points, to lead teams effectively so that they could develop impactful action plans and radically transform student progress. That is why I created Crabtree Coaching Collaborative.

Through one-on-one and team coaching sessions, professional development series, and the Crabtree Coaching Instructional Leadership Lab, I work alongside instructional leaders to support the three C's to strengthen campus culture and growth: Communication, Collaboration, and Competence.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

When I watch a collaborative team come together and grow in their confidence, or I hear an instructional coach share how our work together has impacted their professional growth, I know that every sacrifice I have made to build this business has been worth it all. I aim to build collective efficacy within organizations because I know its impact on learning. Educators have been drowning in mandates with little to no support for far too long, and because of that, what really matters has been pushed to the side, student learning. I get to bring that back to the forefront and help foster positive and thriving cultures.

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

I started this business over a year ago and did it blindly. I knew there was a problem in the field that I could solve, but I did not know a thing about business or marketing. The hardest thing has been navigating the network. I have been fortunate to drum up business through testimonials and client recommendations, but I am ready for a broader reach. Learning how to market oneself takes a little courage and a lot of trial and error.

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

  1. Launching and growing a business has been a wonderful and thrilling adventure. It has honestly been the hardest thing I have ever done professionally, and I have been fortunate to have a support group to bounce ideas with and cheer me on along the way. Because of that, my first tip would be to find your community. Surround yourself with individuals who value collaboration over competition, will encourage you, and will provide honest feedback. I am the sole proprietor and employee of Crabtree Coaching Collaborative, BUT I have surrounded myself with people who add value to my life and business.
  2. My second tip would be to "Do It Scared." I have heard this phrase often, and until launching my business, I did not understand its full meaning. Don't wait until things are perfect to launch, post, or present. If you do, you will never do it. If you try something and it flops, that is perfect! Use it as an opportunity to learn and strengthen your craft. As I mentioned before, launching a business takes sacrifice and a lot of hard work. It can be terrifying; however, imagine what you will miss if you never take the leap. In the words of Nike, "Just do it."
  3. My final tip would be to clearly define your "Why" and vision for your business. When you do this, you can structure and organize the work you do day in and day out—knowing your "Why" allows you to prioritize your time effectively or turn down work that does not support your vision. Running a successful business obviously requires knowledge of your niche but also self-discipline, organization, and structure. When you have a clear vision for your business, you are more likely to not overwhelm and stay the course.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://crabtreecoachingcollaborative.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crabtreecoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crabtree_coaching_collab/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/alissa_crabtree
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alissa-crabtree/

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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