Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stacey Hagen, Founder of Create Coaching & Consulting, located in Novato, CA, USA.

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

I'm a holistic business and marketing coach for service-based solo entrepreneurs looking to start and grow a sustainable, aligned business.

Tell us about yourself

After spending more than a decade in corporate America and getting my MBA, I became a certified coach and started my coaching and consulting company. I love supporting other new female entrepreneurs to create a business doing what they love, so they can experience the same freedom, flexibility, and purpose-driven work that I do.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I think starting a business in itself is a big feat, as is continuing to innovate and serve clients during the pandemic. One big challenge I had to overcome was transitioning from marketing someone else's business to marketing MYSELF. That is often a nerve-wracking experience for new entrepreneurs and one that I love to support them with.

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

I would say one of the hardest things is wearing all the hats at the beginning, especially in marketing and sales, when you don't have the experience. Those are new skill sets for many business owners, but learning those skills makes a huge difference in your success as a business owner.

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

  1. Know yourself. You must be able to identify what you love to do and how you want to serve. The path of entrepreneurship is challenging, so you must love what you're doing in order to stay the course.
  2. Define who you want to serve. "Everyone" is not a target market. You must get specific. The irony is that once you are specific and claim a niche, you make it easier for people to find and hire you.
  3. Don't forget to set up your business in a way that supports your life, not the other way around. Most of us leave 9-5s to have more flexibility, not less. That's why it's so important to set up your business in a way that supports you — and is sustainable in the long run.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Passion is a key ingredient in starting a business. And then, get support in the areas where you are lacking.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.createcoachingconsulting.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildyourbrandbeyourself
https://www.facebook.com/createcoachingconsulting/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/create_coaching/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceyhagen/

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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