Precious Stones Coaching

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in coaching but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dianne McKim, Founder of Precious Stones Coaching, located in Orangeburg, NY, USA.

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

Precious Stones Coaching offers Leadership, Career, and Life Coaching as well as Consulting for individuals, teams or groups, and small to mid-size companies. In addition to customized coaching or consulting, I have created and designed specific programs to foster the growth my clients desire.

The Professional & Leadership Development program is highly specialized in helping professionals understand and maximize their core values, strengths, and skills, so they soar in their careers.

"THE Team™" program is a comprehensive coaching package that involves the leadership and the team in an organization. The goal of this program is for the team to be more productive, achieve greater cohesiveness, and meet and even exceed the deliverables, translating to bottom-line results for the company.

The Career Enhancement program focuses on the individual who is building their career. It helps them achieve a balanced and fulfilling career without sacrificing the life they want.

The Personal Life Coaching program is the option for someone who is looking to get unstuck, grow in areas of their life, handle difficult situations in a better way, and so on. The Shining Star program helps my clients break through obstacles that are holding them back and develop better ways to handle the issues standing in their way.

Some of the areas of focus for my coaching and consulting include: Leadership Development, Strengths Identification, Work/Life Integration & Balance, Strengths Discovery, Career Development, Resume and Interviewing, Professional Growth, Developing Confidence and Courage, Personality Understanding, Core Values & Career Alignment, Personal Growth, Stress Management, and Resiliency, Handling Fear, Worry, and Anxiety, Overcoming Offenses, Spiritual Growth, Faith in your life and Career, Hope and Healing from Separation and Divorce, and Forgiveness.

Tell us about yourself

My journey has been an interesting one for sure. When I first entered the workforce, I was naïve and really didn't know the direction my career would take. Thankfully, I navigated and enjoyed a long and impactful career in Corporate America. I worked for a large global publicly held company, a large global privately held company, and a small privately held company. In various positions, I successfully led teams, influenced peers, mentored team members, and interacted at all corporate levels (including C-Levels). I developed strong relationships with executives, management, peers, and team members, allowing me to spearhead major projects while negotiating and navigating bureaucracy successfully. I worked on and led various teams to bring greater efficiencies to the departments and organizations I supported.

I am a woman of integrity, a woman of her word. My work ethic has always been valued highly by every manager and organization I have worked for and every client I have worked with. I take that very seriously as I run my company. My heart for people is a part of who I am inside and outside my company. I love getting to know people and learning about their interests and their lives. My relationships are very important to me, and I am intentional about investing my heart in them. Those who know me know they can count on me when I make a commitment and trust me with their hearts. My faith is an integral part of my life, driving my integrity and my sincerity. I have been walking this faith journey for over 25 years. It has helped me navigate the devastation of divorce, overcome the effects of abusive relationships, handle the heartbreaks of family issues, move ahead from job losses, and strengthen my resolve to invest in myself to learn, grow and prosper. I love to share my faith with those who want these things for themselves.

My heart is and always has been to help others. I was able to do this throughout my corporate career in the various positions I held but also as a mentor and confidant for so many along the way. Now with my company, I am able to work with so many people helping them in their careers, business, and in their lives. My business career, training, certifications, and life experiences have provided exactly what I need for my coaching and consulting business.

With Precious Stones Coaching, I have amazing opportunities to help my clients develop, grow, and achieve the success they have always wanted. My passion is to see each client really develop and step into the path they are meant to walk. Whether my client is an individual, a team, a group, or a company/organization, my work with them will move them forward to the future they may have only dreamed about.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is the success of my clients' experience, which is evident in the progress they experience and in the feedback they provide, telling me how much they have grown by working with me as their coach. Each client holds a special place in my heart, and my strongest desire is for each person and/or organization to achieve their goals and realize great success. I have invested my time and finances in training, studying, and achieving several certifications to offer coaching and consulting excellence to every client. Their results communicate my accomplishments and success!

I have had clients tell me…

"My leadership has become more impactful because of the coaching we have done."
"I am achieving my goals now and had not before."
"I've gone to counseling for years and have never had as much success as I've had with you."
"I lowered my blood pressure by 40 points by implementing your suggestions to reduce stress."

My client's testimonials found at https://www.preciousstonescoaching.com/testimonials tell the story better than I ever could.

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

Running a company involves wearing quite a few hats! I always said it's a good thing I look good in hats!! The ultimate responsibilities lie with me for not only the coaching but also for running the day-to-day of the business, including the areas of marketing, branding, finances, networking, business development, and so on. Determining the future of my business lies with me as well. It is important that I make time for not only working in my business (coaching or consulting) but also to work on my business.

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

First and foremost, be sure you know whatever business you want to start is your true calling in life. Sometimes we get caught up because we think it looks good from the outside, only to find out later that it is not what we thought it was. With strength and personality assessments along with coaching, I can help someone know for sure this is the path they are meant to walk.

If they find it is the business for them, they need to get properly trained, informed about all aspects of their proposed business, and possibly financed. Too often, people underestimate the details involved in opening and running a business. It is important to do your due diligence, so you are well prepared when you start and run your business.

And finally, don't give up if your business doesn't "take off" right away. It takes time. Invest in your continual learning and persevere through those difficult days. If this is your calling, the business will come.

It can be exciting and scary to think about starting your own business. There are certainly many benefits to enjoy. Yet, it is important to balance positivity with realistic perspectives and strategic planning. Be sure you put action to your goals. If you need assistance working through the details, reach out, and let's get you going on your goals so you can be that successful business owner you dream about.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.preciousstonescoaching.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PreciousStonesCoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachdiannemckim/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannemckim/

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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