Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. LeslieBeth (LB) Wish, Ed.D. MSS, MA, an Author & a Nationally-Honored  Psychotherapist based in Sarasota, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I have always loved helping people with their issues in love and work. From an early age, friends and family have asked for my advice. I guess I have always had an "old soul." So, it is not surprising to me that I studied literature, history, and psychology in college and graduate school, earning two master's degrees and a doctoral degree. I also love to write. I am an author of research-based self-help books about choosing wisely about love, dating, intimate relationships, sex, marriage, divorce, and career that are inspired by my brave psychological counseling clients, workshop attendees, college and graduate students, and surveys. Even though I have just retired from being a licensed psychotherapist, I am a frequent guest on podcasts, and I provide wise and practical advice about love, work, and life. Please learn about me on my website, www.lovevictory.com. You can receive free books if you sign up on the right-hand side.
Tell us about yourself
I expanded my professional recognition by working in a bigger professional "footprint." At the time, I was working in the Boston area, where I was initially hired as one of the staff therapists with a focus on sexual issues. Within two months, I realized that being a staff therapist was too slow of a way to boost my presence and my earnings --as well as for the already highly accomplished founder. So, I made an appointment with him to recommend offering groups--and to advertise them by contacting the local newspapers with ideas for articles about love, dating, relationships, family, and sex. And BOOM!! Everyone won--the newspaper circulation increased--and so did our client numbers. We became nationally known, respected, and sought after. The satisfaction of helping so many people in different ways was the best motivation.
The moral of this story: Lessons learned: Speak up. Think big. Link with the big players. Find your passion. Accept you will be scared--and do it anyway. Don't volunteer to cheat yourself! Oh--and by the way, that founder became my husband!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I cannot single out one accomplishment. Each bold step led to more of them that meant something to me. I was able to teach at colleges, write books, help others better, and take chances. For me, following my dream and not giving up is the best accomplishment of all. I am currently completing the final edits of my fiction book. (I am not daydreaming! I have had poems, think pieces, and stories published. English was one of my college majors, and I have a master's degree in English.) The book is inspired by a true story from my extended family about how two sisters escaped the Nazis by hiding under the bellies of horses--and then found love and another kind of bravery in the United States.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As in any enterprise or project, doing the following things are your best tools:
- Keep your goals in mind.
- Be willing to respond to changes and challenges.
- Seek help and advice. Get rid of ego.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Ask yourself: Why am I doing this? Why is it important to me? Who can help me? How much money will I need--and how can I provide it?
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://lovevictory.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lesliebeth.wish
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesliebethlb/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LeslieBethWish
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3S5eZrW
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.