Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Lisa Withrow, Founder & Principal of Clear Transition Strategies, located in Delaware, OH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Clear Transition Strategies is a coaching, teaching, and consulting business for spiritual leaders, groups, and teams. I work with clergy, church and synagogue staff teams, judicatory leaders, and small businesses on leadership development, transitions and liminal space, and conflict management. I also teach online leadership and conflict studies.
Tell us about yourself
I taught leadership studies (Ph.D.) at the post-graduate level for 20 years, am ordained clergy, and have consulted with religious groups for 25 years. Now I am a certified leadership and team coach. My business puts all of this experience together as a coach and consultant, who still teaches as affiliate faculty in a seminary, and who still writes books. Motivation comes from doing all the things I love in one business at a pace and with the style I enjoy! I especially love the international contacts I make through Clear Transition Strategies and through expansive continuing education on a regular basis.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Within 3 years, without marketing, I have created an international network, co-developed some exceptionally interesting projects (ghostwriting, visioning, creative arts), and stretched my limits - all while making a very good living financially, simply by word-of-mouth. With the pandemic, online continuing education opportunities also have expanded my knowledge base and experience.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing initially was not knowing where clients and subsequent financing would originate. By the second year, I was sustainable with both, and in the third year, more than sustainable. However, the lack of a regular paycheck and pension has its own low-level anxiety. Nothing else is hard for me!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start with a savings account as you experiment with possibility.
- Make sure you have a support system when you start.
- Determine how much you want to work and make sure you keep your calendar boundaries.
- Have a niche AND diversify, too, with the niche as the base!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://cleartransitionstrategies.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachWithrow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/withrowcoach/
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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