Calm. Clear. Creative. Consistent.

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.