Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in career development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sandy Stricker, Founder of Emerging Confidence, located in Roselle, IL, USA.

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

I help women learn to stop doubting themselves so they can build a career they love and get the salary they deserve. I do this with a 4-part framework designed to build confidence and self-esteem and manage imposter syndrome. My clients are professional women looking to take their careers to the next level—whether a promotion or building skills in place—but don't think they have what it takes to get there. (Spoiler alert: They DO!)

Tell us about yourself

I am a woman who is confident in her skills and abilities—but that wasn't always the case. Early in my career, I felt that I "lucked into" jobs. I downplayed my achievements and found I was constantly comparing myself to others. I always hoped no one would ever find out that I didn't know what I was doing. I just never felt smart enough, good enough, or every other "enough" you can think of.

But I was fortunate enough to have a mentor who helped me see my worth and stretched me to do things I never thought I could do. I went from a customer service representative to a corporate trainer (Yes, speaking in PUBLIC!) to managing a few people, then a team, then an entire division of a Fortune 500 company. And now, I'm passionate about helping other women have the transformation that I did.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My clients are my biggest accomplishments. I have a client who didn't think she had what it takes to become a VP and is now the VP of a global organization. Another client went from feeling very lost to pivoting to creating a new goal, a new path, and gaining a solid understanding of how to get there. Every client success story is an accomplishment to me.

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

Doing it solo. I love having colleagues to bounce ideas off of, and as a solo entrepreneur, I can easily get caught in a cycle of indecision. It's why having a network of people who support me and understand my business is critical.

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

  1. First of all, start! Don't let imposter syndrome hold you back. My LLC went through on my 60th birthday, proving it's never too late to start something new.
  2. Surround yourself with like-minded people. My friends and family are incredibly supportive but have no idea what I mean when I talk about lead gen. Grow a network you can learn from and share ideas with.
  3. Set a schedule and stick to it. Especially in the beginning, it's easy to let work take over your life. Working 14-hour days isn't healthy for you, your relationships, or your clients.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://emergingconfidence.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/EmergingConfidence
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandy.l.stricker/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-stricker/

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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