Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Eugene L. Gatewood, a Maxwell Leadership Certified Coach, Life Coach, Speaker, and Trainer based in Aurora, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I assist organizations and guide individuals and teams as they explore and grow their potential in the areas of career, relationships, finance, physical health, and spirituality.
Tell us about yourself
I believe that people are born to thrive. Coaching is not what I do, it’s who I am. Coaching is a process that helps individuals see themselves and how their thoughts, habits, or attitude may not be aligned with the goals they have set. Those within my ecosystem were benefiting from having access to me, and then they began to refer others who they believed I could assist with helping them through a particular season or trial. I enjoyed helping others explore and grow their potential, so I began marketing to expand my sphere of influence.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I believe coaching is unique because it’s not about my success but the success of those who I coach or consult. I have helped others build multi-million dollar organizations to couples on the brink of divorce rekindle the flame, people who were fired launch multiple businesses, and individuals who felt like they wanted to give up finding purpose and direction. My greatest accomplishments are all connected to others.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
You are the owner, leader, and expert! You have complete and total control. There are no days off. However, the owner must make time to work on the business and not always in the business if they expect to see it prosper.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Shift your mindset from day one. You are the CEO! The vision and purpose of the organization must be your guiding light. Don’t get sidetracked by comparing your mission to others. Learn from them, but make sure you are not making changes just because the grass appears greener.
- Spend time working on your business by building systems that serve your clients and can operate during the times you are working in the business. This will help your business run more efficiently and support your clients at the same time.
- Enjoy the ride! If it’s not fun and the business drains you, assess why you are doing it and if this is really what you were born to do. In most cases, if your mission is aligned with your work, you will do it even if you are not being paid to do so. Live your dream!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://eugenegatewood.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eugene.gatewood
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/original_mentor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/elgatewood
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugenegatewood/
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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