Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in coaching but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with John Arndt, Founder of Flourish Direction, located in Tulsa, OK, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am an executive coach and spiritual director. I help provide humans thrive by giving them safe space to process their professional and personal lives. We explore goals and desires, obstacles and progress in coaching, and I've created a Coaching Mastermind that has been a great fit for leaders to get a chance to offer peer support as well as get coaching. Spiritual direction is for people who want companionship in their spiritual journey and are not getting the support they need in their present season.
Tell us about yourself
I first began helping people as a CliftonStrengths coach back in 2012 and haven't stopped! I love helping people discover what they love to do, how they are unique, and explore areas of conflict within them that keep them from thriving. My services are client-directed, meaning I usually don't approach people as the "guru" or set the agenda but help my clients, who are the real authority in their lives, have the kind of support they need to live creative, resourceful, and meaningful lives!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Running a small business is no joke! I've run three now and have learned so much about accounting, marketing, strategy, service, building, customer service, and so much more! Getting to see my executives take huge leaps forward in their mentality, relationships, and workplace strategies is very rewarding for me.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It's a lot to carry, especially as a sole proprietor. I needed support from my coaching colleagues throughout my different businesses to know I wasn't alone and to help me unlock my way forward.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't do it alone! Join a group, get a coach, and ask a friend to help process big decisions.
- Find the pain point - figure out what the client needs, what you can bring to solve it, and start letting people know. It's not fun to "sell yourself," but no one knows what you can do like you can.
- Don't be shy, don't wait, and don't talk yourself down! If there's a glaring deficiency in your strategy, that's what contractors and programs are for! For example, a friend was convinced she couldn't run biz because she wasn't good at accounting - but there are so many good programs that make it easy, and lots of accounting firms can carry that load as well.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.flourishdirection.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishdirection
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejohnnycakes/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnarndt81/
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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