Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Steve Perkins, CEO and Founder of Greenhouse Coaching, located in Richmond, VA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We work with people who are feeling stuck, trying to figure out what's next in their career or improve their team culture and leadership. We do it through the Greenhouse Method, our unique coaching process that helps people clarify their Career Sweetspot, launch their dream job or business, and grow in their life/career/leadership. It also helps teams find their footing and work together better. So, whether it's an early, mid, or late career, our members and clients are intentional people going after greater fulfillment in life and career.
Tell us about yourself
For years, I was never quite sure what I wanted to be when I grew up. I graduated with a top engineering degree, got a Fortune 500 job, and still felt lost and not sure what I wanted to be. On top of that, it felt frustrating that there didn't seem to be a process for figuring it out either. At the same time, I realized my passion for company culture after experiencing a very toxic work environment. It all came together when I was working at a large company, building a team to transform company culture, and learned about professional career/leadership coaching.
I thought, "I'm not really the therapist type... I'm more of an entrepreneur", but the more I learned, the more I realized this was my thing. Plus, it's not just hype and Monday back to old habits - coaching was the first thing I found that truly works! My quest to find my calling, help people find theirs, develop great company culture, and build my own company all clicked. So I made plans to leave corporate America and start Greenhouse Coaching.
At this point, we have a small powerhouse team building a scalable coaching community and helping people live more intentionally. My vision and dream is to have incredible retreat experiences where people can gain clarity for their career purpose, meet other great people around unforgettable meals, and take actual steps into what's possible for their lives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Surviving the pandemic as a young business with a team more committed than ever because we built a people-first culture.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It can be lonely in a service-based business that has scalable digital offerings, as well as high-touch client work. It feels like a newer space where there aren't many people to talk with who get it. Digital marketing is a challenging, ever-changing space, and unless you're simply a personality brand, it can be hard to connect and convert. So you have solo personality brands and VC-funded tech startups, but not much in-between.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Problem. Process. Plan. People pay to solve a problem, they trust you if you have a unique process, and you can grow if you have a clear plan for where you're headed, how you'll profit, and how you'll stay focused to get there. There's so much other noise to eat up your time, but if you focus on these three things, it will go well.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
As a business owner, I find the most important thing is my system for staying focused on what matters most. It's not as interesting as the latest marketing hacks or anything, but it's what moves the needle!
Check out our podcast, Career Sweetspot!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://greenhousecoaching.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenhousecoaching/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-perkins-leadership-coach/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbug9Ce1C_z3Pjl4wBzXpWg
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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