Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in coaching, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Isabeau Iqbal, based in Vancouver, Canada.
What's your business and who are your customers?
I help ambitious perfectionists leverage their perfectionism so they can bust through procrastination, overwhelm, and imposter syndrome and advance in their career (without throwing quality of life out the window!).
I am a career coach who works one-on-one with professionals who are ready to make a change.
Tell us about yourself
As an ambitious perfectionist myself, I have a soft spot for others who share perfectionist tendencies such as (excessively) high standards, indecision, and the need for control.
I know the positive potential of these perfectionist tendencies, and the potential pitfalls.I chose to work with ambitious perfectionists, to help them see their strengths and how to use these, as part of an overall desire to counter the common advice that perfectionism is something to overcome.
That advice largely neglects aspects of perfectionism that can be career assets. Other things about me: I am certified with the International Coaching Federation (Associate Certified Coach) and am a Gallup-Certified Coach. I have a PhD in Education.
I love people’s career stories and I am fuelled by helping others to experience fulfillment at work and in their career.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Managing my mind and thoughts so I stay focussed on serving my clients and growing as a solopreneur (vs spinning out in self-doubt).
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things is being a beginner at so many things! I was accustomed to feeling competent and an expert. As someone with a PhD and who was well-established in my previous career, it was hard to go through the “I suck” phase of marketing, sales, writing copy, and more.
I don’t think that beginner feel ever goes away completely because if you keep stretching yourself, there will always be something new to learn and grow into.
What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
1. Be patient: success comes from consistently doing the work.
2. Keep showing up: there can be phases in your business when it seems like nothing is working and nothing will ever work. Keep serving, keep doing the work you love to do. Don’t over-rely on “evidence” to believe that you’re on the right path.
3. Do whatever you need to in order to be in a good mental space: I believe that, even if you have the slickest website, marketing, funnels etc, your (my!) business won’t grow unless I’m in a good space mentally.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I love the autonomy, creativity and challenge involved in having my own business.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://ca.linkedin.com/in/isabeauiqbal
----------
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share then email community@subkit.com, we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.