Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in career development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Robin De Lucia, Founder and Career Coach of IMPower Coaching, located in Ryde, NSW, Australia.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I find that, especially in Australia, people fear being labelled with a tall poppy syndrome, so talking about themselves, let alone doing it without boasting, is very uncomfortable. As a Career Coach, I help people sift through their noisy unproductive thoughts in connecting with what they are good at and then help them apply their strengths to better career decisions to make money doing what they love. I help people see the good in themselves by asking thoughtful questions that allow people to get out of their own way. I also help people transition into different roles and careers through resume revision, interview preparation, and networking techniques that will help them succeed. Two-thirds of my clients are women, ages 20-60, and one-third of my clients are men, ages 20-60. I especially connect with working women and minorities who lack confidence and want to achieve their own career success.
Tell us about yourself
I worked in Director roles for companies like American Express and IBM in Technologies, and in my most recent Director role, I was the head of Human Resources and Corporate Services for a telecommunications company in Australia. I got my first supervisor role at the age of 25 and found what I loved the most was seeing the potential in others and cultivating that.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment was building a sustainable business. I am near my 5th anniversary, and I am fully aware that 60% of small businesses fail within the first three years, so I am proud that much of my business comes from referrals.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing was overcoming my imposter syndrome to put myself out there on social media. Doing videos and from-the-heart blog articles have made me feel incredibly vulnerable, but I've been so excited by the response I get. I've also had to evolve my website, my marketing strategy, my target customers, my pricing - pretty much everything!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
It took me a lot of trial and error to figure out what customers wanted and how to gain their trust. My tips would be:
- Consult with some experts to really help you define your niche and why you're different - don't start too broad, as it will confuse the customer.
- Don't go cheap on your website - hire a web developer and photographer to take some great images and help you tell your story. A website with a personal story goes a long way.
- You will sometimes have difficult customers - get some coaching to learn how to set your boundaries so that your clients understand their accountabilities and you are able to cultivate respectful client relationships. Go with your gut. If the customer seems troublesome, it's better to politely decline.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.impowercoaching.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/impowercoaching.com.au
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impowercoaching
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/impower-coaching
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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