Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in coaching, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nkiru Asika of Women Building Authority, based in Canada, Toronto.
What's your business and who are your customers?
Female coaches, consultants and service providers, typically 40+, who are looking to legacy as well as making more money. However they feel invisible, like their industry's best-kept secret and they don't know how to capture the attention of their target market.
Tell us about yourself
I've worn many different hats in the worlds of content, media, marketing and now online business. My background includes everything from journalism to TV production to owning a hip-hop themed cafe, but I got into the online world first as a copywriter, then became a coach and now online membership owner as well.
I'm motivated by my personal WHY - "To support women to be more vocal, visible and valued so they can expand possibilities for themselves and for all women."
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I've had greater financial success in previous businesses but I am proud of my pivot into the online space three years ago. I was a complete Luddite, not on social media at all, no online connections and no clue about digital marketing. I'm amazed by the fact that I have learned so much that I now coach and train others in online marketing.
My biggest thrill is seeing the difference in people's lives when they finally grasp a concept, or they can see a way forward to achieving their goals, or they grow in confidence, clarity and ability to position themselves as an authority, make more money and have more impact.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Impostor syndrome - being afraid that you're a fraud because other people have been doing this longer than you have or you haven't yet achieved whatever measure of success you set for yourself. Getting over your own limiting beliefs and staying focused on why you do what you do is an ongoing but necessary battle.
What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
(1) Get started - you are never going to feel 100% ready so just go for it. You will learn along the way. You will make mistakes but what you see as failure is really feedback.
(2) Invest in yourself - take courses, find a coach, use the best tools you can afford.
(3) Love what you do - entrepreneurship is hard so if you don't enjoy the day to day work then you will never make it; I can work all hours because I genuinely enjoy what I do.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I can't remember who it was that said that entrepreneurship is the highest form of personal development. I find that to be true. You will discover more about yourself as a person - your strengths and weaknesses, your values, your creativity, your drive - as an entrepreneur than in any other endeavour.
Where can people find you and your business?
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as an entrepreneur or business coach 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.