Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and professional development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jordan Tepfer, Founder of Jordan Tepfer Coaching and Consulting, LLC, located in Victor, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My services include individual and group coaching, speaking engagements and presentations, and providing a proprietary attitudinal assessment (vs. a personality assessment). My clients are typically professionals who say to themselves, "I can't keep working this way, but I still want all the success," or "I'm successful on paper, but this isn't what I had envisioned it would look like." Many of my clients come from demanding industries that function on the billable hour model, such as CPAs, attorneys, and engineers, which is similar to my background as a CPA and CFP.
Tell us about yourself
I had achieved "on paper" success in my prior career based on a "success at all costs" mentality with virtually no boundaries and prioritizing work above everything else, driven largely by perfectionist tendencies and a fear of failure. During the pandemic, it became crystal clear that the way I was working was causing me to neglect the very thing that was most important to me--all of the relationships in my life, including my wife and young children. I decided to quit my job as the COO of a private investment firm and choose something based solely on what I thought I'd enjoy and be good at. I landed on coaching, which had always been a passion of mine. Shortly after enrolling in the intense 9-month iPEC coaching program, the things that caused me to work in a way that was so unsustainable in my prior career--the things about me that got in the way the most, were finally addressed. The results were life-changing. I thought about how much different my prior career and life outside of work during that time would have been if I had worked with a coach. What motivates me each day is the opportunity to genuinely connect and believe in the people I'm working with during our coaching sessions.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Having had the courage to follow my passion and start my coaching business. Further, to run it in a way that's completely authentic to me that helps me foster the thing I care about most--the relationships in my life.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Not having a salary to rely on as you would if you were an employee. It's incredibly motivating and invigorating, yet terrifying.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Choose something you both love and are good at.
- If you truly love it, you will have the perseverance necessary to succeed because when you get knocked down, you'll get back up to do something you love.
- Be patient. Especially if you intend to grow a business in a way that best suits you, it'll likely take much longer than you initially expected. Have things in place (i.e., continue working your current job) so you don't put yourself in a position that compromises how you want to build it because you are desperate for money.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.jordantepfer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083377387371
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordantepfercoaching/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-tepfer-cfp®-cpa-cpc-7696b860/
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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