Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Karen McMahon, Founder of Journey Beyond Divorce, located in Rockaway Beach, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Journey Beyond Divorce is an international coaching company that supports men and women in mending or ending their relationships. We specialize in high-conflict relationships and divorce, guiding individuals through the before, during, and post-divorce challenges. Our team of 7 certified life coaches is dedicated to helping clients use the pain of separation and divorce to be more empowered and effective as they negotiate the legalities of their divorce. Our unique approach focuses on our clients healing their hearts and refining their character so that they may enjoy the best possible post-divorce life.
Tell us about yourself
I not only survived but thrived after my 3.5 years of hellacious high, conflict divorce. In 2006 I walked away a single divorce mom of two young school-age children with a tenuous commission-only sales position and about $40K in debt. I was beyond scared yet equally grateful to be free.
I learned a lot about myself and grew as a woman, mom, and professional as a result of the many upsets, challenges, and financial crises I faced during those divorce years. I could not continue in my sales career after experiencing such a life-altering transformation. I needed to do something that would leave a positive impact on the world. I had no idea what that could possibly be. I networked, researched, prayed...a lot, and ultimately found my calling.
In 2010 I took a huge risk, enrolled in a school, and embarked on a new career that would require me to start my own business. By the end of that year, I had launched what is now Journey Beyond Divorce, a relationship and divorce coaching practice.
Today I get to spend my 9 - 5 helping men and woman accept, embrace, and move past the pain of their divorce and use all that pain to fuel personal growth and lasting change, all while being more confident and productive in negotiating the terms of their divorce.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I began my business in 2010 on a shoestring budget. We entered 2023 with 7 JBD coaches and solid support staff, and we are in the top 1% of podcasts worldwide!! Launching my podcast (against my then Business Consultant's advice) was the best move I made. I can now speak to thousands of people every week from my home office... educating, encouraging, guiding, and supporting them through the darkest season of their lives. We support many of them with 1:1 coaching and our online group coaching programs.
I also have had many men and women reach out to share that while they never spoke to us or invested in our coaching services, we have had an immensely positive impact on their lives and the outcomes of their divorce. With over a million downloads of our podcast, it is such a blessing to know that we have been a beacon for so many.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I was a fully commissioned salesperson, so I had years of experience knowing and living with 'if you don't land the client,' you don't get paid. For many of my peers coming from corporate and comfortable with a consistent paycheck and benefits package, that was a huge shift to make.
I was a single mom with a lot of debt. Making the transition into my business was a very heavy lift!! I needed to learn how to plan, market, sell, track, bill, collect, blog, update my website and practice this new skill of coaching, all while raising my kids and holding onto my full-time job until there was enough income from the business to sustain me. My mom thought I was nuts!
I crafted a two-year transition plan from sales to full-time CEO / Coach of Journey Beyond Divorce. Thankfully, God had a significantly better, four-year plan which unfolded with perfection. That doesn't mean it was smooth or easy, though. There were many months I didn't know how I was going to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table.
There is so much to learn and so much to do when you start your own business, even if you have more capital than I did. Getting clear on your priorities and finding the 'low-hanging fruit' to begin generating an income requires a level of tenacity, determination, and a significant dose of faith.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make sure you want to be a business owner. You spend 95% of the time working ON your business in the beginning, and that percentage goes down slowly for most of us. Does it blow up your skirt to learn marketing, understand a P & L, strategize, learn to sell and close clients, etc.?
- Niche is a thing. You cannot be everything to everyone. It makes the difference between those of us that stand apart with crystal clarity. Get clear on your 'ideal client' and market only to that person - you may be able to help others, yet you want to attract your ideal client and grow from there.
- It's a marathon. Pace yourself and get support early on. There will be amazing days and lonely, scary days. Join support or mastermind groups that understand what you are going through and are further ahead than you.
- Have fun with it. Being your own boss is The Best...in my humble opinion.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeybeyonddivorce
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journey_beyond_divorce/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenmcmahon/
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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