Slay Your Dragons So You Can Shine - Kellie Garrett
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kellie Garrett, CEO of Kellie Garrett Enterprises, located in Regina, SK, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a speaker, executive coach, and leadership consultant. Certified Dare to Lead Facilitator, teaching the work of Brené Brown. I speak to large audiences on a range of topics: how to get out of your own way so you can shine, Dare to Lead, trust, vulnerability, psychological safety, giving and receiving feedback, resilience, women's advancement, and all things leadership. I coach executives in large organizations as well as entrepreneurs, senior management teams, and boards of directors. I teach Brené Brown's full curriculum inside organizations as well as via public workshops (online and in person).
Tell us about yourself
I started my business nine years ago after a long and successful career as a senior executive. I was ready for more freedom :) My purpose in life is to help others get out of their way so they can shine and realize their potential. Whether I'm on a stage speaking or working one-on-one with a coaching client, that's always my goal.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
100% of my business is from referrals or repeat engagements. I am continually amazed at how much business falls out of the sky, all based on my reputation.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I've elected to have no staff. So if the printer dies, I'm the one trying to figure it out. I miss having an IT department that raced down the hall to help when I needed it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Clear value proposition: what makes you stand out? Not just what you think but what others would say makes you different.
- Cash flow to make it through the start-up phase and then dry periods (if they occur) later on.
- Business development skills: networking, social media, advertising, website email capture.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Look up the concept ikigai, which is Japanese. 'Iki' in Japanese means 'life,' and 'gai' describes value or worth. It's the intersection between what you love to do, what the world needs, what you're good at and what you can get paid for. Find the sweet spot between these four areas. You may love to do something that has no market potential, or you may be good at something that doesn't feed your soul. Also: be objective about what you can get paid for. I have seen many entrepreneurs fail because they don't have the experience or expertise to compete in a crowded marketplace.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.kelliegarrett.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachKellieGarrett/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellieleighgarrett/
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/kellielgarrett
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-garrett-pcc-icd-d-38b5b81/
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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