Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in leadership development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kelly Knowles, Founder of Kelly K. Consulting, located in Nashville, TN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I guide individuals and teams through customized one-on-one and group coaching as well as through interdepartmental team training. I know that when someone discovers their inner leadership, they will begin to maximize their life in a satisfying and authentic way.
With more than 20 years of speaking (keynotes, webinars, conferences, and more), training, and instructional (delivery and design) experience, I'm equipped to teach you and your team how to strengthen your interpersonal skills and increase your leadership effectiveness. Kelly K. Consulting specializes in helping people find their NEXT – their inner leadership and how to move forward. I am not a "programmatic" coach or speaker, or even facilitator! It is important to me that I meet people where they are, and help them to Discover, Develop, and Dig-in. Sometimes that is an organized program of activity. Sometimes it is trial and error.
What sets me apart is that when I work with a group or individual, I take a very consultative approach. I don't immediately offer a solution until I have an understanding of what the PAIN points are. What the end goal is. Then, I work collaboratively to provide a presentation or program, or plan that will move to that. No one wants to hear someone pontificate on their program – they want results. I want people to leave whatever it is we do together with actionable items and a sense that this was absolutely worth their time. Then and now.
Tell us about yourself
For several years my husband and I were raising grandchildren. When they returned to their mother, we found ourselves empty nesters, and I found I was lost. As someone who loves to coach and speak, I did what a lot of people do; I began to think about what I wanted for my NEXT. I joined Toastmasters and worked on a certification in Color Code Personality. Kelly K Consulting grew out of that, and I began to build my speaking and coaching reputation and network. The business originated in 2019 when I realized that I wanted to work with other organizations and individuals to help them solve unique needs in professional development that have a key impact on their bottom line. I love seeing people pursue their innate purpose and develop. That is a game-changer!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I don't consider a single accomplishment but the combination of several small steps. I'm really proud of developing a Presenting for Impact Bootcamp for Executives. What I am recently most proud of is finishing a book I started 20+ years ago: Chin Hairs and Other Things Mama Didn't Tell You: From Surviving to Thriving in your 20s and 30s. This book was a labor of love, and a local Nashville graphic artist designed the cover and all of the illustrations. I love that I have something that I believe is a resource for women who are in all stages of life and that the stories resonate with all women. It is part "guidebook" and part "humor," and I'm super proud of it. Is it perfect? Of course not. But I am incredibly excited to have it out there in the world.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Doing things that are not your "superpower" and figuring out when to outsource and when to "slog through it." I think it's important to "mind the store" and know where your money is going and if it is being spent well - and on the right things. As a small business owner, there is a myriad of resources - and it's making the decision on which resources to pay for, which ones (like SCORE) that are free and useful - and when.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't wait until you are ready. You will always find an excuse not to be.
- Be authentic. Know when to turn down a business that is not a good fit.
- Breathe. Accept that you will fail. Failure can be positive in the long run.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://kellyknowles.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/KellyKConsulting
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellykconsult/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kellykconsult
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kellykconsulting/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.