Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Libby Cole, Founder of Expand Coaching and Consulting, LLC., located in Brunswick, GA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Healthy self-awareness is the number one predictor of leadership success. Couple that with the ability to better relate interpersonally, and you are a leader who is more engaged and effective. I started to Expand Coaching and Consulting in order to challenge others to ditch "good enough" and uncover their potential. I use the Enneagram as a tool to explore many areas of self-awareness and interpersonal effectiveness, including areas of communication, conflict resolution, self-care and stress management, and so much more. I focus on facilitating change and growth in order to encourage true transformation. Understanding your own internal motivations as well as getting a sneak peek into the "why" of those around you is not only interesting, it can be life-changing. Anyone anywhere can benefit from my services. I offer individual, couples, and team coaching. My clients come from around the world in industries across insurance, social media, healthcare, education, oil and gas, marketing, and nonprofits.

Tell us about yourself

The Enneagram changed my life. It healed relationships that had been hurting for years. It gave me the permission I didn't even know I needed to start my own business. Helping others experience the same kind of transformation gets me out of bed every day.

I draw upon my 13+ years of professional experience in higher education and human resources. I also utilize the listening skills and tools I learned during my master's degree in Counselor Education and an undergraduate degree in Psychology.

I currently live in Brunswick, Georgia. I am blessed to have been married for 12 years and love being outnumbered by my redheaded husband and two ginger children. I love spending time outside, playing with the kids and our two Goldendoodles, and watching the newest binge-worthy shows with my husband.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I recently celebrated my two-year business anniversary. In those two years, I have worked with over 2,500 individuals throughout 170 sessions and presentations. I have worked virtually with individuals and teams from across the United States as well as across the globe in England, Singapore, Japan, and Canada. My clients have included teams from Facebook, LinkedIn, Airbnb, Slack, and NerdWallet. These were certainly all things to celebrate!

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things I've had to learn is how to set healthy boundaries around my work/life balance, especially in the beginning. I went from being in a traditional office to working from home and having my office right off my bedroom. I would get up in the middle of the night and go out to my office if something popped into my head. I had to work on making sure I was practicing balance and moderation for my own self-care as well as for my family.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Always be thinking one step ahead. If you stay too focused on the present, then you won't have the business coming in that you need in the future.
  2. Use your resources. Make sure you are aware of the many resources out there and utilize them. These will vary based on your industry, but you don't have to go it alone.
  3. Tap into your network and actively build it. When I first started out, I relied on the people I knew and how I could connect with and help them. I understand the importance of the people in your life, and I have intentionally built my network. That old adage is there for a reason - it's truly "who you know."

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I have never taken a single business class and started this business without having anyone to guide me. I really jumped in head first and have figured it out as I've gone along.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://expandcandc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/expandcandc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enneagramtoexpand/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3tX1G20

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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