Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ricky Powell, Owner of Lifelong Happiness, located in Thousand Oaks, CA, USA.

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

I own a speaking, coaching, and training business. My customers are heart-centered entrepreneurs, coaches, speakers, and authors who want to make a positive impact on the world but need help and support from a trusted mentor. I guide them in turning their dreams of serving, and running a successful business, into a reality. I also work with businesses and organizations delivering keynotes, breakout sessions, and training to help their leaders and employees thrive. This results in higher levels of employee engagement and a more inspired corporate culture.

Tell us about yourself

During my 30-year career in network television, I found myself at a crossroads. I enjoyed putting every drama, comedy, and reality show on the air, yet I recognized what mainstream media is doing to our culture and society. There is so much negative energy and programming out there, and I wanted to step up and serve on a higher, more meaningful level. I launched my Lifelong Happiness website in 2009 and built it into a great resource for all things positive. I began my public speaking and corporate training career while I was still employed full-time at the network.

Today, I am relaunching my website and happily launching the community I first envisioned all those years ago. It is my goal to fundamentally change the way most people look at themselves and what they believe is possible for them. My mission in life is to inspire and help as many people as I can turn that little voice inside their head from being their worst enemy into their best friend. This enables them to experience all that life has to offer and discover their true calling.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I have had the honor to speak and train in front of many prestigious companies and organizations including the US Navy, US Senate, NBC Universal, Warner Brothers, Paramount, HBO, United Talent, Raytheon, Cushman & Wakefield, and many more. I have also helped my coaching clients get from a place of sadness and uncertainty to high levels of confidence, joy and clarity.

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

Having persistence and knowing that giving up is not an option. If you're truly going to be a success, you need to burn the boats and understand there can be no Plan B. I've been there, done that, and now help others make that same leap.

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

  1. Make sure you have a coach or mentor to help you navigate through all of the potential landmines that are waiting to explode. Every successful person has had someone like this in their life, from Oprah and Tiger Woods to Tony Robbins and Serena Williams. Learn from the experts; you don't have time to figure it all out on your own.
  2. Be authentic. People buy from people they know, like, and trust. Many people want to avoid being vulnerable and completely open. Having these traits, and utilizing them, is exactly what sets me apart from the rest of the crowd. You will be doing yourself and your clients a big favor if you check your ego at the door and simply be your true self.
  3. Come from a place of servant leadership. I am so grateful for all those that choose to work with me, and I don't hide that fact. We can't resonate with 100% of the people. That's impossible, nor should we even try for that. We are meant to serve those who align with us and want to be around us to glean the positive energy we are able to provide for them. Lead by example and serve those who appreciate you. You will be amazed at the circle of reciprocity that is formed and how much you and your clients and customers will gain from the experience.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.lifelonghappiness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifelongHappiness
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickypowell/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/choosehappiness
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lifelonghappiness/

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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