Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in coaching but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Maria Kolesnikoff, Founder of Your Way Up Coaching LLC., located in Kirkland, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a career strategist and executive coach, and I'm offering my services to those who seek passion and fulfillment in their profession. I help to define what is the right professional path for them, whether they want to build their career in a corporation, in their own business, or in serving the community where they can make a difference and enjoy doing that.
Tell us about yourself
I have gotten about 20 years in the Human Resources field. For half of my corporate career, I have been involved in people development. I have built my own career growing from individual contributor to HR Director. I have been building career advancement processes and procedures in corporations. I've started and carried my own business. I know how it works and how it feels, what is needed, and what to look out for along the way. It makes me happy to see how my clients find their passion and build strategies to advance their careers and how they get promoted or become entrepreneurs.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being a business owner is an accomplishment for me. Being courageous to start my own business and keep on growing it. While in my corporate career, I have been convinced that I'm not entrepreneurial material, that I'm not creative and bold enough to be successful, and that I don't have the ideas or skills to run it. Turned out these all were limiting beliefs, and I'm happy that I have proven myself wrong. I have gotten more freedom and work-life balance with what I'm doing now than I have ever had when working in big companies.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
To me, one of the hardest things is making business decisions, especially for the first time. It is usually a risk and financial investment, and there are no guarantees that the decision will be successful. One thing I know for sure, though, is that if you don't make decisions if you don't take risks, you will fail 100%. But if you do, there is at least a 50% chance that you will win. And to me, it is worth trying.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Here are my life hacks for anybody who wants to be an entrepreneur.
- Choose the area/product/service you are passionate about. Sometimes only passion will be able to carry you through the hardships.
- Get yourself educated on how the business operates. It is important to know what is needed to make sure your business is sustainable, as well as what you are good at and what you don't know how to do or don't want to do. Don't waste your time trying to excel in the area you are bad at; you will only get disappointed and still will not reach satisfying results. Whatever you don't want to do - outsource!
- Be bold! Dare to think big and go for it. You gonna get it!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Are you thinking about opening your business? There is a chance that I'm your support system, and working together, we will set you up for success. Let's talk and find out.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.yourwayup.coach/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-kolesnikoff/
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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