Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mila Lansdowne, Founder of Mila Lansdowne Coaching & Consulting, located in Tumbler Ridge, BC, Canada.

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

My business is the expression of my mission to help people create a fulfilling life by generating income with an activity that brings them joy and is based on their natural talents and passions. I help creative people earn money by monetizing their talents and expertise and using digital marketing tools.

My customers are aspiring online entrepreneurs and organizations focused on support of self-employment and start-ups. I deliver a 12-week program for general audiences and a specialty 12-week training on "how to generate income with silk painting with no previous experience," focusing on women's financial empowerment.

Tell us about yourself

My business is my lifework, my mission, and the expression of my firm belief that we can do what we love and create service with this activity to earn income in a state that inspires success. I learned that the key to success is understanding how to utilize the creative activity of our thoughts to pursue our dreams. I learned to develop creative solutions. I went through two divorces, am a two-time widow, faced a career change six times, and immigrated twice, leaving a country where I lived for 20 years and embraced the unknown. Today I live in British Columbia, where I dedicate my life to the assistance and empowerment of women. For me, women are the foundation of our society, and helping to improve their life experiences will improve the whole. My vision is to create a world where people live their purpose in peace and prosperity. My work is my mission.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is understanding that I am the creator of my positive and negative experiences and the continuous improvement of my ability to focus and follow my dreams, which resulted in the tremendously fulfilling lifework that makes me jump out of bed every morning excited about the day ahead.

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

The hardest thing is not losing sight of the big picture and the passion we had at the beginning, staying in a positive, creative, solution-focused thought process despite what media or uninformed sources may say. We must focus on facts and think proactively with the clarity of the result we want to realize.

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

  1. Clear Vision: Get crystal clear about what lifestyle you want to create with your business. Build a plan and strategy to get there (SMART goals).
  2. Inspiring Reason Why: Define a strong reason why you want this business/lifestyle (hint: see the more significant benefit it will create, e.g., for your loved ones or the change you wish to see in the world) only with a strong reason you'll be able to master the challenges on your way.
  3. Support of a coach or mentor (someone who doesn't have any personal agenda in your progress).

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

  • There is a difference between doing what you love to do and making money by doing what you love.
  • Understand that building success as an entrepreneur requires continuous learning and improvement. Learn SMART goals, plans, strategies, and tools.
  • Know your USP.
  • Memorize what you provide for whom, and be clear about the improvement your service provides for the client.
  • Build a professional network, have an online presence, and know your USP. Share your expertise, and build your following with clear intention for every post you create. Know why you take every action in your business. Focus on solutions.
  • Don't stop improving.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.milalansdowne.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MilaLansdownePublic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milalansdowne/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milalansdowne/

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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