Organization Change Expert - Liz Howard
Interested in starting your entrepreneurial journey in personal development, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Liz Howard, founder, of The Leadership Coaching Group, from Massachusetts, United States.
Tell us all about your business...
I help people get in touch with their natural strengths, which they can use to shape their work and world. I develop ethical and conscious leaders through small group classes and individual coaching.
What's your background and motivation to grow as a solopreneur?
After completely burning out working in a massive corporation for six years, I knew there had to be a better way to be successful at work. I spent the next few years developing a leadership development program to encourage those with influence to help make the position a better place for their employees. It has been a fantastic experience! But as I've spent more time learning about myself and others, I realize many of us, when we are driven, lose ourselves in all the expectations that we think we should be and do. I've become motivated to help people tap into their authenticity and interests and let those shine through more brightly than the "should's" that hold so many of us down.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The biggest accomplishment, hands down, is having more control over my time. I have a toddler who needs a lot of me right now. If I had a more conventional job, I likely would have missed so much time with him. I will always be grateful for the flexibility I have.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a solopreneur?
Learning how to disconnect from your business is challenging. As an owner, you don't have clean-cut hours. The types of worries you have are all-encompassing, especially when you still wear most hats at work. This striving can often lead to an emotional attachment to a business. I struggled early on to know when to walk away from companies and remember that the business is not my baby. It's an exploration. And if it doesn't work out as planned, it's okay to pivot.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run or grow a small business today?
- Be very clear on what you want to do and who you want to do it for. Ambiguity is dangerous here. Putting too much in this category usually isn't helpful either.
- Plan for your taxes immediately. They will be far more expensive than you expect. Save accordingly INSTANTLY.
- Talk to your ideal customer regularly to understand how your work can play into their lives. This can be fun!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I am learning to spend time every day cultivating specific passions of mine. Right now, that is writing for me. Business owners benefit from allowing creativity to flow through them regularly and not just by performing their modus operandi for getting things done. I encourage you to have some fun doing something outside the scope of your work. It's wise to commit to having a little fun each day!
Where can people find you?
Website: https://www.theleadershipcoachinggroup.com/
Podcast: https://www.tlcgpodcast.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theleadershipcoachinggroup/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.