Create Genuine Connections - Paula Shepherd Consulting

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Paula Shepherd, Founder of Paula Shepherd Consulting, LLC, located in Buda, TX, USA.

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

As a coach, consultant, and trusted advisor, I empower mid to executive-level professionals, business owners, teams, and organizations to communicate with courage and lead more consciously. Together we're challenging and dismantling the traditional business methods and adopting more innovative, people-first ways.

Tell us about yourself

I'd spent two decades trying to climb the corporate ladder. But no matter what I did or learned, I never felt good enough to speak up. After pursuing a coaching certification, I could use those skills to get curious, which led to advocating for myself in ways I was too afraid to do for most of my life. Every day, the work I do is supporting others to be a little more courageous in how they show up personally and professionally. Instead of waiting to be seen and heard, they create opportunities to speak up and take bold risks.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment has been the community I've created and the people I've been able to connect with. Without relationships, life and business are meaningless. Going from working in a cubicle knowing only the people I engaged with each day to serving clients in nine countries and bringing together people worldwide has been the most profound experience in business and life.

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

In my experience, being a business owner can be incredibly lonely. It's strange to be connected to so many people and to feel moments of deep isolation still, even when you know there are places you belong and people around you.

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

1. Get clear on your values, mission, and vision before you do anything else. Then revisit them at least once per year. These are the anchor for everything you do, so when something feels off or you have to make a tough decision, it's an easy way to re-evaluate and decide.
2. Don't go it alone! Hire a skilled coach who will listen to your ideas, challenge you and keep you pushing the edges of your comfort zone. If you need more funds to hire a coach, gather a few fellow business owners to mastermind. There's no reason not to get support. Asking for help (or not) can make or break your business.
3. Build your business around your life and take care of YOU. Put a non-negotiable time on the calendar to move and rest. Hydrate and eat well. You are a human, not a machine.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.thecourageblueprint.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/befearlesswithPaula
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/be_fearless_with_paula/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/befearlesswithpaula/

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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