Stories of Brave, Unapologetic Women

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Wendy Battles, podcast host of Reinvention Rebels, located in Woodbridge, CT, USA.

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

My business is hosting the Reinvention Rebels podcast. As the host, I share stories of brave and unapologetic women, 50-90 years young, who have boldly reinvented themselves to find new purpose and possibilities. These women are fierce and fabulous - like Carolyn, who STARTED her modeling career at 72, and Mary, who started running at 55. At 71, she's running in global marathons and says she's in the best shape of her life ever.

My customers (aka listeners) are midlife and older women who are looking for inspiration to move forward in their lives and could use a boost. By hearing the stories of other women, they can see a part of themselves in these stories. It's a motivator, a dose of inspiration and encouragement to try on their own reinvention no matter how big or small and no matter their age.

Tell us about yourself

I work in cybersecurity by day and as a podcaster by night (and early morning and lunch hours too). I'm passionate about helping to change the narrative about older women in society. I love sharing Reinvention Rebels stories and shining a light on these amazing women who are disrupting aging. I love what I do so much. In fact, I start my day at 4:45, working on the podcast every morning in the most joyful way. I can't wait to get started!

I got into podcasting by chance. I'd been asked to be on a panel at work about personal branding. In preparing for the panel, I came across a podcast called Package Your Genius. The premise is that there's something we all can shine at like no one else. I started thinking a lot about where I shine and how I could live more on purpose.

While meditating, one day, I heard a tiny whisper, "Reinvention Rebels" I was like, Reinvention what? But that's where it started. More reflection time led to the insight that it was a podcast. While I listened to a lot of podcasts, I didn't know anything about producing one. That's where my podcasting journey began. I launched it in October 2020, and I'm still going strong and continuing to build my audience. I'm so excited about the possibilities for future collaborations and growth.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is showing up consistently. As a podcaster, it's all about consistently producing episodes and promoting them. No one likes "pod fade" when a podcast disappears. I've learned from prior business experience that you have to show up when you say you're going to show up to build trust with your audience. I can see the results when I do!

Showing up has led to some great opportunities, like a recent article in the Wall St. Journal - not about my podcast specifically, but my being active on social media, a reporter found me when searching for "women over 60" consistency (and persistence) make all the difference.

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

Not enough time! I have so many ideas and things I'd like to do to grow the show. Things take so much longer than we think. Producing the podcast is super time-consuming, so I'm still trying to figure out how to strategically pursue more opportunities with my limited time frame. Definitely working on how to work smarter and continue to move toward my goals.

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

Be clear on your why. When I had a prior business as a health coach, I never felt fully invested in it. I wasn't passionate. With the Reinvention Rebels podcast, I'm so clear that this is what I'm meant to do! It's a lot of work but at the same time doesn't feel like work because it's full of joy.
Have a clear vision and plan - ever notice that we can get super excited about a new endeavor and not think it through carefully? I've done that more times than I'd like to recall. Beginning with the end in mind makes all the difference in succeeding and bringing your dream to fruition.
Expect challenging times. All businesses have ups and downs. Unpredictable things happen. Have a success mindset and expect there will be difficult times. With the right mindset, you can overcome challenges and keep moving forward.

No matter your business, I think having a passion for what you're doing is key. When you can lean into your purpose and passion, whatever you're doing is done with so much more joy. If you're going to spend as much time as it takes to run a business, make sure it's something you absolutely love!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://reinventionrebels.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReinventionRebels
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reinventionrebels/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RebelsReinvent
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyabattles/

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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