Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sheila Gruenwald, founder of Reclaim Corporate Training, located in Williams Lake, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Reclaim is a training company! But not just any training company! Our clients are amazing people who are inspired to grow both in their personal lives and in their corporate lives. Reclaim ties together "survival skills"!
Did you know that the same skills required to survive in the wilderness are the same skills required to survive and thrive in the corporate world? Learn how.... contact us!
Tell us about yourself
I never wanted to or intended to be a leader... Accidental Leadership! In many of the situations I would find myself in, I ended up leading, whether that was teaching martial arts, serving in Search and Rescue, or in a group of friends doing something together.
When I found myself a widow with four kids and a grade 12 education with a gymnastics coaching certificate, I was lost. I knew I needed to do something that would provide an income for my kids. I had promised myself that I would "never go to work a day in my life ."What I mean by that is that I had to be passionate about what I was doing. I wanted to get paid for doing what I loved.
So I sat down with my markers and my roll of paper. (Yes, literally a newspaper roll of paper) And I started to write down what inspired me. I knew then that I needed to write my book. My heart sunk when I realized that what I knew would not be respected in "the real world," so I signed up for university and got my Masters's Degree in Leadership and Training. That is an entire story on its own. While writing my thesis, I was also writing my book; they seemed to go together.
I am a horrible employee... I knew that I needed to run my own business, so open a computer and learned how to start a corporation. Then I had a website built for me and started to advertise. My business grew and grew and grew. I hired coaches to help me with some of the overflows, and they also did their own courses.
No matter how big or small my business was, my inspiration and motivation is the look on a client's face when they 'get it"... the "AHHA" moments. That is my coaching... my reason for the blood, sweat, and tears.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
This is always a favorite question to ask and one of the hardest to answer.
As a business owner, you MUST embrace each challenge as an opportunity to learn. If you get frustrated with the challenges... you will be an employee.
So, my biggest accomplishment was to take the "character developing moments" and sit with them.... learn from them... and then teach those lessons to others.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
SELF DISCIPLINE!!!! Getting up each day and doing what you need to do even when you do not "feel like it ."Get used to being your own boss, looking at yourself in the mirror, and getting things done. I always used the Critical Six list. This kept me focused on my larger goals.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Choose a business that you are willing to do even if you don't get paid!
- Be honest and realistic with your ability to self-discipline.
- Do not rely on others- you got this!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
There are two distinct types of people in the world- entrepreneurs and T4 people. The world NEEDS both! Do some honest soul searching with yourself or with a professional and throw the real "meat on the table. The reason so many small businesses don't make it past five years is that:
- The vision was not strong enough ( you aren't willing to do it when you don't get paid).
- Goals are not clearly set ( lack of focus for long term and short term).
- Personality type (lack the self-discipline for the daily push).
When you need help, turn to those who have what you want!
Always have a mentor! Look for funding to participate in personal development every year!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://rctraining.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReclaimCorporateTraining/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.
