Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sue Ingebretson, owner of RebuildingWellness, located in Orange, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I've owned my own consulting and coaching business for two decades. I began teaching workshops in 2003, and my business spread from there. I mainly educate, support, and encourage those in the chronic illness community, including fibromyalgia and autoimmune conditions.
Tell us about yourself
I'm in the uncommon position of being a life and health coach who has reversed my own health challenges. Years ago, I was nearly completely disabled by the symptoms of chronic pain, fatigue, and cognitive challenges familiar to those with fibromyalgia. I'm a natural-born researcher, so I sought out solutions for my own health concerns, experimented (a lot!), and discovered my own answers. I'm grateful to say that I reversed my health challenges and now support others on their own journeys toward improved health. I'm personally fulfilled each time a client has a breakthrough and begins to see an attainable healthy future for him or herself. That drives me forward in my work to share the good news of healing chronic illness.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'm very proud of the fact that I've written and produced four books in the holistic health field (so far). Each one is different, and they serve different purposes for my business and for my clients and community. They've helped me spread my message in a bigger way so that I can continue to do personalized coaching for those who want it while still educating the community as a whole.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Marketing. I'm a natural researcher, writer, educator, and guide for those who want to improve their health. Marketing doesn't feel easy to me, and when it comes to my successes, I've done a few things right, and I've gotten a lot of things wrong. Just like my own health challenges, there has been a lot of trial and error. If I could do it all over again, I'd drop the belief that I needed to do everything that others are doing (in the marketing world) and instead focus on what feels natural to me.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
First of all, I'd encourage anyone starting their own business to really do some introspective work and find that nugget of truth about what makes them different. It's hard to stand out in a cluttered world, but I guarantee that there is something unique and special about every business owner. Discovering this will serve as the very core of what will attract clients to them.
Next, I'd tell any business newbie to research the marketing methods of those in direct competition - with one caveat. Rather than looking at the methods to copy for yourself, look at them from the perspective of what appeals to you. There's nothing worse (not to mention unproductive) than implementing a marketing method you hate just because you think everyone else is doing it.
Finally, I'd let new business owners know that their business is a living and fluctuating entity. There's lots of ebb and flow. Meaning that while you can plan and predict to some degree, there are things you can't plan for and can't see coming. So be patient. Think long-term. Don't get stuck in the day-to-day struggles, and instead, keep your eyes on the successes as they build and grow. Some day soon, you'll look back and be amazed at how far you've come!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://rebuildingwellness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FibroWHYalgia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sue.ingebretson/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SueInge
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sueinge/
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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