Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sylvia High, founder and CEO of Aiming High Inc., located in Brentwood, CA, USA.

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

Aiming High Inc. is a transformational training and coaching company. We deliver content and context that empower individuals and organizations to thrive in any environment. Our commitment is to have each client connect to how CLOSE they are to their dreams versus how far. The focus is the discovery of hidden beliefs that block success. Our distinct training approach is 75% experiential. When we learn through experience, the learning lasts a lifetime. We have the privilege of partnering with thousands of individuals and organizations so that they are aligned and empowered to accomplish their goals in real time.

Tell us about yourself

After cycles of quitting, getting fired, and job-hopping, looking up and finding myself in despair, desperation, depression, and frustration, I decided to stop the madness and BE STILL. I asked myself some pointed questions. Instead of "What's wrong with me or Why do I keep doing the same thing over and over" -living in self-pity and loathing- I asked THE most powerful question of my entire life, "WHY AM I HERE?" Instantly, that voice inside where the truth lives responded by saying, "To Make A Difference." I then asked the second question, "WHAT DO I LOVE?" That same voice instantly answered again, "People." And that sparked my journey of self-discovery and finding my purpose. I became a student of ontology, which is the study of being. I quickly learned we are human BEINGS, not human DOINGS, and that we all matter. We are here to contribute using our unique gifts. When we live in this place, there is a level of fulfillment that is priceless. I developed Aiming High to empower others to own their value and live from their purpose. Over 20 years of transformational learning and experience have impacted thousands of global leaders, organizations, entrepreneurs, communities, and families.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

One of my biggest accomplishments is curating the annual I Am Woman Conference (IAWC). We are in our ninth year. This event has empowered thousands of women to accomplish and achieve goals that they believed were out of reach. It's truly amazing to see the impact it has had on the lives of so many. It's not just about bringing women together for a few days of inspiration and networking. It's about creating a community of women who support and uplift each other long after the conference is over. Through the IAWC, we have been able to help women overcome their fears and self-doubt and to take bold steps toward their dreams and aspirations. Women leave with new skill sets that have led to unprecedented results in their work, family, communities, and lives. I've experienced participants create results in every area of their lives: promotions, becoming published authors, marriage, doubling their annual income, and even establishing thriving businesses. It's an honor to have played a role in the growth and success of so many incredible women, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue this work in the years to come.

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

I must say it is wearing multiple hats. As a business owner, I'm the CEO, marketer, accountant, customer service, and more. It can be overwhelming if I allow it, but I know the power of the team and leaning on others' strengths. It has enhanced my ability to be laser-focused. Additionally, I've learned to stick with a goal from conception to completion, even in the face of distractions and limited resources. It's led to unprecedented achievements for my clients and in my personal and professional life. Thousands of individuals and organizations achieve the goals they dream about.

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

Three top tips I love to share and empower individuals looking to start, run and grow a business today are:

  1. CLARITY - I encourage them to get clear on their WHY and purpose for starting the business. WHY YOU? Ask yourself why you are in business and what drives you to do what you do. Knowing your purpose will give you the motivation and determination to keep going, even when things get tough.
  2. COMPELLING VISION - Your vision is the North Star that will guide you through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. It's important to create a compelling vision so that it inspires you during rough patches and keeps you empowered in spite of the challenges.
  3. THE GAME PLAN / STRATEGY - A game plan/strategy that provides flexibility so that you can adjust your action steps and shift courses when needed. This flexibility is a superpower for the entrepreneur.

With these tips in mind, I believe anyone can start, run, and grow a successful, thriving business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.aiminghighinc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sylvia.high/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sylviahigh/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylviahigh/

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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