Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in coaching but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brandi Oldham, Owner of Talent Career Coaching, located in Vancouver, WA, USA.

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

I own Talent Career Coaching, a career coaching business for individuals and small business owners.

Do you wake up in the morning feeling like there has to be more than this? Do you ever wonder if a career exists that aligns with your values and allows you to flourish in your personal life? Maybe it's time for a change? Or perhaps you need to make some changes in your current career track? Sometimes all we need is a new challenge to remind us why we love our career field.

That's exactly what I do! I help dreamers follow their big scary goals, job seekers ace the interview, and small business owners fall back in love with being an entrepreneur. It's normal to feel stagnant in your career sometimes, but you don't have to get stuck there. Let's identify what challenges you, drives you forward, and what you want to do to make an impact. My job as a coach is to help you achieve your highest potential.

Tell us about yourself

Before becoming a career coach, I struggled with my own career journey. After graduating from college, I found myself with a degree and a crippling amount of student loans. I took the first steady job I could find that would get me to Portland, OR. I spent five years working in the finance industry and HATED it. I loved my coworkers, had a very promising career trajectory in front of me, and was constantly challenged, but I wasn't helping people in a way that made me fulfilled. I felt like I had to choose between success and passion. It was the toughest decision I ever made to walk away from the "success." I then submitted over 250 job applications to find a job that ultimately led me to the path of career coaching!

Yes, you read that right...over 250 job applications.

I had hit a wall. I knew I wanted out, so it became a goal to get out as fast as possible. The problem with this approach was that I was applying it to everything under the sun. Those applications went double-time after a bad work week. It was a downward spiral leading me to jobs and offers I didn't want. It wasn't until I slowed down, examined my values, and created a plan to explore all of my options that I found my perfect role in human resources.

With over seven years of HR experience in the corporate sector, I know a thing or two about recruiting, personal development, training, and development. In addition, I have a master's degree in Human Relations with an emphasis on Diversity and Development.

Bottom line...I LOVE helping people reach their potential! Every day I get to impact people's lives - I help them negotiate raises, have better work/life balance, and overall fulfillment in their careers. Even after two and a half years in business, that is still an honor I do not take for granted.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My greatest accomplishment as a business owner is knowing that I was able to build this business from scratch. I began my business owner journey while still working my full-time corporate career. Over a year, I grew the business from a side hustle to a full-time job. It's been quite the ride, and I didn't have anyone to show me the way. I love being able to help other small business owners now as they, too, take this journey.

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

Overcoming fear and all that comes with that! As a business owner, getting into a scarcity mindset is easy, especially when you are just starting out. Will I have new clients next week? Will I bring in enough income this month? Do I have to take on every opportunity? The reality is you have to trust the process yourself and know that plenty of opportunities are available for all of us. Focus on your people, your process, and your ability to stay consistent. Businesses don't grow overnight - consistency is key!

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

  1. Be Consistent - If you plan to advertise on social media, make a realistic schedule that you can stick to. Posting once a week is much better than posting for ten days straight and then going dark for a month.
  2. Talk About Your Business - At the dentist? Talk about your business. At the park? Talk about your business. Very rarely do I coach new business owners that overshare. Most of my business owners are nervous about sharing their endeavors. Talk about it! It can lead to so much growth!
  3. Community Matters - Surround yourself with people who lift and encourage you! The first few years of business are hard. Don't let your community make it harder. It's easy for people to allow their fears to spill over onto you because you are taking a risk. Don't take on their fears! Instead, find people who support you, share your business, and boost your morale. Other small business owners are a great place to start!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Don't be afraid to go after your dreams! The worst-case scenario is your dream changes...

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talentcareercoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentcareercoaching/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandioldham/

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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