Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Helen Godfrey, MA, NCC, BCC, LPC, founder of The Authentic Path, located in Houston, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a career and life coach. I like to partner with my clients to focus on their strengths to help them overcome the challenges they are currently facing. First, we clarify goals. My client determines what he/she/they hopes to achieve from our meetings. We work on the challenges he/she/they is facing and the obstacles that are getting in the way of reaching his/her/their goals.
Tell us about yourself
My undergraduate degree is in French, and I had no idea what to do with my life. I had a very interesting time as I figured it out. I joined the Peace Corps and lived in Africa for three years in a French-speaking country. I still wasn't sure what to do, but I knew I loved traveling and learning about different cultures, so I lived and worked in Japan for two years.
I did what most people do and asked a friend what I should do next. My friend suggested getting a master's degree and studying human resources. That sounded like a great idea! The only problem? I took one class and quickly realized it wasn't a fit. Luckily, I was pursuing a Master of Arts in Counseling, and one of the paths was career counseling. When I found career counseling, it was a perfect fit.
If I had to do it again, I would have worked with a career coach so I could explore my skills, interests, motivators, and values more intentionally.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am motivated by helping others, and my main role is to provide clarity to my clients. I notice reoccurring themes and explore them with my clients. This clarity helps them move forward whether we are talking about a career or a challenge in life. My clients end up finding careers that are a great fit because they leave our sessions understanding who they are, what they want, and how to explain it to others. The same is true for problems that come up in life coaching sessions. Once they understand what they want, we come up with steps to achieve their goals.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
There is a lot to learn as a business owner. What software do I pick? How do I pay my taxes? What do I include on my intake forms? What do I put on my website?
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Pick something you love doing. It's a lot of work, but when you love it, it feels like fun.
- Even when you love your work, remember to take breaks. You will never get it all done, and that's ok. Prioritize, stay organized, and outsource tasks you don't like doing.
- Be willing to grow. Always look for ways to improve the service you are providing.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.theauthenticpath.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helenk.godfreylpc/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/InfoJobCareer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenkgodfrey/
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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