Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sean Sessel, owner of The Oculus Institute, located in Bee Cave, TX, USA.

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

My business is The Oculus Institute, and I help burned-out professionals find careers that inspire them personally while also making significantly higher income ($50K-$100K annual income increases are not uncommon).

Tell us about yourself

I burned myself out twice, once in strategy consulting and once in finance. I was at the point where I didn't see a way to be both fulfilled and successful, and it drove me to an existential crisis. Fortunately, I was able to get clear on my authentic values and weave that into a career that I never want to retire from, so that's what I help other people do.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Definitely, the lives I've changed. Saved a few marriages, broken several addictions, and helped many people get the freedom to be who they truly are both in and out of their careers.

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

Personally, I find the sales and marketing component to being the most unpleasant part. Sadly, there are so many charlatans and so much overpromising that people tend to be very skeptical, especially in coaching. It takes a lot of information and demonstration of value to even get people open to having a real conversation.

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

  1. You've got to understand your client's fears, pains, desires, hopes, and dreams at an incredibly intimate level.
  2. If you don't have a sense of self-confidence and self-worth both in how you relate to yourself and the value of what you do, or if you're not willing to project that in your interactions and business decisions (such as pricing), then you're screwed.
  3. Never fall for the trap of perfectionism - nothing will ever be perfect - but do put in the work to make sure that what you're delivering is clearly superior to the alternatives for at least one niche of people. I consistently receive feedback on the quality and rigor of my processes, and that leads to referrals and follow-on opportunities.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.oculusinstitute.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oculusinstitute
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-oculus-institute/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.