Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Theresa Collins-Nelson, owner of 20/20 Vision Consulting & Coaching, located in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a small coaching and consulting business located in Winnipeg with a focus on topics including Effective Communication, Conflict Resolution, Mental Health Awareness, and Improving Workplace Culture. My customers have included small to medium local businesses as well as businesses across the prairies remotely. I provide workshops both in person and remotely, depending on the request and location. Customers have been veterinary hospitals and restaurants so far, but I can offer my services to any small to medium-sized business. Businesses need this support more than ever as they navigate the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic with issues such as short staffing, poorly trained staff, and difficult customers with short tempers.
Tell us about yourself
I have a lengthy career in outside sales and lost my job unexpectedly in the summer of 2019, well before the pandemic. After taking the summer off to evaluate my life and aspirations, I decided to take steps to start my own business to help others. My goal is simply to help owners, leaders, and team members to go to work each day with a positive attitude to enjoy what they do to perform their tasks effectively to be engaged with their company, and be allowed to provide ideas and feedback for improvement and to work with compassion and empathy with each other and their customers and clients. I teach intentionality at my workshops, how to be thoughtful and kind with each interaction you have with coworkers, customers, and even the strangers you meet every day. I am motivated by the reactions of others when I greet them and look them in the eye, thank them by name and ask them their name if need be. The sound of one's name, as well as the gratitude shown, is proven to have a very positive effect on individuals. When I see the person I am thanking light up, it just makes my day. My hope is that by doing this, I can affect the next interaction they may have, and it will be a more positive one, and this will snowball to not only them but others.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment to date was being invited to speak at a live conference for the first time since the pandemic and the launch of my business in November of 2022 in Saskatoon. It was exciting and invigorating, and I thrive in live events. I absolutely love teaching and sharing with others.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The biggest challenge continues to be finding clients to hire me, to trust in me to teach and show them something that is really worthwhile and that will have a real effect on how their employees will handle daily challenges and get more "wins." I am a sole proprietor, and it can be a very lonely road as well. Not to mention the difficulty of getting in front of new or existing customers with the pandemic dragging on. I am still trying to get a "name" for myself and get more referrals to my business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Research and plan well. Find out what the needs are first and if you have a business model that can fill those needs.
- If you are working, keep your "day" job until your business gains momentum. I did not have that luxury as I had lost my job already, but I would have done that if I could have.
- Learn and learn and learn. I have taken many paid and free courses in person and online to further my credentials and give me more credibility in the market.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://2020visionconsulting.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2020.visionconsulting
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2020.visionconsulting/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TCollinsNelson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-collins-nelson-40027a63/
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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