Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in professional and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephanie Tishler, Founder of Tishler Coaching Services, located in Glastonbury, CT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am Stephanie, a Career Transition, Professional, and Business Development Coach. I help motivated professionals, and business owners create change to have the life and work they want and deserve.
I work with emerging 30+-year-old leaders who have been promoted but maybe lack the confidence or clarity to see what's next, local business owners and coaches who have all the elements to succeed in business but are unsure of how to market and organize themselves, as well as, individuals who have been in the corporate world, still want to work, but don't want to do what they are doing anymore and don't know how to make the transition to another role, organization, or career.
Tell us about yourself
I had a career transition at 39 years old after my position of 8 years at Oprah.com was eliminated, and I lost my mom, all within a 2-month time frame. I took a meaningful pause to dive deeper into what I could do that was fulfilling. I was having lunch with a friend who confided in me that she was terrified to fail at her new job. Together we created a strategic plan with priorities and marketing. She thanked me tremendously and then hired a Business Coach a few weeks later! I thought, "Wow, that's so smart... And I can do that, too!" I had a coach in my 20s that I loved, and so the lightbulb went off for me. I googled. "How to become a life coach" and then went to iPEC Coaching School to get certified.
Work takes up the majority of our waking hours as adults. And with all that our world has experienced in the past two years, people threw themselves into their work relentlessly. Without hobbies, friends, and a support network, it is easy to experience “burn-out” or “bore-out.”
What motivates me each day is that I enjoy meeting with every person I work with! Seeing their energy and mindset shift from “I can’t” to “I’ll try” and then, “I did it!” is so fulfilling. I love it so much when I see their confidence grow from within them based on the work we do together. That’s the reason coaching works - because the answers and changes come from the client, so they are sustainable.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I couldn't be more proud of the caliber of clients that I have and the work they (we) do! If I have an "off" day, I look at my testimonials on Google, LinkedIn, and Facebook (yes, those still exist, although different and buried now!). I remember that my role as a coach has a purpose and an intention that takes time, patience, and trust.
One of my clients from the very beginning said to me, "You are a super-connector!" I love nothing more than connecting great people and seeing what amazing things they can do together!
I am also a PCC (Professional Certified Coach) with the ICF (International Coaching Federation) and the Marketing Chair for the ICF - CT Chapter.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Knowing your value and standing by it! This is true for so many business owners and was true for me when I started as well. Having worked with many business owners over the years, other challenges include promoting themselves, staying organized, asking for help, and communicating their needs - all things in my wheelhouse!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Believe in work-life integration. As a full-time business owner, manage expectations and communicate them and your boundaries from the beginning.
- Relationships and communication are everything. Know how to say it, to who, when, and where.
- Collaborating is key!
- Reflect and revise!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://tishlercoachingservices.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tishlercoachingservices/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tishler_coaching_services/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-tishler-cpc-pcc-307237/
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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