Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Belma McCaffrey, CEO and founder of Work Bigger, located in Carlsbad, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Work Bigger is a career coaching platform for dissatisfied high achievers who want to find their purpose. We work with individuals who have a lot of ambition and know they want to make an impact in the world but are struggling to figure out what to do with their careers. They're often burned out, exhausted, and lacking clarity.
We do this work because when individuals feel more connected to their work, they're happier, and they show up differently — both in their personal and professional lives. This matters!
Tell us about yourself
I started Work Bigger because of a personal pain point. I spent all of my twenties feeling driven but equally lost in my career. I struggled to find my purpose and clarify what my "superpower" was. When I started, I was working in media, and when things weren't clicking for me with my job, I thought it was the job's fault. So I spent the next several years looking for "the one" - the dream job.
Eventually, I went back to business school, and when I was there, I realized that I wasn't the only one with this struggle. Many of my classmates were attending graduate school, also hoping to pivot - to find that dream job. That's when I realized that this was a bigger issue. We were spending thousands of dollars on grad school (and so much time!), but we weren't clear on the ROI or intention. This pushed me to start my own business and eventually founding Work Bigger.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I honestly feel the proudest of the impact that our work has. I get emails all the time about how clients have now found fulfillment in their jobs and their lives. They're happier, making more money, and more confident in themselves. We've had clients start businesses, and nonprofits, negotiate a 40%+ increase in pay, and so much more. Essentially, I see our clients really connecting to their power and stepping into who they really are. This is what keeps me going when things get challenging.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
There are definitely challenging days. One of the hardest things is that I'm constantly stepping out of my comfort zone. This keeps things interesting and allows me to grow quickly. However, sometimes, it can feel exhausting. I've had several vulnerability hangovers because putting yourself out there is a vulnerable process. When this happens, I have to remind myself to take a deep breath and be kind to myself in the process.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Surround yourself with like-minded people. Community is so powerful. The connections, conversations, and safe space to be yourself are invaluable when building a business.
- Find a coach you trust who will challenge you! Having the right coaches and mentors has allowed me to grow professionally and personally and take action quickly.
- Try not to take everything so seriously! Building a business can be a lot of fun. You have to find the right balance between loving your work and knowing that it's not everything. There's more to life than work.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://workbigger.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workbigger/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belmamccaffrey/
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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