Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Yacine Kouhen, a coach in communication, and a copywriter, based in Ferrel, Leiria, Portugal.

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

I work in Communications doing two things:

  • I train and coach high-level professionals on their presentation skills (public speaking and visual coms).
  • I write for communication campaigns, concepts, and advertising.

Tell us about yourself

What first got me started was that I don't like the combination of the two words "my" and "boss." I was also looking for more time, which I consider a real luxury. So one day, a guy was giving training in the company I was working for, and I thought, "hm, that looks like a nice job." I started giving free sessions in the basement of a restaurant, and step by step, it took off.

One day I created a web series that worked decently, and that got me started in copywriting. From then on, I added some copywriting contracts to the training/coaching ones. Right now, I'm exploring video making and photography. I live in a surf place, so I shoot surf videos but also more commercial stuff (real estate) and art (working on an independent documentary).

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Starting from scratch and getting to tour the world in business class. More seriously, helping to turn someone shy and terrified of the stage into a confident individual craving their next opportunity to speak in public. There's nothing more rewarding than the feeling that you made even a slight difference in someone's life.

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

You could say the failures and the doubts, as you have no security net. But at the same time, this is part of the process, and if you manage to somehow masochistically enjoy it, you know you'll make it one way or another.

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

  1. Surround yourself with like-minded people. It's extremely important. It builds a mental shield that is essential in moments of doubt. Friends, family, role models, talk to people who made it with your profile, read Schwarzenegger's biography, anything is good to motivate, boost, reassure, and heal.
  2. Enjoy the shit time because you will have many of it. Failure is 100% part of the process, not some side thing. And as MJ said, keep the faith.
  3. Keep doing things, even if it doesn't always seem obvious where it will lead you. Stay active. If not mentally, because sometimes things are static, then physically. Move your ass, go for a run, and do some burpees. Stay fit mentally and physically.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.yacinekouhen.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yacine-kouhen-65803910/

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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