Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Barbara Ford-Hammond, Hypnotherapist based in Hampshire, UK.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is a hypnotherapy, coaching, writing, speaking, and voiceover combo. My clients are seeking better health + well-being, life changes, help to manage their pain, or they want a bespoke hypnotic meditation recording. I have been doing this for over 30 years and have gathered many tools along the way by learning from my clients and training in CBT, Health Coaching, plus other disciplines. Being comfortable working in the left-brain logical, medically inclined camp and the right-brain creative, esoteric field means I am equally happy discussing neuroplasticity with a doctor as talking about soul retrieval with a shaman. We make our own magic but sometimes lose our way or fall under spells that do not work in our favour. It is not my job or desires to fix, repair, change, or impose but to guide my clients toward bliss and success.
Tell us about yourself
Following an accident, it became clear that I needed to change my life path. I was drawn to studying psychology and counselling, but with each, there seemed to be something missing. Hypnotherapy found me, and the moment I began my first training, I knew hypnosis was the missing piece. Calls from clients, invitations to speak, or requests for interviews, opinions, expert comments, travel offers, and the like keeps my work so varied and joyful that motivation is a natural state of being.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Although being able to change my way of working, as I have become more disabled, has happened naturally, I am grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way - my silver cloud experience of dealing with pain and disability has enabled me to create a pain management protocol and a deep understanding of accessibility.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
It had not occurred to me that I needed to do everything else, as well as seeing clients: getting the word out, bookkeeping, taxes, and the rest. When I opened my practice, I had no idea about marketing. After a failed advert experience whereby I had four calls, three from people selling me advert space and one from a man who wanted ‘extras,’ I realised I needed to learn fast.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get good at saying “No.” Being all things to all people can cause spectacular blowouts. Saying ‘no’ to anything that does not please you is liberating.
- Get good at saying, “Yes.” Doubting yourself can cause you to miss opportunities and career development or enhancement.
- Adopt a self-care routine that works for you. It will not serve you or your customers/clients, well, if you are a frazzled tail-chasing stress ball. “Own mask” first.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.barbaraford-hammond.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbfordhammond/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/barbfh
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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