Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andrea Herbert, Founder of Be Kind Lyfe, LLC, located in Marietta, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am in the business of spreading kindness in the workplace. What makes Be Kind Lyfe different is that we use motivational and proactive leadership techniques as well as operational effectiveness tools to get there. Our customers see improved business productivity, lower workplace burnout, and a kinder, more creative, more innovative culture. We make the workplace fun again!
Tell us about yourself
I have been in operations for a long time. I moved to an internal consultant role and found that my superpower was making other leaders better. When the zombie apocalypse, also known as COVID, hit, I began to question whether or not I was happy and making the type of impact that refilled my happiness bucket. The answer was no, so I left corporate America and embarked on an entrepreneurial journey. I felt like I could make a widespread impact on how we treated one another at work. The best part is we have data that shows us that when we are kinder at work, the business also sees financial benefits. Being kind at work is no longer a "nice to have" but a better way to achieve sustainability and success.
I stay motivated each day because the fact that most people are wasting 5 days to get to 2 days made me sad. I think it actually makes most people sad, and they don't even realize it. I know that if we can be kinder in our workplaces, we will be kinder at home and ultimately create a kinder world. That seems so cheesy to say, but that is what keeps me moving in this direction. I just know I'm on the right side of right with this one. If I can make even a .5% difference, that is huge in the world.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
So far? It is helping executives see the correlation between kindness at work and business success. And when I say kindness, I don't mean everyone smiling at each other all day. I mean creating a culture with a deep desire to improve continuously that is psychologically safe and values cognitive diversity. I mean an organization that empowers the teams to solve problems in the most creative and innovative ways. I have convinced executives that being kind is the future of business.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, the hardest thing has been to sell myself. I spent so many years empowering others to be great and shouting their accomplishments from the rooftop, and now I have to do that for myself. Imposter syndrome is a real thing; every day, I have to remind myself that I deserve to be here and have something powerful to add to how we live, work and thrive.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make a plan and set small attainable weekly goals. Give yourself something to celebrate each week.
- Know your gaps. You do not have to be great at everything, but you have to know where you need help and then go ask for it.
- Progress over perfection. Just start and iterate as you go.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Taking the entrepreneur leap is scary, and it's okay to be scared; just don't let it paralyze you from the action. There will be days when you question why, which is a good thing. Make sure you know your why because that will be your True North and your place of safety when times get shaky. AND they will get shaky. Know that it is okay because we are focused on taking one tiny step forward. Every step forward adds up, and before you know it, you are where you want to be!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.bekindlyfe.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bekindlyfe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bekindlyfe/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaherbert/
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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