Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christi Nix Bloomer, Founder of In The Arena Coaching and Consulting, located in DFW, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a lifeline for leaders. That means I help people understand their strengths, do work that fuels them, and help them create the boundaries they need to thrive. In short, I'm an executive coach. My most successful clients are high performers who are driven, intentional, and courageous in their life and work.
Tell us about yourself
I've spent 20+ years in HR, HR software, and management consulting (13+ with the Big 4), working with large governments, healthcare companies, and tech giants. I've learned from the best, see the brightest, and still can cut through the fluff. I'm happiest when my people get what they want - promotions, more family time, fewer meetings, firm boundaries, and more of what they love. And spoiler alert, I don't have this all figured out—I learn (and grow) in these areas daily!
I have the uncanny ability to see you deeply and profoundly and harness the best of you to move you forward and help you do the work you were born to do! I've coached everyone from entry-level people up to those in the C suites, and some things remain the same - all people want to be seen and heard and make a difference. I help them do that.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Honestly, I haven't given up. It's been a brutal slugfest to keep doing this work and doing it my way. As entrepreneurs, we get pitch slapped 17 times a day with what other people think is our biggest problem and their "miracle" cure for us. Filtering out all that fluff, doing my work, working in a super courageous way, and not flexing my "hustle muscle" is my best work yet!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Some of the above, with the constant input from others that think they know you and your problems. The isolation can be challenging too. Standing alone through the mental hoops you must navigate can be challenging—it takes a village for all the entrepreneurs I know! That includes a VA (virtual assistant), coaches, therapists, marketing people, web help, etc.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Firstly, you need help to do it. You might have some experience that's related, and that's helpful. It also won't get you to where you need to get. You'll need to get help. So find your people and talk with them often!
Secondly, when you get the help you need, always remember to check in with yourself and see if it aligns. For example, I got help from a business consultant (disguised as a coach, story for another time, though). And her remedy for business was very prescriptive. This is how you build a website. This is how you sell. This is how you close prospects, etc. All of these were the details I needed, for sure. And I had to tweak it to match me. Otherwise, it wasn't me. It will be disingenuous when your business doesn't contain its own specialness. And when that happens, you can still do your work (like coaching, for me), but the other things will be more challenging.
Lastly, it would help if you believe in yourself (ironically, the FIRST thing you need to do!). If you don't think your work is good and valuable and you'll be successful (however you define it), it will be hard to convince others. Sometimes I have to recall how I first sold my husband on my getting a coach and going to coach training. That confidence is what I have to tap into again when I'm unable to get a new client or a client needs to get the results they want. It's daily work to believe in yourself, and necessary for success!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.inthearenacoaching.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InTheArenaCoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthearenacoaching/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christi-nix-bloomer/
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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