Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Juli Shulem, Founder of Coach Juli, LLC, located in Dahlonega, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm an Executive Productivity Coach, and my clients are business owners and leaders who struggle with focusing, productivity, staying organized, follow through, delegation, and overwhelm (to name a few). I work with those in all fields, from sales reps to CEOs, who want to improve their impact and be better at what they do overall. Many of my clients work in large well-known corporations, and others own their small businesses. I work with clients virtually worldwide.
Tell us about yourself
I started my career as a Professional Organizer, which segued into becoming a Business Consultant, and in 2004 I became a Professional Certified Coach specializing in Productivity primarily for adults with ADHD. More recently, I completed my master's degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology. Now, my focus is working with executives, leaders, and entrepreneurs who want assistance with productivity and communication skills. I have helped countless people that struggle with the challenges of ADHD and have created unique systems that work for the way the brain is wired. I have shared my techniques not only with clients but have spoken at various conferences to train those who help others too. Coaching came about when I learned that every one of my clients had ADHD, and I realized that this is an underserved population and I "get them" and can help. I couldn't 'not' help, and in order to help more people overall, coaching was the way to do so. After much study, and years of experience, I became an expert in coaching adults through their productivity challenges. I was able to easily combine my prior experience as a Professional Organizer creating systems for better workflow with my experience of being an entrepreneur and coaching in those arenas. There is nothing more exciting than helping someone stuck, frustrated, and overwhelmed to get over that wall and move forward in their life.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Watching my clients succeed! I have helped clients keep a job that was on the edge, level up to another position, get wonderful promotions and increased salaries, and have even saved a few relationships. Probably some of my best accomplishments have been helping a student graduate college with all odds against them and thrive in getting an advanced degree and begin their career. The best feeling ever!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
For most people, it is knowing what systems to create for the work they do and how to implement them to make their job easier. Since creating systems IS my business, it is not one of the challenges I experience, but it is for most of the entrepreneurs I have worked with. Next is knowing that as the business owner, it is ALL up to me. Every decision, every issue, every task - all mine: This can be both good and bad. Having support in terms of a Coach or consultant, as well as assistance via a virtual assistant or people who can supplement your skill set nicely, is a huge plus. Another challenge for many is to have a good balance of personal time versus work time - self-care often suffers when starting a business - but if you don't take care of yourself first, then you won't have the ability to be on your game to get a company up and running.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't give up your steady income until your new venture can support you.
- Have an 'emergency fund' for when you are growing your business and if there are some lean months.
- Have your marketing strategy in place so you can have clients/customers early on.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.coachjuli.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julishulem
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachjulishulemproductivity/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coachjulishulem
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juli-shulem-m-s-pcc-cpc-1849156/
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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