Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with David Johnson, Founder of Fruitful Success, located in Southend-On-Sea, Essex, United Kingdom.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a therapist who specializes in helping people with stress management and recovery from burnout. I work with anyone who's struggling with stress, but I focus on those working in the digital industry.
Tell us about yourself
I was a software engineer for 20 years before becoming a therapist, spending a number of years in digital agencies in London. It was a tough gig, and I went through my own struggles with stress and burnout. While working, which didn't help the burnout, I trained as a therapist. I've always been more inclined to listen to people than talk about myself, and it felt as though I was supporting my team to some extent in the capacity of a therapist some days anyway; it can be a rewarding but demanding culture in digital agencies and the digital space in general. I felt there was a need for people like myself who'd been through a lot of stress to have someone they could turn to who understood the industry and what came with it.
What motivates me is using the knowledge and skills that I have to reduce the suffering of others and see the results over time when working with clients. When someone comes to me, and they're worn down and need help, being able to support and guide them back to a place where they can manage their work commitments in a healthy way, operate within their own boundaries, and take enjoyment in their life again. That's the real reward.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It might sound like a small thing, but the best feeling I had was when the business went from being a side hustle to actually making enough money to financially support me working on it full-time. It was a real milestone and brought with it a sense of freedom and accomplishment. That was when it properly sunk in that I could do this. The moment was a real confidence boost.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, it was getting myself out there. There are plenty of platforms out there to publish content and promote yourself, but getting your content in front of people and experimenting with what works, that was tough. It still is tough. I went through a lot of failures, but you have to use each failure as a learning tool and try again. Don't get disheartened when you spend time and effort on content and it gets no engagement. It's a long road but keep going and be consistent.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You're going to make mistakes. Don't beat yourself up when you do. It's all about self-compassion - be kind to yourself, learn what you can, and keep going.
- Make time for yourself. It's easy to get wrapped up in the business to the point where it becomes all-consuming. Schedule in time for your own well-being. If you burn yourself out, you won't be able to achieve anything, so see time out as a means of getting things done effectively.
- Share the load. When I started out, I tried to do everything, and it took up so much energy that could have been much better spent doing the things I was good at - being a therapist. Don't be afraid to get help if you need it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://fruitfulsuccess.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fruitfulsuccess
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fruitfulsuccessuk/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/burnoutcoachuk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/burnoutcoachuk/
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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