Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in leadership and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lara Heacock, Founder of Lara Heacock Coaching & Consulting, located in Ambler, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I offer leadership and executive coaching, as well as business operations consulting. My customers are leaders within organizations as well as business owners.
Tell us about yourself
Back in 2012(ish), I started feeling restless in my career. I did what I knew to do - went on job interviews and even went to some grad school open houses - but nothing felt right. I'd started following some coaches online, and one whose work particularly resonated with me launched a training program in 2013. I applied before I could talk myself out of it and trained in 2014. When I sat in the first class, I knew that I'd found my next move. I just didn't know that it would mean starting a business!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
For me, having a business is my biggest accomplishment. All of my family and most of my friends are traditionally employed, and having a business wasn't something I thought I wanted. In 2014, the best way to make coaching my career was to become an entrepreneur, so over the next five years, that's what I did. I completely walked away from corporate America in 2019 after having been part-time for the prior 18 months. I'm incredibly proud of myself and the life I've created, and I absolutely love working for myself!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Realizing how much you don't know! My biggest example is bookkeeping. It's my Achilles heel. I tried for quite a while and even had a friend who was generous enough to spend hours with me showing me the right way to do it, but it just didn't stick for me. So, every month, I happily pay a bookkeeper who makes all of the magic happen so I can focus my energy on places that serve my business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Ask for help! Find business owner friends who have been at it longer than you have.
- Just do it. Don't fixate on a logo or social media - the best way to start is to start telling people what you're up to!
- Give yourself grace. This is a process, and you will definitely make mistakes. That's part of the process; you get to be gentle with yourself as often as possible.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website:
https://laraheacock.com/
https://kindovermatter.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kindovermatter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindovermatter/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraheacock/
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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