Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in consultancy but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Hans Phillips, Founder of Ontoco, located in Santa Cruz, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I guide founders, executives, and high-net-worth individuals to an integrated experience of life. I am a trusted advisor as they discover their essential nature, meaningful and satisfying life, and purposeful work. The consequences of this work are new power and possibilities. I help people learn to accept and allow the natural flow of actions and directions that come from this new way of being. Turning vision into reality comes from weekly actions in projects of the client's choosing. Clients achieve balance and sustainable performance along the way. Life calms down as clients learn to trust themselves and their new processes.
Tell us about yourself
My father was a VP in corporate America. Growing up, I watched him achieve extraordinary results with his team. He mentored, taught, coached, and led his people to record-breaking sales. I was inspired by how appreciative people were of being asked to do and be more than they imagined was possible. When I discovered coaching and consulting, I realized my gift. It has been 30 years and 30,000 client hours. Each client is unique. Uncorking their passion and enjoyment of life is my pleasure and my honor. I trust their natural process to guide us both. It works!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
All the people who I have worked with over the years got the life they only dreamed of before then. Marriages, businesses started and ended, transitions, breakthroughs with teams, projects completed, leadership growth, moves to different states and countries, and more.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I am the head marketer, salesperson, bill collector, and service provider. I wear many hats, and each role takes something different to be successful. It's a challenge to be good at all of it!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Gather a group to help you brainstorm. Don't start alone.
- Then begin. Get your nose bloodied. I have failed in four businesses and succeeded in three. I had to be willing to fail in order to succeed.
- Take weekends off. Take vacations. Close the door at five and go home. Work to live vs. live to work. Really. This is such regret for so many people.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Yes. Focus on developing yourself on an ongoing basis. You can grow your EQ. You can learn leadership skills. You can take a relationship and communication workshop. Keep honing yourself and your skills. And do the same with and for your team!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.ontoco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hansphillipsconsulting/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hansphillips1/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hansphillips/
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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