Interested in starting your entrepreneurial journey in personal & business development, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Janice Otremba, Founder of Janice Otremba Coaching & Consulting, based in British Columbia, Canada.
Tell us all about your business...
As a People & Performance Catalyst, I help CEOs, Business Owners, and Thought Leaders become crystal clear about their motives, values, and strengths so they can lead in a way that feels authentic and powerful while inspiring others to do the same.
What's your background and motivation to grow as a solopreneur?
My name is Janice Otremba. I am a Certified Professional Coach with 20 years of experience in personal and professional development. I love what I do because I am motivated by the desire to help others and achieve results. Coaching is a perfect blend of the two. It is my honor and privilege to work with leaders and entrepreneurs because the clarity they gain from our work together can create massive ripple effects in their life, relationships, and communities. As much as the work I do is about helping people individually, it's also about contributing positively on a grander scale, which fills my cup.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Referrals are my biggest accomplishment and by far the most significant compliment I could receive. My business primarily runs on referrals alone. Traveling throughout Canada and Internationally to work with companies, municipalities, and First Nation organizations tells me I am excelling; 24 years later, I’m still eager and excited to start each day.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a solopreneur?
Finding a balance. I struggle with the term "work-life balance" because most entrepreneurs' reality is usually feast or famine. It's not necessarily about having set boundaries in your schedule. There are plenty of times when I work on the weekends or extend my days to meet a deadline. Everyone has a different definition of a work-life balance, so it's about trusting what's right for you and regularly checking in with yourself, so you don't miss any warning signs. After having burned out (HARD) not once but TWICE in my life, I created what I call my Intuition-Driven Action Framework to guide myself and my clients on how to look inward without judgment. There will never come when you have all the answers, but it gets easier with practice.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run or grow a small business today?
- Surround yourself with people who lift you and inspire you with what's possible. Find people who will hold the vision for you until you can have it yourself. YOU GOT THIS.
- Be curious, not critical. Instead of assuming someone's intentions or motives based on the behavior you see, make time for meaningful discussion. Relationship Intelligence is a vital skill in today's world, whether you work by yourself or with a team (in person or remotely). 90% of conflict comes from miscommunication. (Steven Covey)
- Delegate, delegate, DELEGATE! You don't need to do it all yourself. In fact, as your coach, I will strongly discourage it. To get to the next level of your business, you need to let go of the idea you will have control over everything all of the time. Here's a hint for those who aren't at the stage where they can hire the help they need -- It's time to raise your rates, my friend.
What are some of the things you put in place to maintain a healthy work/life balance?
Ultimately, you can lead authentically and create the environments, situations, and opportunities that set you up for success when you know yourself. The results will speak for themselves. Your people will make or break your business... and YOU are one of your people.
Where can people find you?
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
