Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Julia Toothacre, Founder of Ride The Tide Collective, located in Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I equip ambitious mid-career professionals to strategize and take action to advance and control their careers. I offer customized career coaching options, career courses, a career podcast, career journals, and a plethora of free career resources.
Tell us about yourself
I had three significant life events happen within an 18-month span - my dad passed away, I had my son, and my mom passed away. As an only child, the death of my parents, combined with my new child, changed my perspective on what I wanted in life. Our family made the decision to move from Southern California to Utah to experience a slower pace of life, and I started my business so I could help people the way I wanted and have the flexibility to be there for my son and family.
I spent eight years in career development in higher education and took that experience and knowledge and built my business on my terms. I'm motivated not only by the flexibility my business offers me, but I get by helping people who truly want control and excel in their career path.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is launching my Control Your Career Journal Collection. Three journals that help you with clarity, confidence, and direction in the areas of Career Management, Career Exploration, and Career Advancement. I believe quality career development resources need to be accessible, and while not everyone needs to or can invest in career coaching, these journals give you the opportunity to be guided by an experienced career coach without the coaching price tag.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Finding a community of like-minded coaches and business owners has been the hardest part. Fortunately, I've found a great community and a few trusted coach friends who run businesses similar to mine and don't get sucked into the hype of pressure-prompted, negativity-focused sales and marketing tactics.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't get sucked into the overnight sensation hype that other business owners share about. In most cases, they had a following or support of some kind that helped them launch with big numbers. Building a sustainable business takes time and consistency.
- Be clear about your strengths and talents when it comes to business and your business focus. It's not realistic to serve everyone, and you won't be great at every aspect of the business. Narrow your client focus and get training or hire for the areas of your business you don't know.
- Find a sales process that works best for your product or service but also for how you operate as a person and business owner. Don't try to be someone you're not or follow a strategy that doesn't feel right for you. Learn about different tactics and strategies and use the ones that are authentic for you and work best for your ideal client.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://ridethetidecollective.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridethetidecollective/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliakrussell/
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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