Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in coaching but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shana McEachren, founder of Shana McEachren Inc., located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Do you want to realize your full potential? I work with leaders, teams, and organizations to build new behaviors, increase effectiveness, and create long-lasting change. My coaching programs and workshops create meaningful change and generate business results.
Tell us about yourself
From a very early age, I loved learning and wanted to help other people learn. After deciding that I didn't want to be a teacher, I initially worked as an Instructional Designer and Facilitator for software companies and a consulting agency. However, I always felt like something was missing. People could gain lots of knowledge from a course or workshop, but did they apply that learning, and did it have an impact? Later in my career, I discovered coaching, and for me, that was a missing piece of the puzzle. I love coaching because it allows me to help people discover what's most important to them and then identify ways to put those insights into practice, change behaviors, and have a positive impact.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of my biggest accomplishments as a business owner was taking the leap into entrepreneurship. I had never thought of myself as an entrepreneur, and I loved the safety and security of a corporate, salaried role. However, I reached a point in my career where I knew I would find my joy in working for myself and serving individuals and clients directly.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
If you are passionate about what you are doing, one of the hardest things to do as a business owner is to set boundaries and say no. I love helping people, and I love what I do. When I first started working, I found myself working longer hours than I ever had before. I quickly realized no one was going to remind me to take a break, and I had to establish healthy work habits and create the space I needed to get to do the work that I enjoy the most.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Network, network, network. I have gotten all my business through word of mouth. Reach out to people and make meaningful connections rather than trying to always be selling.
- Identify a support team. It can be lonely for business owners. Find people--friends, family, a coach - who can listen and support you.
- Get clear on what you love to do. There's always lots of work for business owners to do. Identify what aspects of the business you love to do and find ways to spend as much time as you can on those tasks.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
A great coach can be an incredible asset for a business owner. A certified professional coach can offer a confidential, non-judgmental space for you to explore ideas, work through challenges, and tap into your own strengths and wisdom.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.shanamceachren.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanamceachren/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shanamceachren
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanamceachren/
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.
