Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shannon Talbot, Founder of Shannon Talbot Coaching & Consulting, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

With over 15 years and 13,000 hours of leading people and teams in the corporate world, I am a workplace well-being and performance expert who has become renowned for activating and energizing people and teams to live healthier and more joyful lives. As a Performance & Wellness Coach and Motivational Speaker, I help working professionals unleash their inner tigers (their true potential) and live their desired lives, whether 1:1, in small groups or as a keynote speaker to teams and organizations.

The people I work with are ready to adopt winning growth strategies and challenge the obstacles, beliefs, and habits that need updating. People who want to make their dreams a reality. People who are prepared to take action. People who know they could be a kitten or a tiger are ready to take a bold position. I am also the author of an upcoming book, Unleash Your Inner Tiger, coming out in 2023.

Tell us about yourself

For years I climbed the corporate ranks, always searching for that next title or salary increase. But, I burnt out while doing it, and every time I reached a milestone, I still felt a void inside of me and then guilt for feeling that way.

It took my 5-year-old son being hospitalized for 31 days and Michelle Obama's book for me to finally admit I wasn't happy, healthy, or fulfilled, and it was time for a change. I worked with coaches and therapists and created a plan that one day I would have my own business where I would help people live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

That one day came years sooner than I expected when I saw an ad to become a Health and Life Coach, the health coach part being completely foreign to me. I signed up, dove in, and loved every second of it. I then went on to get further coaching certifications, including transformational and coaching mastery. I created a plan to leave my corporate job, gave my notice, and have never been happier.

Being an entrepreneur definitely comes with highs and lows and different stressors, but what motivates me is knowing I can help people create a powerful vision for their lives, uncover the obstacles in their way and break through them so they can unleash their potential and find the joy or fulfillment they are seeking.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My clients' success stories are my biggest accomplishment. Just this week, one of my longest-standing clients called me the GOAT (greatest of all time), telling me she got more out of our sessions than in all her time in therapy. I immediately blushed and felt warm all over. But the best part is that my clients are doing the hard work and taking action. I just help guide and support them.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Being honest when a client isn't a right fit. I look for two things when I first meet any potential client. The first is that I can help solve my client's challenge, and second, that we both feel a fit. Having a mutual fit is important to build trust and rapport, as the more a client can open up, the greater the possibility for transformation. But with any new business, you want (and need) to make money, so sometimes you look for any yes. But, I've learned that I'd rather spend my time with the right clients than get the cheque and not have the coaching be beneficial for either party. I also had to embrace the rollercoaster of being an entrepreneur and let go of my definition of success as it relates to income. That's one I still struggle with, but it's getting better!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Start! There is never going to be a perfect time, and we are masters of excuses as to why we should wait. So, just do it - get started. Test out your new business while still working at your job. Start small. But do something otherwise; you never will.
  2. I wish someone had told me how lonely it is to be an entrepreneur, so find your tribe. Surround yourself with other entrepreneurs or mentors to chat things through or just vent on those low days. Because there will be really low days, but there will also be really high days. Oh, and celebrate those high days. They are what will get you through.
  3. Hire a coach. I'm a coach and have a coach. Just last week, I identified a hidden fear with my coach that had been holding me back. Once it was out in the open, I knew what to do to overcome it. Sometimes we need someone to shine a light on our blind spots and motivate us to take risks. That's how we grow both as an individual and in our businesses.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://shannontalbot.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannontalbot_coaching/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-talbot-mba/

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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