Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal & business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Hermione Hart, Owner of Sidekick Coaching and Consulting, located in Green Point, NSW, Australia.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is a coaching, consulting, and training business that supports the real estate industry, particularly property managers and their teams. I work with property managers who want to grow their businesses, streamline their processes, and live a balanced life without burnout.
Tell us about yourself
When I worked as a property manager, it was just "here's your desk. Off you go. It has become much more complex and demanding over the years. There is little support for mental wellness, positive mindset, stress management, and life balance. It is a job that can easily take over your life and leave you feeling burnt out.
I started Sidekick initially as an outsourcing company to take pressure off the property managers. Still, I quickly realized I could coach and consult businesses holistically, focusing on the whole person and the people they serve rather than just the job's tasks.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
This year I won numerous industry awards as a "mentor of the year," an incredible accolade. Still, I am more proud of my latest program, which focuses on my client's mental health and wellness.
I had been afraid to commit to it in the past as I felt no one wanted to learn more about it. Still, having seen firsthand the burnout my clients have experienced as well as myself, I know how much this is needed in the industry.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I would say that it's wearing all the hats and doing it solo. You can be killing it at delivery, but then you realize you're not up to date with your social media and marketing. Or you will have had a full day of coaching sessions but then have to get the kids to bed and do a few more work hours to clear your inbox and get back to your clients.
It's a constant juggle, and you're constantly questioning if you're doing enough, but that's one big lesson I've had this year I can only do as much as I can. I've now onboarded a new VA to support the business to grow to free up some of my time.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just be yourself. The world needs what you have to offer, your special sauce. You don't need to be the same as others to succeed.
- Whenever you're overwhelmed or lost, stop, take a moment, and write down all the things on your mind or all the things you want to do. I LOVE the power of a good list and making a solid plan to get through or achieve my goal.
- Be sure to put money aside for your taxes. Got caught out with this one during my first years in business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.sidekick.net.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hermione.gardiner/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hermionehart/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hermionegardiner/
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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