Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Suzannah Butcher, Founder of Tapping Association, located in Torquay, Devon, UK.

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

I work as a coach using Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as 'tapping. EFT is a simple and effective way to manage stress and anxiety. It involves tapping on specific points on your body while repeating positive affirmations to help you release negative emotions and promote emotional healing. My clients are generally women aged 35-55 looking to improve their confidence, cultivate self-esteem, heal from trauma and transform their mindset. In addition to this, I also run a site to provide resources & education about EFT called the Tapping Association. The aim is to connect people interested in tapping with professionally trained practitioners and to create a community where they can connect with others using the tapping technique to create harmonious, happy lives.

Tell us about yourself

I became interested in tapping back in 2009 when an entrepreneur I followed online shared how tapping had helped her, so I decided to try it myself. I was skeptical but fascinated! Over the next decade, I used tapping as a self-development tool and found it was helping me in many areas of my life. In 2019, I decided to become certified myself, so I could help others using this powerful technique. Things haven't been easy for me, and I've experienced many life challenges, including childhood trauma/poverty due to parental alcohol addiction, homelessness as a teenager, going through 8 years of infertility/IVF, getting into substantial debt, losing a home, mental health issues (anxiety, complex trauma, and depression), and overcoming my own addiction to alcohol, but despite all this, I'm really proud of how far I've come. For many years I felt like a victim of life, and negative thoughts overwhelmed me on a daily basis. Through using EFT, I've healed so much and feel like I'm in control again. I remain committed to my healing journey and personal growth, and hope I can inspire and help others to do the same - transformation is possible! Knowing that I can make a small difference in the lives of others through my coaching work is hugely motivational. Small mindset shifts can make a big difference in someone's life. I'm also inspired and motivated by my two amazing children, for whom I am so grateful.

Business-wise, things have been varied and interesting! I first started out in direct sales over a decade ago, selling greeting cards online. Over the years, I've run many different online businesses, such as eCommerce, tech, and job websites. I still run a careers website alongside my coaching work and the Tapping Association. Flexibility is fundamental, which is why I love online business. It was my dream to bring up my children by the sea, be able to support my husband, who has a life-limiting illness, and work on my own terms - online business has enabled me to do this. I'm so grateful for all the awesome automation tools which make my life easier and the supportive people I've connected with via social media.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Winning a 'Working Mum of The Year' Award a few years ago was exciting and humbling - I was up against some highly experienced and qualified women in business and felt like a small fish in a big pond (impostor syndrome is a work in progress), doubting I would even get close to being a runner up, let alone winning. So that was a pretty awesome moment. In terms of the work I've produced, I love creating training content and spent a good 6 months creating a program to help women in business called 'Tapping into Money - Sacred Healing, Aligned Abundance.' My childhood experiences with money were very negative and had a profound impact on my financial mindset. I just couldn't seem to overcome beliefs about wealth not being for 'people like me' or that having substantial wealth would somehow turn me into a greedy, evil person! Using my own experiences and healing, I created an in-depth program with tapping, worksheets, and videos to support others held back by self-worth and money mindset issues.

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

The hardest thing is remaining calm, centered, and focused in the face of change, stress, and adversity because if there's one thing for sure, nothing in business is certain. You need to have the ability to see the bigger picture, which is a challenge when you're caught up in the busyness of life and the immediate pressing issues and decisions you face. Taking time out to centre and ground yourself might seem counterproductive, but it's essential to look after yourself so you can make considered decisions instead of rash ones, which could cost time and money.

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

  1. Look after yourself as the #1 priority. Running a business is hard work, and burnout can take you by surprise. Listen to your body and take active steps to reduce stress build-up. Take regular breaks, maintain positive connections with the people you care about, nourish your body, exercise, and create a morning mindset routine, including things like meditation, tapping, journaling, and affirmations. Being the calmest and healthy version of yourself will help you run a calm and healthy business!
  2. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help. Wearing all the hats is exhausting, and many people struggle in fear of being seen as weak or inadequate. Outsource and automate as much as you can. Join networking groups for support, motivation, and inspiration. If you have the resources, hire a Virtual Assistant who can help you with some of the everyday tasks you dislike or find time-consuming. Mostly though, find yourself a business bff who understands the ups and downs of business ownership.
  3. Do something you love (and that's going to be profitable). It's vital to run a business based on something you're passionate about, but don't neglect the financial stuff. The thing you're selling needs to be making money because passion alone doesn't pay the bills, or else I'd be living on a Greek island painting the sea...not very well, I might add. This often comes back to knowing your worth - I've seen so many passionate, heart-centered business owners with amazing products and services undercharging, overgiving, and bending over backward for clients who don't value or appreciate them. Know the value you bring and own it!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://tappingassociation.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzannahbutcher
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzannahbutcher/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/suzannahbutcher
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannahbutcher/

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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