Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Corinne Behan, Founder, and Owner of The Behan Protocol, located in Guelph, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I offer Pilates, yoga, and eldoa-based classes designed to focus on function, ability, and longevity over just appearance! I strongly believe in a "core first" approach to fitness in combination with good spine and joint mobility and stability; all movement should start from the very best posture and be focused on body awareness and improving the quality of movement.
Before you start loading your body with weights or training for long-haul cardio sessions, you must understand how to use your body safely and effectively, first and foremost. I designed the Behan protocol to provide a solid physical foundation for all other movements to build on, whether it's playing sports, lifting weights, carrying laundry, or chasing children. The behan protocol is for anyone, but mostly I work with women 40+ who are looking to advance their current state of activity safely and who recognize the importance of good core and spine strength as the key to staying strong, fit, and able to move pain-free as they age.
Tell us about yourself
I created the behan protocol as a way to move fitness away from the regimented, big box gym setting into a more personal and empowering environment, focused on strength, ability, and well-being over size and weight. I'm passionate about helping others recognize they have the ability to use "movement as medicine" and to effect positive outcomes in their lives through fitness and wellness. I believe wellness is an investment in your future and that fitness should empower, educate and inspire you through its life-changing benefits!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Surviving the pandemic… I'm still standing and operating a functioning fitness business despite the ups and downs the pandemic presented to those of us in the industry! I listened to the wants and needs of my client base and was able to make a pivot that allowed me to keep servicing clients in ways that were not only. Physically beneficial but provided connection and an outlet mentally and emotionally as well.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Being a solo business owner means wearing a lot of different hats and taking on all the business's needs on your own. Most of us aren't always passionate about the "nuts and bolts" of the business so much (accounting, anyone?) and likely don't excel in all of the areas required. It's so important to understand all the facets of your business, but once you do, outsource what and where you can, and don't be afraid to relinquish a little control by asking an expert for help.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Listen to your customers…engage with your customers, listen to their feedback, both positive and negative, encourage them to communicate with you, and stay focused on what your niche wants to best optimize the products/services you are offering.
- Be flexible…be adaptable to change, and be ready to embrace what's next. Don't stay married to a strategy because "it's how things have always been done!" pay attention to what's trending and the changing technology and how it can work to your advantage.
- Find balance…you will work harder than ever before; late nights, early mornings, through lunch hours, celebrating wins, shifting directions, and reassessing strategies, but it is imperative you find time for yourself throughout the business day as you move your business forward. 100-hour work weeks aren't sustainable, and the risk of burnout is very real.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Stay true to yourself, your values, and your passion and purpose for your business… it's what makes you unique that will set you apart in the marketplace and allow you to communicate with customers in a genuine way. Be patient…it takes a lot of time & effort to grow a business from scratch!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thebehanprotocol.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebehanprotocol
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebehanprotocol/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZzc0sNf8UA1BQuHs6CaQxw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinne-behan-b95933194/
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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