Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey by launching a strategy and coaching business but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Velisia Gunawan based in Vancouver, Canada.
What's your business and who are your customers?
I help entrepreneurs who are struggling in taking their business to the next level, in areas such as making more sales, growing their clientele, feeling stuck, or loss of direction.
I have a proven system that helps them with their Strategy - i.e., closing more sales, having better follow-up systems, growing their clientele, etc., and Mindset - overcoming mental blockages: self-doubts, fears, feeling stuck/loss, self-confidence, etc.
Tell us about yourself
I started my professional career as an Auditor with KPMG.
Then I transitioned into Finance, I took my Master of Finance in Australia (I have a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting). After I got my Masters, I worked as an Investment Analyst in a Singapore-based Private Equity company where I was in charge of the whole Indonesian Region.
My last career before I moved to Canada was as a stockbroker where I was in charge of service fund managers in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore. Then I moved to Canada in 2008 and started my life (and career) back from scratch. Literally, my first job in Vancouver was as a barista at Starbucks. While I was working at Starbucks, I was taking certifications so I could go back into the professional finance world again (as my education and professional career background is there).
I tried to apply for jobs in the finance industry but didn't get much luck, mostly because I don't have a Canadian education and/or work experience which was very frustrating & demotivating. Long story short, I decided to be a Financial Advisor which is a full-time self-employed role with full commission-based compensation.
As an immigrant, I didn't have any hot market that I could approach, so my first 2 years were really challenging. Then at the end of year 2 entering my 3rd year as a Financial Advisor, I was able to almost quadruple my business (and keep it steady onwards). It was not a coincidence or just luck. There were lots of hard work, persistence, perseverance, and mindset work.
I was asked by my financial center/branch to teach and share some tips about strategy and mindset. Then I started to realize that I have this passion and the skills of teaching (as a coach).
So, I took NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programing) Coaching Certification a few years ago, and then I took Clinical Hypnotherapist Certification after (I'm always amazed at how the human mind works, it's so incredibly powerful).
Then I started to do coaching while I was still being a Financial Advisor, before deciding to do the coaching full time.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
That I have built my business/career from zero and I have not only thrived but also thrived. I quadrupled my income and have won several awards.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Having the right mindset and strategy, they both have to be aligned, one without the other will not take you far.
What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
1. Don't let your fears stop you. The only way to deal with fear is by facing it.
2. Have the right mindset and strategy. Have someone good to help you with this (aka hire the right Coach).
3. Trust - trust yourself and trust the process.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Don't let people tell you what you can't do! I would also like to offer a 30min FREE Sales Breakthrough Session. You can book directly here:
Where can people find you and your business?
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.