Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in life coaching, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Justine Clay founder of JustineClay.com.
What's your business and who are your customers?
I'm a business coach for creative entrepreneurs and freelancers and help people who are creative by nature, be profitable by design.
Tell us about yourself
Before launching my coaching business in 2010, I had an established career in talent management. As a rep for top-tier creatives in the advertising and design industries, I was responsible for positioning them to high-end brands and clients, writing proposals, negotiating fees and billing, managing the projects from beginning to end. I was responsible for everything, BUT the creative work. When the recession of 2008 brought the advertising and design business to a screeching halt, I realized the creatives I had once represented needed a different kind of support. I realized I could share my expertise and experience with independent creatives in a whole new way - teaching them how to take control of their career creative career, and get paid for the value they deliver. And so, my business coaching creatives was born!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I've not only survived, but have successfully pivoted, in 2001, 2008, and 2020 recessions; and have helped countless others do the same. Being good in a crisis and guiding others through uncharted territory is something I feel proud to be able to do.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Finding a balance between family, work, and living a full life. Like most entrepreneurs, I love what I do and can easily get sucked into overworking and stretching myself too thin. I'm getting better at it though!
What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Build a business around something you feel strongly about. Where there's a myth that you feel compelled to dispel, there's a business opportunity!
- Build your business for the people you want to serve, versus, building the business you want to build, and then trying to find people to sell to.
- It's a cliché, but get used to failing. If an idea doesn't pan out the way you envision, go back to the drawing board, and try, try again. Business success is an iterative process, so stay in the game
If there was one thing you could do repeatedly to help grow your business, what would it be?
Speaking engagements. I love public speaking, and they're a great way to build authority and introduce yourself to a new audience.
What are some of the things you put in place to maintain a healthy work/life balance?
I call them my non-negotiables, and they include:
- Good sleep
- Good food (which includes coffee + chocolate!)
- Regular exercise
- Time in nature
- Relationships
Who are some of your favorite entrepreneurs and why?
I love Tina Roth Eisenberg of Creative Mornings. Brené Brown could also write anything, and I'd buy it! I have a whole host of resources people can check out for free on my website.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://justineclay.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justine_clay/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justineclay/
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.
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