Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Vincent Infante, Founder of Vincent Infante Coaching LLC., located in Staten Island, NY, USA.

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

I'm a Mindset & Performance Coach as well as a Psychotherapist; I utilize a hybrid service of therapy, mentoring, and coaching to help people transform their lives. My clients are CEOs, High-level C-suite managers, founders, entrepreneurs, & start-ups.

Tell us about yourself

I have been in mental health for over a decade; I started at 18 as a mental health worker while pursuing my college degree in psychology. I also struggled with a lot of my own issues growing up as I dealt with bullying, anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. As I learned how to transform myself, I also began to utilize the same techniques, skills, and tools with clients helping them create change in their lives as well, in addition to the classical training I was receiving as an aspiring therapist. As I really delved into the field of psychotherapy, I saw there was a big gap in the way people receive mental health, and it didn't appear holistic. It also didn't appear as effective as it could be. There was a noticeable tension between therapists and life coaches; both sides saw the other as pointless and ineffective. It was either therapy or coaching, and both were at odds with one another.

However, I have come to see the best way to help people transform their lives is by giving them a combination of both services. So at the age of 28, I left my career to step full-time into my coaching practice and bring what I felt would really help people to the world. With a focus on results and providing lasting change, I began to feel an immense responsibility to the world, believing if I thought this method worked best, it was going to be on me to challenge the world to see it. I've been in my coaching practice for almost four years now, and I've never been happier or more driven. My main mission & biggest motivation is now to impact 1 billion lives and show the world there is a better way to provide mental health services than what we are currently doing in the world.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

There have honestly been so many, but I think the biggest accomplishment I have is being a part of my client's journey as they transform their lives. Through providing a different type of service that truly helps people, I have been able to scale above six figures in less than a year through word of mouth & referrals, while the typical coach struggles to average a 50k income annually in the U.S. As I've never done marketing, I rely on my ability to help people see the change in their lives and recognize true transformation, which is what gets me a stream of referrals. I'd say this is what makes me feel the most accomplished, knowing that the work I do is not only appreciated but truly effective.

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

The hardest part of being a business owner is finding certainty in uncertainty. Life is very uncertain as is, and business is another great example of that. In life, we all experience seasons; winter is the low month where income isn't high, clients aren't around, and your tactics need to be revamped and changed. Getting through the winter of a business is the hardest part, and being able to come out on the other side guarantees a 99% success rating, in my opinion, mostly because it's winter that kills 95% of businesses.

Preparing for winter is paramount as a business owner as you rely on your business for your livelihood; the worst thing you can do is be unprepared for these moments. Learning to reserve yourself and not celebrate too much in the spring and summer are important lessons. It's easy to overspend and extend, especially as a new business owner. I've experienced moments of fear, uncertainty, doubt, and a lack of income. Through it all, however, I have been able to remain resilient and keep focused on my goals and take the right steps to keep myself not only surviving but thriving.

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

The three most important things for anyone to know if they want to run or start a business are these. One, it's all about customer experience; if the clients don't feel that you are treating them right, they won't return to you, you may get the one-time payment, but one-time payments don't keep the lights on. Always do more for your client than anyone else, and you'll never lose a client.

Number two, always under-promise and over-deliver. I don't mean this in a deceptive way either; it's more so just promise what you know you can deliver, and as you are rendering the service, find ways to over-deliver. Get creative and anticipate additional things that would help your client find even more value than initially promised.

Lastly, for number three, I'd say presence is power. Never underestimate how powerful you are as an individual. Never be afraid to show up and go the extra mile for a client, and never hold an attitude of "that's not my job." I believe so many people underestimate just how much it means to people to be present. Give people and projects the time and attention they deserve. It's easy to be good nowadays; the world is full of good products and services. If you want true success, you need to be extraordinary; good won't cut it anymore.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Success is a team effort. Don't believe a lot of the hype you hear on social media nowadays. No one has ever made it alone. No one will ever make it alone. The power you have to elevate your life comes from the relationships you form and the people you will meet along the way. Don't be afraid to ask for help, and ask for what you want and need. The success you want will never come if you aren't bold enough to ask for it; life only rewards those who are willing to ask for what they want. The truth is you can never receive what you don't ask for, so live life unapologetically boldly and go after what you want!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.vincentinfante.life/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vin.infante/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vininfante/

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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