One of the huge advantages of running a Facebook Community is that your paths cross with people who you may not ordinarily meet. That’s exactly what happened with the ever helpful, ever ambitious Natalie King.
Now a member of Thrive Collective, and someone who helped me out with research before I’d even launched my membership,.
It’s hard to believe that Natalie’s business is less than a year old and its made for a really helpful interview to know how she’s got to where she is today and some practical tips for others.
Natalie is a confidence, happiness and public speaking coach.
Her business mission is: “As a Confidence and Happiness Coach I empower people to unearth their personal freedom and growth. The purpose of what I do is to inspire my clients to live the life they want to live and to find their purpose and live to their full potential”.
She has a variety of clients but mainly business owners or people who want to take the leap from employment to starting their own business.
So, what made you decide to set-up your own business?
Setting up my own business was a culmination of a lot of things that came to a head when I decided enough was enough, bullying in the workplace was causing me too much stress. Too many bad managers, with no job satisfaction, just going from day to day to earn my money, the stress and bullying was not worth the money.
I always felt like I had so much more to offer and that I was not reaching my potential. Yet the more I was bullied and went from job to job, the more I lost myself and my confidence. After a very bad panic attack that had the potential to be fatal (drive down the A14 at 70mph) I decided that it was now or never. Time to take control of my life and do what I want to do, which was help people.
And tell us, what does being a business owner mean to you?
When I started my coaching business, I knew it would be hard work but I did not realise how hard it would be. This is because of all the skills that I needed to learn just to run my business. Things like web design, blogging, marketing etc.
Now with my business it is very different. Being a business owner for me means that I get to learn new skills, set my own diary and have variety in my day. Having my own business means that I am responsible for me and I am in control of what and when I do things.
Plus no boss. I set up my own business as I wanted to work for myself and I wanted a separate business from my husband, as we were working together for many years while I studied and recovered from the stress of my last job.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
I don’t have a specific person who has influenced me there have been a variety of ladies who are becoming part of my tribe. But there have been a few stand out ladies who are there for me when I need encouragement and support, they are my sounding board, mentor and general kick up the behind kind. I would not be where I am today without their support.
What is the best thing for you about being your own boss and running your own business?
My confidence, because through learning new skills and gaining experience this has built my confidence up. Next to confidence I would also say the skills I have picked up and the constant learning that I need to do, this has helped me feel that I am broadening my mind and knowledge. Variety, with the different people that I work with, either clients or collaborations. Or even through the connections that I have made as all of these have shown me different outlooks on life, and way to do things, this comes back to the learning again.
What practical advice would you give to anyone about to start, or in the early stages of owning a business?
Network, both online and go to network meeting. Networking stops a person from feeling alone, there is a font of information out there that you can learn and utilise, you get to meet amazing people who will become part of your tribe be there to help and support, and you can do the same for them. It is a good way to build relationships, as people buy from people they know and trust.
What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
I have only been in business for 9 months so still a new business. The thing that I have learnt and that I am learning is how to deal with imposter syndrome and to stop comparing myself to others. Easy to do when you first start out is comparing yourself to others.
What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?
At the moment I am still working on that one, but the best marketing that has been for me is networking. One thing that I have learnt is really understanding your target audience as well as having a unique selling point.
Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business?
One of the biggest tools I have used is making connections, either in a group like the Thrive Collective group, or collaborating with others. Building my tribe, that is what has helped me. The other biggest tool I have is being part of a Toastmasters speakers club, this is a public speaking club that I have been part of for 5 years. The support, encouragement fun and confidence I get from this club is important to my being a business owner. Finding my tribe has been important for me, so that I don’t feel alone on this journey.
Any tips on those starting out on their business journey?
Yes, being a new business, it can be lonely and thoughts can invade your brain that are not helpful, these thoughts can have a negative impact on your mental health as well. Surround yourself with people who will encourage and support you. Don’t neglect your self either, take the time to look after yourself physically as well as mentally, a great way to do this is take short walk in nature throughout the day especially if you are starting to feel overwhelmed.
Utilise the resources that are out there such as a business coach, content writer, life coach, VA and any other resource that you need, so that you are not doing everything yourself. There are a lot of skills that you can use and the good thing with networking is that you can find someone who resonates with you.
Here is a tip from my happiness coaching,
“Work on your best traits, write a list of your best trait, for example write I am creative or I have a great smile. Once you have your list then every morning, affirm your best traits in front of the mirror stand up tall smile and say out loud I have a great smile and I am creative and slowly work through your list. This way you will set your mind on the right track. You will also be learning to deal with the negative voices as well as learning to deal with that imposter syndrome that might crop up every now and then, by reminding yourself daily of your best traits you are cementing them in your mind which, will over time become stronger than the negative voice in your head”.
Thank you Natalie for taking the time to chat with me today. Wonderful to hear about your positive attitude to networking, finding your tribe and realising that in business we can’t do everything ourselves!
Checking out Natalie on Facebook HERE.
I’m Sam Dixon, founder of Thrive In Business – an experienced Marketing Coach & Consultant to ambitious businesswomen who want to launch, grow and scale their business with flexible marketing support.
For a free 30 minute discovery call get in touch by email hello@thrivewithsam.com or come join Thrive Collective, my monthly membership community. JOIN HERE.