Why Did I Stop Being A Business Mentor?
It’s been almost three years since I put my small business coaching practice on hold and turned my hand to my other passion – refashion design. Making unique and fun garments from vintage fabrics, reclaimed lace, trim and buttons and gently worn clothing feeds my soul.
And in late 2016, I needed all the comfort and inspiration I could get.
When my husband – Wayne-Face is my nickname for him – went into hospital for open heart surgery it was scary. He needed the surgery to fix a condition he was born with.
We were prepared. Well, as much as you can be with three children in school and a business to run. But as days turned into weeks, with numerous hospital stays to treat problems and infections, life became difficult, to say the least.
We were dependent on my coaching business income, but I was in no state to coach anybody.
With driving the kids to and from school and keeping everything running, while spending most nights sleeping at the hospital, I became more and more exhausted and stressed. The income dwindled as Wayne’s recovery stretched into months where he was unable to work.
We hung on by a thread due to the unforgettable kindness, generosity and love of friends and family.
The only thing that kept me sane through the ordeal was my little upcycled clothing venture, which grew as Wayne healed.
As it turned out, that break I took from my business coaching practice taught me lessons that I may not have taken the time to explore had things not been the way they were.
Lessons like how to stay inspired, the importance of self-care, and where to find your own best “therapy”.
Sometimes the greatest gifts come in the crappiest wrapping paper.
Today my hand-made clothing business – UpLove Creations – is doing nicely. It brings me joy, but more importantly, it’s given me a fresh perspective on how small businesses – especially creative businesses – are able to be built in today’s competitive and often confusing landscape.
What Made Me Decide To Offer Business Coaching Again
Recently I realized three things that changed my perspective on my own healing process.
- I’m feeling better.
- I’m ready to help others again.
- And it feels good.
That got me thinking about my love for helping small business owners on their often challenging journey, which led to three more realizations.
Number one – Passion is more important than ever. You’ll need it to get you through the frustrating or scary times. Don’t choose a business you don’t absolutely adore.
Nothing of value was ever built without passion.
Number two – Know-how is critical if you want your business to succeed.
New and exciting marketing opportunities pop up every day, and as a bit of an internet geek I’ve often enjoyed the long-term benefits of being in the right place at the right time. Sharing this information with struggling small business owners is one of my greatest joys.
And my biggest realization came as a bit of a surprise, to be honest.
Number three – Having someone in your corner.
When I put my coaching business on hold, I put my own personal business coach on hold. It sort of made sense to me, and anyway, money was very tight for a while.
I stopped checking in with her every week or so. I didn’t realize how much I depended on that guidance, love and encouragement to keep me feeling consistently confident and positive, even through the tough times. Which is when that love and guidance is most needed.
Sure, my family is encouraging. But they’re busy with their own lives. I’m THEIR coach/mom/wife, and they simply don’t have that caring expertise that an experienced professional has.
When I realized these things I made two decisions. One, I needed to get back on board with my own business coach. And two, I needed to offer business coaching again. It just felt right.
I’m not going to offer the high-end business coaching packages that I used to. Not yet, anyway.
Instead I’ve created an affordable, pared-down program that shows you the seven most important things to know in order to create a successful passion-based business.
Are We A Fit For Growing Your Business?
I’m taking it one step at a time. I have a handful of clients in the program right now – healers, crafters, mentors – and we’re having a blast.
I’m excited. It’s been a journey. One I’m ready to share with anyone who feels they could benefit from my love and guidance.
I offer a complimentary exploratory phone call if you’d like to get some more information about the program. It’ll give you the opportunity to decide whether you think we’d be a fit for each other.
If you’d like to set something up, by all means message me HERE.
Thank you for what you do, and thank you for being here. It means the world to me.
Love and hugs,
Mandy Wildman