How Asking for Help Supercharged Their Business Journey
If there’s one thing that we’re passionate about at the Upleveler Society, it’s dispelling the myth that you have to run your business singlehandedly in order to be successful. In our world, “help” is not a four-letter word.
We believe that asking for help - whether you’re outsourcing, hiring a team member, or working with a business coach - can supercharge your business journey.
We’re not the only ones who believe asking for help can provide an amazing boost for your business. We interviewed some incredible women who have leaned in and hired team members, hired a business coach, and/or joined memberships filled with other business owners. Their journeys speak for themselves.
Here’s what happened when these business women asked for support…
Before asking for help in your business, what was a day or week like for you?
Chaos. I was trying to do everything in my business on my own, including client care, creative work, marketing, and sales. I felt burnt out and it seemed like scaling my business wasn't possible for me. I hired a team member prior to working with Tiffany [Napper] as my coach, but I had no idea how to train her and delegate work well. I was scrambling every day and exhausted.
What kind of help did you look for/hire?
I wanted someone to work with me 1:1 to help simplify some of my work, build a strong team, and set up a plan for scaling.
Did working with a business coach help your mindset, and if so, how?
Yes, the work helped me un-complicate things to see how possible my goals actually are.
How do things look different now?
I've delegated more work to my team, I am more confident in what I say “yes” and “no” to, and I know how to address the overwhelm I feel in my work.
Before asking for help in your business, what was a day or week like for you?
Before asking for help in my business, I struggled to do it all. I felt overwhelmed by the endless amount of tasks I had in front of me and was in a constant state of worry about the future.
What initially held you back from hiring a business coach or joining a coaching program?
I had never heard of a business coach before. When I first heard of Tiffany and Upleveler Society, I was immediately intrigued. The idea of having some type of support to help me navigate the ups and downs of the business was a dream come true.
Did working with a business coach help your mindset, and if so, how?
Working with Tiffany and being a part of the Upleveler Society has dramatically helped my mindset. I look forward to our live coaching calls and joy sessions so much. Tiffany has really helped me to remember that my mental health is just as important as my business health. Thanks to our live coaching calls with guest speakers and our yoga sessions, meditations, cocktail creating classes and many others — I have seen a big change in my mindset. I am kinder to myself and have learned to love and encourage myself better than ever.
How do things look different now?
There are still rough days - don’t get me wrong. However, the days are more structured and full of much more positivity now. I know my business plan and am able to say “no” easier to things that don’t fall within that plan.
My mindset feels strong as a business owner. I feel confident and encouraged even when things get difficult.
Before asking for help in your business, what was a day or week like for you?
My days lacked direction of where I should be focusing my efforts. I felt in a rut and needed guidance on how to start thinking bigger and developing a plan for action.
How did you feel before and after you asked for help?
I think I felt unsure of myself in terms of being an entrepreneur. In fact, I shied away from identifying myself as one for a long time. When I did seek the help of coach, there was a confidence that emerged to give it a voice and also a reminder of my desire to be one.
Did you reach any major milestones after working with a business coach?
Expanding my practice to another location, which has provided the opportunity to reach a new audience and educate on how the work I do can benefit mental well-being.
What are days/weeks like for you now - or how do things look different?
They look different in terms of having a few tactical items where I focus my efforts each week. It provides ways for me to move the needle, even if I don't see the outcomes right away. I know things are happening by the simple actions I am taking.
How does your mindset feel as a business owner now? What major shifts have you noticed about how you show up to work each day or how you behave as a leader?
It gave me the confidence put myself out there more. Part of being a business owner is accepting that you will fall on your face fairly often. I have more gumption now to throw things at the wall to see what might stick, and I have the tactical elements in place to support it.
And even better, I have someone in my corner who will be there to cheer me on and help to pick me up when I fall. I have a newfound joy in building my puzzle of entrepreneurship.
Before asking for help, what was life like for you?
I had been feeling lost in the direction of my business for a while, and without a solid plan in place, I felt like I would wake up and just react to everything that came my way.
Have you ever played the virtual reality beat saber game? You have to slash the beats of adrenaline-pumping music as they fly towards you while avoiding walls. My life felt like this game turned up to the highest notch; I couldn't keep up with the amount of things being thrown at me, was dodging new business, and would end each day feeling lucky that I survived.
I constantly questioned the pricing of my services and the value of my work. In fear of failing financially, I was saying yes to things I didn't have the bandwidth for. I was working 12-hour days that left me burnt out and questioning whether I had actually accomplished anything at all.
What initially held you back from hiring a business coach?
I wanted someone that really understood my field of business. I offer social media management, branding, and photography services, and I needed someone who was already familiar with the ins and outs of each so they could refine my structure.
Did working with a business coach help your mindset? If so, how?
More than I even realized. Tiffany helped me gain clarity on the value of my work. I'm the queen of imposter syndrome, and I constantly found myself questioning whether the pricing of my services aligned with the quality of work. It was nice to have someone look at things from an outside perspective. Tiffany gave me the reality check I needed and squashed my self-doubts.
How does your mindset as a business owner feel now?
With purpose, I can lead with more confidence. I'm able to paint a better picture of where Urban Chic is headed, not only to myself, but to my team member, and it's thrilling to think about!
Before asking for help in your business, what was a day or week like for you?
I was feeling really overwhelmed. I was constantly doubting myself and falling for all the new "shiny objects" - trying new tools or strategies, comparing myself to others, attending three webinars per week about how to grow your coaching practice. It was mentally exhausting. I was all over the place and seeing very few results.
What kind of help did you look for/hire?
I do not have a digital marketing or branding background. I realized that it would be much more efficient to learn from somebody who has been there and done it instead of trying to figure out everything by myself. And being a solopreneur can be lonely so I was also looking for a community of like-minded women. One of my friends, who was also starting her own business, told me she was part of the Upleveler Society membership program. It is how I found out about it!
How do things look different now that you invested in coaching and community?
I am more focused and better organized. I notice far less procrastination and more productivity. I am also allowing myself to work according to my level of energy and listen to my intuition with a prioritization of my self-care.
What major shifts have you noticed about how you show up to work each day or how you behave as a leader?
I am much more self-confident and I follow my intuition more. I am passionate about coaching and I know can be developing my practice with authenticity and love with the support of business coaching. My next step is to outsource some of the digital marketing.
Working with someone who has been where you are - and is able to offer support and guidance - can be one of the biggest game changers for your business. When you know what to put your energy into and how to delegate so that you can stay in your zone of genius, magic happens!
Ready to find a business coach? Let’s talk about working together. I’ve helped creative business owners reach their goals and dreams through support, accountability, and guidance. If you’re ready for the next level of success, I’m ready to help you get there!
Want more tips to help you grow and scale your business? Join us inside the Upleveler Society, a membership filled with fellow female founders learning how to grow their businesses with more joy.
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