My Start-up Journey
A lot of people assume that my business(es) have been easy to set-up or wildly successful like everything I touch turns to gold simply because I'm a business coach
.
When in reality - that could further from the truth!
I don't come from money. I don't have millions sitting in my bank account.
I'm an overthinker and recovering perfectionist. I have and sometimes still do struggle with Imposter Syndrome. I stress about money. And on those days, it's usually because I'm comparing myself to another coach I saw online… even though I know better!
But I love what I do and every day, I make a priority to help as many people as I can.
For those of you who are new to my page - Welcome! My name is Jodi and I a Business Consultant and Coach working with entrepreneurs in the start-up and post-startup phase with the intention to help you build a business that lasts through accountable action taking and strategic planning.
I started my first business in high school (in the 90s!) as a tutor because there was only one other tutor at my school offering assistance with specific subjects and I personally didn't like the way that they tutored *full transparency* so I thought, let me see if I can do it any better.
When I went to university, I started three businesses over a four-year span including resume writing, graphic design and web design businesses. I loved to be creative and was super techy. I was constantly learning new software and methods in my classes and this gave me an opportunity to hone my skills.
As for resume writing, I've always loved English and can spot a spelling or grammar error a mile away. My friends always asked me to help with their essays and applications so this business was started to make some extra money. It ended up running passed my university days and I sold it to a woman in Montreal!
Other businesses I've started include creating gift baskets and personal shopping, training and curriculum development, as well as videography for those with terminal illnesses.
I love being an entrepreneur because it allows me to use skills and work with people that my day jobs usually didn't include. My businesses were my creative outlets and my opportunity to give back.
In 2013, I was laid off from my job and decided to take the opportunity to pursue my self-employment dream full-time. I applied for a small business program through Enterprise Brant and was approved!
At the same time, I was applying for part-time jobs because I had always had steady income and I was scared to go 100% on my own at the start.
3 months later I applied for a position at the Hamilton Small Business Centre and was offered an interview. During the interview, I was asked if I was interested in two, part-time positions they had available and I said yes. A few weeks later, I had a second interview and was offered the job. Which I took!
I felt like this was kismet for me - it brought my 20 years of personal entrepreneurial experience full circle working as a Senior Business Development Consultant.
For the next 8 years, I worked with over 4,000 start-ups and small business owners.
I coordinated 5 provincial grant programs disbursing over $8M to Hamilton business owners, launched 2 pilot programs that the Ontario government turned into province-wide funding programs for start-ups, facilitated hundreds of workshops, coordinated and participated in mentoring programs, and assisted in small business events across the region.
Then, in April 2022, I decided it was time to invest in me.
I had given and received everything available with my role at the city. I had met so many wonderful people.
But it was time for me to pursue my dream of being a full-time entrepreneur. It was time for me to run my own business my own way and help entrepreneurs the way I know how.
It has not been easy.
Every day, I'm thankful for the opportunity to work with such amazing clients. But some days, I'm stressed and even crying on the couch.
This lifestyle is nothing like you will ever experience BUT it is not for everyone!
That’s why in 2023, I decided that my main goal and intention was to help and work with as many people as possible to understand the potential that entrepreneurship brings to your professional development, your financial goals and the lifestyle that you sit and daydream about.
So here I am, almost 10 months into running my business full-time and opening applications for my newest live course and group coaching program:
Start a Business in 90-Days Bootcamp.
So, I encourage you to join me and 10 other people who want to start a business in 2023.
Over a 12 week period, you won't just learn how to start a business - you will actually start, launch and run a business!
To learn more about my Start a Business in 90-Days Bootcamp, visit https://www.worksmartcanada.ca/courses-and-group-coaching
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to connect!
AND PLEASE SHARE!
I know that you know someone in your life who is thinking about or wants to start a business in 2023!