Janet Daughtry, CEO, CoachJanet.com
Tell us about your business.
I am a breakthrough life and leadership coach for women. My heart is to help women dance in their dreams and to move past sabotaging and limited thinking. I do this through one on one coaching, group coaching and workshops, conferences and retreats. I love to work with women who are going through transition and feel stuck. These are women who would like to get to the next level in their life, leadership or business but are not sure how to get there.
Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?
There is great freedom in being your own boss. Being a business owner means that I have a lot of say about the what, when and how of my business. As an entrepreneur I have a lot of freedom and flexibility to call the shots and not to be limited by another person’s vision. I also have the freedom to explore creative ideas and to really make a difference in the areas that I am passionate about. I loved being an entrepreneur because I am creating the opportunity to pursue my dream and passion.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
I am always inspired by the women who are out there and making it happen but I would have to say that my greatest influences have been men. First is my husband. He is my best cheerleader and a true entrepreneur at heart. He has been the one to gently push and encourage me. My father has also had a huge impact on my life. He embodies the spirit of “if at first you don’t succeed, try try again” philosophy. This philosophy not only served him well throughout his life but gave our family the opportunity of seeing him go from rags to riches. He is a great inspiration to me and always has been.
What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
I would say my greatest professional accomplishment to date is to see the many women that I have had the pleasure to coach, in the past four years, go on to do some amazing things with their lives. That is immensely gratifying to hear their stories, receive their feedback and know that I had a part in that. It is very satisfying for me personally!
I am also proud of my video series and workbook. It took a lot of work and it is about seven hours of teaching and instruction along with a workbook for practical application. I wanted an alternative for women who couldn’t afford coaching. I believe it is some of my best coaching materials in a format that women can take their time with and work through on their own.
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
Andy Andrews once said, “We have gotten in life as far as our best wisdom has carried us.” Great advice. Lack wisdom? Go after it. Find someone who is doing what you would like to do and learn from them. Find a mentor or coach to come alongside you and hold you accountable for your goals. Often, we don’t see our shortcomings or blind-spots and accountability is huge is making forward progress, staying on track and overcoming obstacles.
What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
Two things- All hard work leads to a profit and small changes over time yield big results. Nothing comes easy but if you make small changes each day in a forward motion whether it is your personal or business life, eventually those positive changes over time yields big results. It is like compounded interest in a bank. If you are willing to work hard and be consistent with your business and each day do something to move it forward, there will be profit, a return on your time and investment.
Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you succeed?
Staying motivated personally and professionally is very important.
Motivation on a professional level comes from being confident in your abilities and expertise. I love to read and I would encourage anyone in business to read everything they can in their area of expertise along with training via workshops, conferences etc. Also staying personally motivated is very important.
Networking is vital to the health and growth of your business. It’s not always what you know but who you know. If no one knows you exist, you don’t have a business. Today, networking has totally changed and become international and global through social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin etc. I can’t say enough about these. This is changing the way we do business and opening up great doors of opportunity for many.
What is Number One Business Goal do you plan to accomplish over the next year?
I have many goals for my business in the coming year. The number one goal I have is to do a lot more motivational speaking and part of that goal is to complete my book “Breakthrough Living”
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If you have a dream in your heart, if is there for a reason. Nothing happens if it stays in your head. When we dare to share with others, the magic starts to happen.
How can our readers find you online?
Website – http://www.coachjanet.com
Blog- http://www.janetdaughtry.com
Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/coachjanet Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=598577798
