How did you become an entrepreneur? I had worked in nonprofits for sixteen years, and after getting laid off three times in a four-year period, I decided to make the leap. I figured that I'd rather succeed or fail based on my own decisions, rather than those of funders or state agencies. I initially started out making jewelry, because it was a hobby I had had for a long time and it was easy to turn into a business.
What is the nature of your business? What kind of product/service to you provide?
I provide one-on-one coaching to individuals who want to improve their skills and build confidence as speakers. This can entail helping someone create a presentation for a conference, a speech for a wedding, or a PowerPoint for a meeting. Some of my clients just want to work on delivery, some want to work on anxiety, and some want to work on writing better content. I've even helped my clients with their blogs and websites as another angle on presenting themselves. My clients are diverse and have diverse needs, so each project is unique.
I also provide trainings and workshops to groups and companies on topics such as basic and advanced public speaking, adult learning principles, business networking, PowerPoint design, engaging the audience, and anything else related to public speaking! I have a 7-week e-course that can be downloaded from my website, a couple of e-books, lots of free handouts, a newsletter and a blog.
Why do you love what you do?
I have always enjoyed speaking, teaching, writing and performing, and this job allows me to incorporate all of the things I love to do. I especially love seeing people grow and develop confidence through our coaching work. I want people to enjoy public speaking, actually seek it out and discover how much fun it is to engage an audience. When I see that happen with my clients, I'm filled with joy!
How long have you been in business for yourself?
I started the coaching business four years ago this October. Before that, I ran the jewelry business for three years. And before that, I started a nonprofit organization that I ran for 8 years before "retiring." I've been an entrepreneur at heart for decades!
How do you attract clients?
My strengths are around Internet marketing. I submit articles to online directories, update my blog 4-6 times a week, engage in social networking on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, comment on others' blogs and forums and engage myself in the coaching/speaking online community. I also maintain my own website and keep it updated with fresh content. These activities keep me in the #1 or #2 spot on Google for "public speaking coach" most of the time, and the majority of my clients these days are coming from web searches.
I also enjoy in-person networking and of course, public speaking, as two great ways of meeting potential clients. Many of my clients are repeat customers and have referred me to their friends and colleagues.
Share any information that helps to further describe your business including any publications, awards you have received or shows in which you have participated.
I've been interviewed for Men's Health magazine and written for local newspapers and magazines. My recent claim to fame was being featured in a Santa Barbara News-Press article along with other "tweeps" on using Twitter for business.
Lisa Braithwaite
Website: http://www.coachlisab.com
Speak Schmeak blog: http://coachlisab.blogspot.com
Twitter: @LisaBraithwaite
Facebook: LisaBraithwaite
805.207.7647
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1 comments:
Thanks, Jennifer!
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