I had worked in corporate environmental management for about 10 years and I was so sick of seeing how companies viewed and treated the natural world. I knew that a whole new sustainability paradigm was needed and I was prepared to be the one to create it.
During my corporate career, I saw a major flaw in the way we tried to help the environment – there is a complete imbalance in what society takes from the Earth (materials, food, animals, medicine, fossil fuels) in comparison to what we give back. In order for the human race to live sustainably, we need to correct that imbalance. Luckily, there are so many things that we can all do on a daily basis to help. In my business, I teach people how to both benefit from the Earth, and give back to it, so that we can maintain our existence on the planet. I teach through my books, by speaking at events, by offering my services as an environmental consultant and running courses. I also offer private land healing sessions so that people can live more in harmony with nature on their properties.
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
Working out my branding. I had to be clear about what I wanted my business to achieve, what my key messages were and what the values of the business were. In the beginning, because I wasn’t clear on any of that, I chopped and changed a lot. It made it hard for potential clients to understand what my business was about and that meant that they were less inclined to jump on board with me. My advice is to give your business a strong identity and stick with it. Don’t try and make it for everyone or you won’t have anyone.
Did you ever deal with contention from your family and friends concerning your entrepreneurial pursuits?
How did you handle it? What would you do differently in hindsight?
Absolutely! My family were nervous about how people would treat me on social media and whether or not I would have a steady income by running my own business. It often felt that they weren’t supporting me and my dreams. I just had to remember that they were coming from a place of love. They simply wanted to protect me and that was understandable. Chasing my dreams lit me up though and nothing was going to stop me from having a go.
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business success?
Providing goods and services that people recommend to others. Word of mouth is the best marketing tool. I spent a lot of money on marketing plans and product launches, but the results didn’t compare to people telling other people that they liked what I sold.
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?
It takes a lot longer than you hope to start making good money. There are always unexpected costs. Success takes a lot of hard work! It doesn’t mean you should give up on your dreams.
What advice would you give to an upcoming young and old entrepreneur locally and internationally?
Be prepared for the ups and downs. It’s not a smooth ride to success but it is definitely worth it! Know that there will be times when the phone won’t ring, you won’t make as many sales as you’d like, and business associates will let you down. Don’t let it take you down! Remember that there will also be times when business will be booming and you will be on top of the world. Hang in there!
