Lynn Colwell

Bloom ‘n Grow Coaching for Life

Washington State

http://www.bloomngrow.net

Lynn Colwell has been a corporate communications specialist, a public relations director, freelance writer, photographer, childbirth educator and children’s clothing designer.  But when she was was laid off, she decided it was time for a change of careers. She embarked on a graduate degree in counseling but after a year decided it wasn’t the right choice for her.  So instead, she sought training to become a personal coach.

“I knew it would take some time to get myself up to speed as a coach, but I had no fears about being a poor coach.  I felt pretty confident based on my past experience.”  The 59-year old mother of three and grandmother of four says that her family and friends provided great support with her new business decision.  “When I told them about coaching, every single one of them gave me a thumbs-up.  They all could see it was a perfect fit.”

Lynn didn’t write a business plan and makes no apologies for her decision.  “In my experience, most successful entrepreneurs are simply not focused people.  We’re dreamers, inventors, incautious, outside-the-box thinkers.”  She also says that her excitement for her new business kept her up a night, a sure sign that she was onto something great.

The financing for the business came from her own savings and Lynn cautions that it may not seem like an expensive business to launch, but there are many costs involved.  She says, “The training is not cheap,” and points out the need for a good long distance plan, an 800 number, high speed internet connection, website development and maintenance, design of logos, dues and books.

To market the business, Lynn works hard to get the word out.  Her best strategy is offering free half-hour coaching calls to people all over the world.  Personal coaching is an up and coming business offering and Lynn is often tasked with educating potential clients about the benefits.  “I explain that coaching is like sex.  I can tell you all about it, but until you try it yourself, you really have no idea how great it can be.”  This usually provokes a laugh and leads to scheduling the free call.

Her website acts as another important marketing tool.  “If I can get people to the website where they can meet me and explore what coaching is, they often will want the complimentary call.”  Lynn also peruses a lot of websites and offers free advice while using her signature to advertise her complimentary service.

The issues people bring to Lynn range from building a business to building a life.  Lynn challenges her clients to take action by experimenting with ideas or trying new behaviors.  “My coaching business is built on my desire to help other people, but I am not a therapist and do not attempt to be one.  I am very clear about what I will and will not provide my clients.”

Her self-designed website is packed with details about her offerings and includes articles she has written, recommendations for services she likes and a free newsletter.  The warm and friendly site invites clients to experience the help that Lynn can provide.

A typical work week ranges between 30 to 50 working hours and Lynn has a regimented schedule that she sticks to.  She arrives at her computer by 7:30 each morning and talks with four to six clients each day.  She schedules her free calls on Mondays and Fridays and her regular client calls mid-week.

Since working from home can be isolating, she tries to schedule lunch dates on Mondays and Fridays.  “I spend at least half the day emailing and contributing to various websites.  I also write articles, maintain my website and look for opportunities to develop my business.”

Lynn says when she’s not with a client; she takes a five minute break each hour by exercising, cleaning up or anything that gets her moving.  “In addition, most days at 10am and 3:30pm, I walk outside or on the treadmill for half an hour.”

Some unhappy coaches have expressed their dismay over Lynn’s pricing.  “The biggest challenge I’ve faced had to do with pricing my service.  Most coaches charge high fees.  I was not comfortable doing that for many reasons.  I believe so strongly in coaching that I want it to be available to as many people as possible, so I decided to become the ‘Wal-Mart’ of coaches, offering value at a low price.”

Lynn has a few favorite books that she recommends to aspiring entrepreneurs: Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway by Susan Jeffers, What Should I Do With My Life? By Po Bronson, A Complaint is a Gift by Barlow and Moller, Hey I’m the Customer by Ron Willingham and Positively Outrageous Service by T. Scott Gross.

As for advice for entrepreneurs, Lynn says, “Have a dream but be a realist.  Don’t expect someone else to make your dream a reality.  You’ll have to work hard, do things you neither want to do nor are particularly good at.  Look to others who have gone before you.  Read, ask questions, make friends and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Lynn cautions that being an entrepreneur is not for everyone and just because you don’t like working for someone else doesn’t mean you’ll like working for yourself any better.  “But if you aren’t responsible for the well being of anyone other than yourself, why not give it a try?  You may just be successful beyond your wildest dreams and if you’re not, the world will go on turning and you will have had a fascinating experience.”

About the Author:

Stephanie Chandler is a small business expert and the author of FROM ENTREPRENEUR TO INFOPRENEUR: MAKE MONEY WITH BOOKS, E-BOOKS AND INFORMATION PRODUCTS (John Wiley & Sons, Dec. 2006). This article is an excerpt from Chandler's book: THE BUSINESS STARTUP CHECKLIST AND PLANNING GUIDE.

Chandler is also the founder of www.BusinessInfoGuide.com, a directory of resources for entrepreneurs and www.ProPublishingServices.com, a custom writing business specializing in electronic newsletters, information marketing, and sales copy for Web sites, brochures and other marketing collateral.

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