Episode 66 - The story of how my business started + 3 tips for sustainability

April 11, 2024 Hayley Carr

…the path to a sustainable business looks different for everyone.

Episode available 12 Apr

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When you’re at the beginning of your business journey, it can feel disheartening when you hear other entrepreneurs share their instant success stories.

The truth is that the path to a sustainable business looks different for everyone. For me, it was slow and winding and I met some unexpected challenges along the way. But along the journey, I also experienced some profound personal growth and learned a lot about sustainability.

My journey into coaching began in 2007 when I had an inspiring experience with a coach which resulted in me breaking a world record in martial arts. This experience completely changed my life and I was hooked.

In 2008 I signed up for a coaching course and made the brave decision to quit my well-paying full-time job in interior architecture and focus on karate and coaching training. My boss thought I was crazy because it was also in the middle of a recession!

After about three months, I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue and I hit rock bottom. I was coaching very sporadically and all I could do was focus on my health. From there it was a nuanced journey of recovery, finding different jobs, travelling the world and slowly building up my business to where it is today.

Find your definition of sustainability

Sustainability in business isn’t just about financial stability. You also need to think about your personal well-being and your capacity to continue doing what you love without risking burnout.

It's about creating a business that not only supports your financial needs but also aligns with your values and lifestyle.

That’s why it looks different for everyone. There’s no right or wrong strategy, it’s more about understanding what’s going to work for you.

Your Energy is Paramount

Sustainability begins with you. If your business demands more than you can give, it's unsustainable. It's crucial to find a balance where your personal energy and the demands of your business coexist harmoniously. This balance ensures that you can continue to serve your clients and grow your business without compromising your health or happiness.

Financial Management is Key

When I started my business, I was completely uninterested in tracking my money and actually had no idea what I was earning. Now, I understand that financial management isn’t just the boring stuff, but a critical aspect of building a sustainable business.

You need to ensure your business revenue covers your monthly expenses and know how long it takes to turn prospects into paying clients. Grasping these components enables you to plan better, reduce stress, and have a clearer picture of your business's financial health.

Embrace Your Unique Journey

The road to success isn't linear. It's filled with nuances, mistakes, and lessons that are unique to your context and circumstances.

Embrace this uniqueness and allow yourself to move at your own pace. Whether it takes you months or years to reach your goals, what matters most is that you're building a business that truly reflects your values and dreams.

HAYLEY CARR