I love hearing about people who are keeping it real.
The ones who are juggling this crazy thing called life, and a family, all while growing their business, their way.
Because the truth is, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns all of the time.
But it is worth it in the end.
In the #RealLifeBiz interview series, I talk to some of my favourite people about how they do what they do.
And this week we are talking to the amazing Sharon Chisholm
So, what do you do?
I am a mindset coach for women in business. I work remotely, dealing with topics such as overwhelm, work-life balance, anxiety, self-care, and imposter syndrome.
I’m also a writer, speaker, and mental health advocate.
How long have you been doing it?
I’ve been coaching for about 10 years, but before that was responsible for a sales team, where a large part of my role was coaching and mentoring my staff.
What does “balance” mean to you/look like for you?
I think that it’s about getting the things done that must be done, and ensuring that we spend time doing things we love. If one starts to encroach on the other, then we need to re-visit our priorities and see what we can let go of. Self-care is vital to a fulfilling life, and a successful business. If we don’t look after ourselves, we cannot begin to support others.
What does a normal week include?
I have Tuesdays
to Thursdays set aside for client appointments, leaving Mondays and Fridays for
working on social media, networking, writing, planning, and recording
podcasts/doing interviews. Obviously there has to be some flexibility within my
schedule, as I have to take into account that my clients, or other people I’m
working with, may not be able to fit in around those times.
I tend to try and fit a few chores in during the day, so that my weekends
aren’t taken up with washing and grocery shopping. I’m a bit of an all or
nothing person, so have to be fairly strict with myself in terms of not working
or not relaxing too much.
What’s the best thing about being your own boss?
Being able to work like a demon when I feel like it, and being able to have a day off when I need to. I can also set my own hours, and have as many cups of tea as I want to.
And what’s the worst?
Having to do ALL the things – marketing, sales, admin, accounting, social media (okay, so I love the social media part), when all I really love to do is the one-on-one work with my clients, speaking engagements, and writing articles.
When times are good, how do you celebrate?
I love a solo trip to the movies. I don’t have to share my snacks with anyone, and nobody wants to whisper to me in the middle of the movie. I like to go and catch up with friends, or have a sneaky breakfast out with my husband.
When things are crappy, how do you handle it?
As someone who
lives with bipolar disorder, I have to manage my mental health exceedingly
carefully. I have to listen to my body, and know when I need to take a break.
This has taken many years to come to terms with, and I still find it
frustrating when I can’t simply pull myself together and get on with it.
For me, laughter really is the best medicine, so chatting with people who
always make me smile really helps. I also like to spend time in my garden, or
watching a movie with my gorgeous dog, who never fails to make me smile.
What’s the long term plan? (Keep working, build an empire, sell, retire, etc)
My long-term plan is to keep working, because I love working with my clients. I’d love to create an online course, plus fit in a lot more speaking engagements.
What is one piece of advice you would give anyone running their own business?
Ask for help when you need it. Often the time we most need help, is the time we’re least able to ask for it. If you are struggling emotionally, or mentally, go and see your doctor.