How Karen Turned Experience into a Thriving Business
August 15, 2024Posted by:
After 45 years with the Civil Service, most of that time spent at HMRC, Karen thought retirement would be a welcome break. But as she stepped away from her role as a Senior Leader, where she had guided multi-functional teams across the country, she realised she wasn’t quite ready to stop working altogether. Her passion for leadership and mentoring lingered, and the idea of sharing her wealth of experience with small businesses started to take shape in her mind.
However, despite all her years of experience, the thought of starting a business was daunting. Karen knew how to lead teams, but running her own business? That was uncharted territory. She had ideas—she envisioned offering leadership sessions and mentoring—but she wasn’t sure if they were viable or how to even begin.
That’s when Karen turned to Start Up West Yorkshire. She needed someone who could help her make sense of her ideas and turn them into something concrete. Adam, her business coach, offered the guidance and reassurance she needed. He suggested she focus more on mentoring rather than just leadership sessions.
Adam didn’t just help with ideas; he provided the practical support Karen needed to bring her business to life. He enrolled her in webinars to sharpen her marketing skills, particularly on how to use LinkedIn effectively—a crucial tool for any modern business. Regular meetings on Teams kept Karen on track, offering her continuous encouragement and advice that she says was invaluable.
And then there was Monica, who ran the webinars. Karen couldn’t speak highly enough of Monica’s professionalism and patience. Monica’s webinars were thorough and engaging, answering every question the group had and ensuring Karen felt confident in her new skills. Together, Adam and Monica helped Karen craft a business plan that became the foundation of her success.
By July 1st, Karen’s business ‘Corporate Confidence’ was live. Karen had secured her first client and had another in the pipeline. She started attending local business networking meetings, got business cards printed, and began advertising on Facebook and LinkedIn. Although she wasn’t looking for full-time work—just 10 to 20 hours a month—Karen felt a renewed sense of purpose and excitement about her new venture.
Reflecting on her journey, Karen is clear: she couldn’t have done it without the support of Start Up West Yorkshire. Their guidance turned her retirement dream into a reality. Now, as she continues to network and see where the business takes her, Karen is confident that Corporate Confidence is on the right path.
In her own words, "I could not have got my business up and running without the support of Start Up West Yorkshire. They provide a truly excellent service, give great support, and encourage you to step out into the self-employed world and be your best self."
August 15, 2024Posted by:
