Colleen Lindberg is a passionate speaker, trainer, facilitator, consultant, author and mentor. She is the owner and president of CLC Consulting, a consulting firm that specializes in team synergy and connecting the team puzzle pieces together through strategic workshops, productivity assessments, the Kolbe Index and accountability programs for executive management teams, small business owners and employees. Read our interview with the lovely Colleen below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
Through my experience in retail and hospitality management, I saw there was always a need for accountability and coaching in small businesses within the organizations I worked with or was a part of. So that is what inspired me to get started on my own – I kind of fell into doing my business. Once I figured out what was in alignment with where I wanted to be, I started taking courses to become certified in doing what I do.
Tell us about your business.
I offer a number of services that can be specifically tailored to assist independent and small businesses to realize/achieve enhanced experiences both within their teams and with their client base. My offerings range from key note addresses to educational seminars and teaching, to ongoing business coaching and accountability programs.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
I am so confident in the value I can deliver that is tailored to meet individual needs, that I have an ongoing offer for an initial consultation at no charge. Visitors to my website can also get my e-book for free if they sign up for my newsletter.
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
- I have won numerous team building accolades and awards through various job positions and was a nominee for The Youth Entrepreneurship award with the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce.
- I am a certified Kolbe Specialist and Consultant, as well as a published author of several books with another doe to be released.
Where is your business based?
The business office is based out of Bradford, Ontario. We do service the Greater Toronto Area with the ability to service/coach clients further away through video conferencing and willingness to travel for key note addresses and speaking and/or training engagements.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I basically threw mud against the wall for probably the first year, created a plan, got out and started to promote myself. It was really organic at first, with not a lot of structure. It was more like, “let’s just see what we can nail out”.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Networking has definitely been the most effective way of raising awareness for my business, along with developing key relationships and referral partners, as well as hosting networking events and workshops.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
My biggest challenges have been staying focused on tasks to completion. I find myself wanting to take on different avenues and different things and sometimes it’s not feasibly possible with time.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I overcame these particular challenges by hiring a virtual assistant, streamlining, and creating processes that duplicate in the business.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
There are always goals in place and I always know what I’m working towards. I make sure the goals I have are clearly defined and visible, they are posted all over the place. Having a coach myself is obviously important as well.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I primarily distinguish myself through my energy and positivity. I endeavor to bring value everywhere I go no matter whether I’m with clients or not, (even when simply having coffee with someone, my goal is always to ensure they have value when I leave).
I also have a unique brand in terms of versatility and deliver actionable and measurable content with a synergistic approach.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
My best advice recently received has been to, “Continue being your awesome self”. (authenticity)
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
- Stay the course.
- Get accountable.
- Set your goals and measure them.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
The 12 week year accountability program. The program offers an extremely effective means of tracking progress quarterly to best ensure identified goals are realized.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
A good book I’ve read recently is called, “the Year of Yes”, by Shonda Rhimes. This is about how you step outside of the things you normally say no to in order to go experience life. Another good book I’ve read and re-read is my self-authored, “Change the Lightbulb” 😉
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I am committed to continuous learning and am currently learning to write publishing proposals for publishing houses in order to get my next book published.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
My goals for the next few months include; expanding my coaching client base, increasing my umber of key speaking engagements, promotion of consistent brand visibility and recognition.
These will be achieved through networking, social media posts, SEO, referability programs, creating testimonial campaigns, launching new workshops, expanding my networks, as well as proposal submissions to different venues.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @clcconsulting, @colleenlindberg
Twitter @clcconsult
Facebook www.facebook.com/colleenlindberg
Facebook Group www.facebook.com/clindbergbusiness
Website www.clcconsults.com
Email colleen@clcconsults.com
Hashtags #clcconsults #entrepreneurblogger #womensupportingwomen