Stacey Smith doesn’t play by the rules. She is basically like your rebel best friend who just goes for things and makes things happen; the difference is that Stacey is a life coach who has all the answers and resources you need to succeed in your business. Read our interview with the lovely Stacey below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
For 7 years I was one of the top sales agents in my industry, traveling the country, winning trips, making TONS of money, and was crying in my car almost every day that I worked. I was miserable. I got offered jobs all the time, but no one could come close to matching what I made in my 100 percent commission job. I got promoted to run Puerto Rico for my company and the last day of the trip I got robbed at gun point. It wasn’t traumatic for me as much as transformative. So much happened in that ONE moment. I realized, even at gun point I had the power to choose my reaction. I had the power to find gratitude in the moment. (If I died, it was going to be on a beach… it couldn’t get more beautiful than that). I then started taking my power back in every aspect of my life, by working with my own coach. Coincidentally that became the name of my very first program!
Tell us about your business.
I’m totally in love with helping other women breathe life into their dreams in the most powerful and authentic way possible. You know that first moment where you feel 100% connected to YOU? Being there for THAT moment with my clients is the most rewarding thing on the planet. I’m there for that and I’m there for a LOT of other moments with them as well. I feel like a rebel most of the time, most coaches in the industry have a very specific niche. I work with all types of women entrepreneurs and even professional athletes. For me it’s all about the connection. I have worn so many hats in my life and been so many versions of myself that I can connect with so many different women. I think that’s what makes Diva Business School so powerful. All women, all walks of life, different passions, different perspectives, coming together to transform themselves and up level their lives.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
I actually have a free network on Facebook that I do Q&As on Monday–Friday that you can request to join called the “Diva Power Network”.
Where is your business based?
AHHHH, the best part! I am location independent. I do everything over the phone or Zoom! So sometimes it’s based in Louisville, KY where I live, and other times its poolside in Laguna! I love to travel. Just for my travel shenanigans you can follow me at @_travelingdiva. Maybe one day I’ll do a blog just dedicated to that!
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I feel like I did every step in the book to get my business up and running. First and foremost, I hired a coach. I also got certified at the Life Coach School and from there I did it all. I offered a free 6-month program for 10 women, free workshops, networking events. I posted on social media. Mostly it was getting my face out in front of people and talking to anyone and everyone about what I do and making everyone I come in contact with feel like a million dollars. I focused constantly no matter what I was doing on raising my standards of how I showed up and creating contacts that would be interested in what I had to offer. The second program I ever offered was called the “Net Worth of your Network” and I still stand for that being the heart of it all. Your network determines your net worth. Always start with expanding your network.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Building really strong relationships, being extremely valuable within those relationships, and making everyone around me feel good. That’s it. That’s a very rare thing now days. 90 percent of my business is referrals.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Growing on social media! I’m a 30 year old dinosaur when it comes to understanding instagram and facebook. I built my six figure business and THEN decided to get a website and I just now pushed through my resistance and got it launched. Again, total rebel. I do everything the opposite of most people now days. But it works. There’s no one size fits all to success. (Also why I don’t believe in 7 step programs for success. For me it took like 30. And I love that. It makes me a better coach).
How did you overcome these challenges?
I coach on my mindset every week with my coaches. If I’m mentally in the right place, I or anyone else, can do anything. Also Facebook Live has been a god send. I don’t know where I’d be without it. It allows me to interact with people the way I love to. It provides that connection that has to be there for me.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I have 2 coaches and I’m in two masterminds. I never let my mindset slip and if it does, I have a team backing me up.
Focusing on your vision is also key. Not your WHY or your goals. But what you want to create in the world. Your legacy. I once heard that the feeling of burnout comes when you lose sight of your vision. I’ve held onto that ever since. No matter how tired I get, I think of my Diva Squad.
How did you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I make doing business with me feel like doing business with your best friend… that has all the answers. I once had a client say that to me. I told her that I’m stealing that from now on. I really care about my clients. Whether they are a private client or in my business school, they become my friend, my family. Their success means the world to me. The only place I’ve ever found that truly in this industry is with my coach, and that’s how I learned.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
Glennon Melton Doyle said on a podcast recently promoting her new book that “love is a relentless showing up”. I think that’s true in business too. Which is one in the same if you practice heart centered entrepreneurship. And its HARD. It’s hard to choose love when people hurt you. When they don’t do business the way you do. When you’re tired. When you’re failing. It’s a continuous showing up. Day by day. Every morning resetting itself, and your need to show up that day, the same as the last.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Listen to Jen Sincero; BE A BAD ASS. HIRE A COACH. Invest in yourself and your future. Be in integrity. We have to invest in ourselves constantly if we want others to constantly show up ready to invest with us. And always show up. Even when it’s hard.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
Besides my coach? Podcasts. My master coach instructor’s podcast “The Life Coach School” podcast. Or “The School of Greatness” podcast by Lewis Howes.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @_travelingdiva and @divabusinessschool
Facebook www.facebook.com/
Website www.staceysmithcoaching.com
Hashtags #divabusinessschool #divaboss #divasquad #travelingdiva #staceysmithcoaching
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
10x rule. An entrepreneur must read. Period.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
Social Media and mailing list creations! It’s a work in progress!
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
I’m launching three new classes of Diva Business School. It always goes back to basics. Getting myself and my message in front of as many people as possible.