"Connect with others in your desired field of business" with Emily Cosgrove
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Emily, a clinically trained and licensed couple and family therapist and life coach, specializes in the mind, body, soul connection. She loves assisting women in creating a life they love by helping them develop self-care practices, build confidence and self-love. She holds an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Syracuse University and has been featured in many publications including The Huffington Post, Family Circle, Maed, Brit + Co, Cosmopolitan, Greatist, Apartment Therapy, Bustle and Elite Daily. Originally from Ohio, she currently calls the Canadian 1000 Islands home and lives with her husband, daughter, and cat.
What inspired you to start your business?
I was inspired by a friend who had become a life coach and the freedom it offered her to work from wherever while reaching out and helping people around the world. I wanted to stay at home longer with my daughter but still felt the calling to help others and thought branching into life coaching would allow me the freedom to do that. I reconnected with her and expressed my interest in life coaching and she has graciously embraced me and helped me in so many ways along my journey.
Where is your business based?
I am currently located in the Canadian 1000 Islands but offer most of my packages online through my website.
How did you start your business?
My friend gave me many tips and advice on how to get started setting up my business and getting clear on what kind of coaching I wanted to do and who I wanted to help. I knew I would need a website and began researching platforms, web address names and layouts based on how I wanted my future clients to feel while viewing my website. I also knew I would need to work on the service side of my business by figuring out what kind of services I wanted to offer, how I wanted to help people and with what issues.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?
Referrals and social media. Being somewhat new to the coaching world, referrals from friends and family members have been immensely helpful in building awareness and a following. Social media has also been key to building awareness and getting myself and my business out to the public.
What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
One of my biggest challenges has been maintaining the confidence to sell yourself and your skills and believing in your ability to affect change through your work with other people. The other challenge is in perseverance when it seems like you’re not getting the attention and growth in awareness and your business that you were hoping to achieve. My friend has been supportive and encouraging having gone through the same process as she was starting her life coaching business. I also think setting aside time continuously to do your own self-work and change your own belief systems has been vital to the growth of my business.
How do you stay focused?
I set aside time for self-care and self-work which allows me to work through my own inhibitions and re-focus myself on my vision and goals for my business. Meditation and yoga are extremely helpful for me to gain focus and clarity. I also have a lot on the go with my business and home life so I try to stay focused and not waste too much time.
How do you differentiate your business from the competition?
I think having experience as a therapist is a huge leg up in the coaching world. Along with the wealth of knowledge and experience to draw from, I’ve developed skills and tools to help others in their journey and change process. I’m also an empath so my ability to connect with people on an emotional level is pivotal and allows my clients the feeling of safety and depth to explore their struggles and issues knowing I am there with them and holding space for them.
What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?
I think marketing strategies should evolve with the business and clientele you are serving. One size does not fit all and I believe the same can be said for many aspects of business and life including marketing strategies.
What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
Connect with others in your desired field of business. Build relationships and ask questions. Always.
What’s your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?
I don’t use many apps, but I have been listening to more audiobooks lately so I can multi-task.
Most of the blogs I follow are by people in the coaching industry so I am always learning new things and feeling encouraged and supported in my own work as a coach.
I don’t have one favorite book, but I love to read and I am always learning something new. I have enjoyed books by Jen Sincero, Gabby Bernstein and Elizabeth Gilbert’s book “Big Magic” often comes to mind while I work on business-related projects or finding the motivation to stay focused. My ‘to be read’ list is always growing with inspirational business books written by other female entrepreneurs.
What’s your favorite business tool or resource? Why?
I use Instagram a lot to share content and information that is helpful, inspiring and uplifting to my followers. I find it’s one of the best ways to get my business and what I do out into the world.
Who is your business role model? Why?
Amanda Frances. That girl is always working and putting out great content. I’ve taken a few of her online courses and she is great for telling it like it is and being specific and to the point. I admire her passion, dedication and drive to constantly put content out that is encouraging and inspiring to people and creating change in the world.
What is your beauty routine?
My beauty routine is very simple and minimalist where my every-day is lip balm and sometimes black mascara. When I get ready for an event I use light or rose-colored eyeshadow, black mascara, blush, and lip color.
How do you balance work and life?
It’s important to me to be present with my family so I am often trying to get as much done as possible during naptime and after my daughter and husband have gone to bed. I also think it’s incredibly important to set aside time for self-work and growth.
What’s your favorite way to decompress?
Playing with my daughter, yoga, reading, meditation and enjoying the summer by being outside with my family.
What do you have planned for the next six months?
I am creating two online courses to offer on my website and writing a book and continuing to build and grow my business.
How can our readers connect with you?
The best and most direct way is through email or one of my social media channels.
Emily Cosgrove, LMFT and Life Coach
emcosgrove@yahoo.com
https://www.instagram.com/emcosgrove/