"It’s Never Too Late to Start Over" with Angela Jorden, ACC, BCC
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After years of working in the corporate and non-profit worlds, Angela became a life coach in 2014—focused on helping people find what makes them happy, whole, and fulfilled. She now helps companies keep their best people by empowering employees to be focused, confident and productive. She helps employees get in a positive mindset, tackle behavioral issues, manage their time, and bolster their confidence.
Can you tell our readers about your background?
I spent the majority of my adult career in marketing, public relations, and writing. I worked for corporations, non-profits, and government entities. I’m from Indiana and have lived here all my life.
What inspired you to start your business?
My change in career was prompted by a nervous breakdown, in May 2013. I’d been trying to fit into a career mold that wasn’t me for years. I wanted something more meaningful and purpose-driven. I was 42 at the time. I saw a life coach and realized that I wanted to be one as well. I started Angela Jorden Coaching in 2014. For the last 7 years, I’ve been saying that my life started at 42!
Where is your business based?
Thanks to the pandemic, I am remote at the moment. My home base is Indianapolis, Indiana, though. I’ve helped a lot of Indy-based clients, but I’ve had the pleasure of working with people from global companies like Microsoft, Google and Nike as well.
How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?
I saw a life coach, with an inkling that I wanted to be one. It became abundantly clear that it was a perfect fit for me. When I started my first coaching class, I felt like I was finally home. I’d found my tribe. To get my business started, I did all of the “un-fun” things first—like forming an LLC, filing with the state and getting my business EIN. Once those tasks were done, it was a lot easier to tackle the bigger stuff like budget and marketing.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?
Initially, it was getting the word out there via Google, Yelp and my website. When I was doing individual career coaching, the general public typically found me via one of those channels. My business was primarily B2C. Now that I’ve pivoted to team and corporate coaching, my business model is changing too. It’s a B2B now. I am more focused on getting referral business from colleagues and past clients.
What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
I’ve been very lucky; I haven’t had many challenges. The pandemic was my biggest obstacle in recent years. I closed my physical office and began doing only remote coaching. At first, I was worried that it wouldn’t work as well, but honestly, it’s been great working remotely. I can help so many more people.
How do you stay focused?
I am part of many groups—networking associations, referral clubs and a women-owned business mastermind group that keeps me on task and keeps me accountable. I couldn’t do it without colleague support.
How do you differentiate your business from the competition?
I’ve been there. I’ve felt helpless at work. I’ve tried to make a round peg fit in a square hole. I really wish I had a coach when I was struggling in past jobs. My coaching career started with a need to connect to people and help them work through career transitions, and now it’s evolved into helping employees inside companies before they reach the point of no return. I’ve been on all sides of the table. I don’t know exactly what someone is going through, but I can absolutely empathize. And I get it.
What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?
When I was doing career coaching only, it was getting my name out everywhere I could—getting my business listed everywhere online and locally. I did videos and social media content curation. Now, a solid referral strategy and personal conversations with clients are my marketing tactics.
What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
Don’t let marketing scare you. It’s not as hard as you think. So many free marketing resources are available online. And you can get inexpensive help from a creative professional if you need it.
What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?
My favorite app is Calm, because it has so many quick, easy ways to quiet your brain. I don’t have a favorite blog, but I do have a favorite podcast—Smartless with actors Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes. I love hearing behind-the-scene stories about actors and comedians. My favorite book is Strange but True, by John Searles. I love his writing style and the story is just riveting.
What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?
My favorite business tool is Legal Zoom. I didn’t want to hire a lawyer or business coach, so I did my own research on Legal Zoom. It made starting and maintain my business so much easier. My biggest resource is my colleagues. We refer clients to each other, talk about best practices and business strategies.
Who is your business role model? Why?
Probably Brene Brown. I love everything she does and says. Her work in vulnerability and shame is unprecedented. And her findings are all backed by research. She’s got the chops to put the message out there.
How do you balance work and life?
Working from home certainly helps, but I do have to step away from the computer a few times a day to walk, meditate or rest. I am fortunate that I have a lot of balance at the moment.
What’s your favorite way to decompress?
Watching a comedy or laughing. It can change my mood completely.
What do you have planned for the next six months?
The next six months are focused on gaining corporate coaching clients, landing speaking engagements and doing workshops.
How can our readers connect with you?
317-691-3514
www.resetyourhappy.com