Dawn LaCarte is a highly respected healthcare professional with over 25 years of experience in the field of addiction and mental health. Throughout her illustrious career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to helping individuals and families navigate the challenges of addiction, mental health issues, and life transitions. With a wide range of certifications and expertise, LaCarte has established herself as an expert in her field. She holds the title of Advanced Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor, Clinical Interventionist, Certified Recovery Coach, Usui Reiki Master Teacher, Master Certified Life Coach, and Certified Grief Educator.
Throughout her career, LaCarte has worked in various capacities within the healthcare industry. She has excelled in senior-level administration, program directorship, therapeutic roles, and business development. This diverse background has given her a well-rounded perspective and a deep understanding of addiction treatment and mental health care. Driven by her passion for helping people, LaCarte founded Dawn LaCarte Coaching & Consulting.
Please tell us a little bit about your business – what is Dawn LaCarte Coaching & Consulting all about?
Dawn LaCarte Coaching & Consulting is a multi-specialty counseling center that provides comprehensive support and guidance to individuals and families struggling with addiction, mental health issues, and life transitions. Our primary goal is to create a safe and welcoming space where clients can receive the support they need to heal and grow.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you started your company.
My passion for helping people inspired me to start Dawn LaCarte Coaching & Consulting. I wanted to create a safe and welcoming space where clients could receive the support they need to heal and grow. I recognized the importance of providing comprehensive care that addresses addiction, mental health, and life transitions.
To achieve this, I learned as much as possible through education and experience, getting certifications as an Advanced Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor, Clinical Interventionist, Certified Recovery Coach, Master Certified Life Coach, and Certified Grief Educator. With these skills and experience, I got the expertise to make a significant impact and to offer a holistic approach that combines different modalities to cater to the unique needs of each individual.
What would you say are the top 3 skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur, and why?
Based on my experience, the top three skills that I consider essential are vision and strategic thinking, adaptability and resilience, and effective communication.
- Vision and strategic thinking involve being able to envision the future of the business and set goals accordingly. Strategic thinking allows you to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and make informed decisions to drive the growth and success of the company.
- Adaptability and resilience are also important because entrepreneurship is a dynamic and ever-changing journey. Therefore, being adaptable and resilient is critical. Entrepreneurs must be able to embrace change, quickly adjust to new circumstances, and learn from setbacks. They must also navigate challenges, overcome obstacles, and remain focused on their goals, even in adversity.
- Effective communication and relationship building is also crucial. Strong communication skills are essential for entrepreneurs to convey their vision, build relationships, and collaborate effectively. Clear and concise communication helps convey ideas to team members, clients, and stakeholders. Building and maintaining relationships with clients, partners, and industry professionals also fosters trust, opens doors for opportunities, and strengthens the overall business network.
What are your plans for the future, how do you plan to grow this company?
Our primary focus is on expanding our reach and impact in addiction and mental health care. To achieve this, we have several strategies, including enhancing service offerings. We plan to continually enhance our service offerings by staying up-to-date with the latest research, best practices, and emerging treatment modalities. This will allow us to provide our clients with the most effective and comprehensive care available. We also actively seek client feedback to meet their expectations and address their unique needs.
We also believe in the power of collaboration and partnerships. By working closely with other healthcare professionals, therapists, and organizations in the addiction and mental health field, we can expand our network and offer our clients a wider range of resources and expertise. This collaboration will help us stay at the forefront of industry advancements and ensure we are providing the highest quality of care.
How have the pandemic and Lockdown affected you or your new business?
The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns undoubtedly significantly impacted Dawn LaCarte Coaching & Consulting, as they had on businesses across various industries. While the challenges were substantial, we adapted and learned valuable lessons.
One of the most notable changes was the shift from in-person sessions to virtual platforms. Initially, there were concerns about how effective virtual counseling would be, as personal connection is crucial in our field. However, we quickly discovered that virtual sessions could still provide a safe and effective space for clients to receive support and guidance. We learned to leverage technology to maintain continuity of care and ensure our client’s well-being.
Mental health and addiction issues escalated during the pandemic, making our services even more critical. We witnessed an increased need for support and guidance as individuals faced heightened stress, anxiety, and isolation. Our team remained dedicated to providing compassionate care and adapted our approaches to address the unique challenges posed by the pandemic.
Additionally, we recognized the importance of community and connection during such difficult times. We actively engaged in outreach efforts, offering free virtual support groups, webinars, and resources to the community. We understood the significance of being there for others and providing a sense of belonging and support, even in the virtual space.
This experience taught us the value of flexibility, adaptability, and innovation. We discovered new ways to connect with clients, embraced technology, and expanded our reach beyond physical boundaries. We also deepened our understanding of the vital role that mental health and addiction services play during times of crisis.
How do you separate yourself from your competitors?
We differentiate ourselves from our competitors in several ways: We believe in taking a holistic approach to addiction and mental health care. We recognize that individuals struggling with these challenges often face multiple interconnected issues. Therefore, our services go beyond traditional treatment methods by integrating various modalities such as individual counseling, family therapy, group therapy, addiction treatment, and life coaching. This comprehensive approach allows us to address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of our client’s well-being.
Additionally, with over 25 years of experience in addiction and mental health, along with multiple certifications and specializations, our Dawn LaCarte Coaching & Consulting team brings a wealth of expertise. This extensive knowledge and experience enable us to provide high-quality, evidence-based care to our clients. We also take on a Client-Centered Approach. Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in building a solid therapeutic alliance with each individual and family we work with. We take the time to understand their unique needs, goals, and challenges.
Our approach is personalized, compassionate, and tailored to each client’s circumstances. We empower our clients to be active participants in their recovery journey, working collaboratively with them to achieve sustainable, long-term positive change. Lastly, we also focus on life transitions. We recognize that life transitions can often exacerbate these challenges. Therefore, we specialize in supporting individuals and families during significant life transitions, such as career changes, relationship changes, loss, and other significant life events. By addressing these transitional periods, we help our clients navigate the complexities and emotional aspects that can contribute to addiction and mental health issues.
What were the top three mistakes you made starting your business, and what did you learn from them?
- One of the things I could have done better initially was underestimating the significance of marketing and establishing a robust online presence. I realized that I needed more than provide excellent services; I had to communicate our value to our target audience effectively. I learned the importance of investing time and resources into marketing strategies.
- Secondly, in the early stages of the business, I needed to give more thought to scalability. As demand grew, I needed to rapidly adapt and expand our team and resources to meet client needs. This experience taught me the importance of planning for growth from the outset, including developing scalable systems, building a strong team, and establishing strategic partnerships. By doing so, we can better accommodate increased demand and scale our operations without compromising the quality of our services.
- Lastly, I initially took on multiple roles within the business, which led to burnout and compromised my ability to focus on strategic planning and business development. This experience taught me the importance of delegating tasks, building a capable and reliable team, and recognizing the need for self-care. By surrounding myself with a competent team, I can now focus on the growth and strategic direction of the business, ensuring long-term sustainability and success.
Tell us a little bit about your marketing process, what has been the most successful form of marketing for you?
Our marketing process at Dawn LaCarte Coaching & Consulting involves a combination of online and offline strategies. To reach our target audience, we utilize various digital marketing channels such as search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, content creation, and targeted online advertising. Additionally, we engage in community outreach, collaborate with local organizations, and participate in relevant events to raise awareness about our services.
In terms of the most successful form of marketing for us, harnessing the power of online platforms, mainly social media marketing, has yielded significant results. By leveraging social media platforms to share educational content, engage with our audience, and showcase our expertise, we have built brand visibility, attracted new clients, and foster community. The interactive nature of social media allows us to establish meaningful connections and establish ourselves as a trusted resources in the addiction and mental health field.
What have been your biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them?
The ever-evolving nature of addiction and mental health has presented challenges in staying updated with new research, treatment modalities, and industry trends. To overcome this, I consciously engage in continuous learning. I attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to expand my knowledge and stay informed. Additionally, I foster a culture of professional development within my team, encouraging them to pursue ongoing education and training. Secondly, as the business grew, one of the challenges was building a reliable and competent team. I overcame this challenge by implementing a rigorous hiring process that focuses on qualifications and alignment with our values and commitment to client care. I prioritize ongoing training and professional development for my team to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality services. By fostering a positive and supportive work environment, I have attracted and retained talented professionals who share our vision.
What was your first business idea, and what did you do with it?
Dawn LaCarte Coaching & Consulting is my first business idea, and I am happy that it has grown to this point.
What are you learning now? Why is that important?
I am focused on expanding my knowledge of emerging treatment modalities, advancements in addiction and mental health research advancements, and innovative therapy approaches. I need to stay informed and continuously update my skills to provide my clients the highest quality of care. By visiting abreast of the latest developments in the field, I can ensure that I am offering evidence-based and practical strategies to support the healing and growth of my clients.
If you started your business again, what things would you do differently?
I would build strategic partnerships sooner. Collaboration and teamwork are essential for business growth. If I were to start over, I would actively seek out strategic alliances with other professionals and organizations in the addiction and mental health field. By forming alliances and leveraging collective expertise, we can enhance our service offerings, expand our reach, and provide comprehensive support to clients.
I would also delegate and empower my team sooner. Recognizing the importance of delegating tasks and empowering team members to take ownership is crucial. I delegate responsibilities more effectively, allowing me to focus on strategic planning and business development. By fostering a culture of empowerment and trust, I can create a cohesive team that shares the vision and contributes to the business’s overall success.
What are the top 3 online tools and resources you’re currently using to grow your company?
- I use Canva, an intuitive graphic design platform that allows me to create visually appealing and professional marketing materials. With its user-friendly interface and vast library of templates, I can design engaging social media posts, brochures, and other visual content to attract and connect with my target audience.
- Google Analytics provides invaluable insights into website traffic, user behavior, and conversion metrics. I can make informed decisions to optimize my online strategies, improve user experience, and drive growth by analyzing this data. It helps me understand which marketing channels are most effective, which pages attract the most engagement, and how visitors navigate my website.
- LinkedIn is a powerful professional networking platform that allows me to connect with colleagues, industry professionals, and potential clients. I use LinkedIn to share informative articles, engage in discussions, and build relationships within the addiction and mental health community. It is a valuable resource for staying updated on industry trends, connecting with like-minded professionals, and promoting my services to a targeted audience.
What’s a productivity tip you swear by?
One productivity tip I swear by is prioritizing and planning my tasks using the “Eat the Frog” technique. This technique involves identifying the most important or challenging task of the day (the “frog”) and tackling it first thing in the morning when you have the highest focus and energy. Completing the most critical task early on sets a positive tone for the rest of the day and reduces the likelihood of procrastination. This approach helps me stay focused, accomplish important tasks efficiently, and maintain daily momentum.
Can you recommend one book, podcast, and online course for entrepreneurs?
- Book: “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries. This book offers valuable insights into the startup methodology of building and growing a business efficiently. It emphasizes the importance of continuous innovation, rapid experimentation, and customer feedback to create a successful and sustainable business. “The Lean Startup” provides practical strategies for validating ideas, minimizing waste, and adapting to market changes, making it a valuable resource for any entrepreneur.
- Podcast: “The Tim Ferriss Show.” Hosted by Tim Ferriss, this podcast features interviews with world-class performers from various fields, including entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, and more. Tim Ferriss dives deep into their strategies, habits, and experiences, providing actionable insights and inspiration for listeners. The diverse range of guests and the in-depth conversations make it a valuable resource for entrepreneurs seeking knowledge, motivation, and unconventional approaches to success.
- Online Course: “Entrepreneurship 101: Who is Your Customer?” offered by Stanford Online. This course focuses on the crucial aspect of understanding and identifying your target customer. It explores market research techniques, customer discovery methods, and practical strategies for building customer-centric businesses. The course provides practical tools and frameworks for entrepreneurs to validate their ideas, refine their value proposition, and develop a deep understanding of their customer’s needs and preferences.
If you only had $1000 dollars to start a new business, knowing everything you know now, how would you spend it?
If I had only $1000 to start a new business, here’s how I would allocate the budget based on my experience and knowledge:
- I would allocate a portion of the budget toward creating a professional website. A website is a crucial online presence for any business, serving as a platform to showcase services, provide information to potential clients, and establish credibility. I prioritize a user-friendly design, engaging content, and responsive functionality to create a positive first impression and attract visitors.
- I would allocate another portion of the budget toward targeted social media advertising. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram provide effective and cost-efficient ways to reach a specific audience. I can promote my services by leveraging targeted ads, engaging with potential clients, and generating leads. I would focus on creating compelling ad content and refining the targeting parameters to maximize the impact of the advertising budget.
- I would also reserve a portion of the budget for networking events and community involvement. Building relationships and establishing a presence within the addiction and mental health community is crucial for generating referrals and fostering partnerships. Attending relevant conferences, joining professional organizations, and participating in community events can create opportunities for collaboration, exposure, and word-of-mouth marketing.
What helps you stay driven and motivated to keep going in your business?
What helps me stay driven and motivated in my business is the deep passion I have for helping people and making a positive impact in their lives. Witnessing the transformation and growth of my clients is incredibly rewarding and serves as a constant reminder of the importance of my work. Additionally, staying connected with my purpose and values keeps me motivated. I regularly reflect on why I started my business and the values that drive me. This helps me stay aligned with my mission and maintain a sense of purpose in my work.
Moreover, continuous learning and professional development are significant in keeping me driven. I stay updated with the latest research, advancements, and best practices in addiction and mental health. This ongoing learning fuels my passion and allows me to offer my clients the most effective and evidence-based approaches.
What is your favorite quote?
One of my favorite quotes is by Maya Angelou:
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
– Maya Angelou
This quote reminds me of the profound impact we can have on others through our actions, words, and how we treat them. It reinforces the importance of empathy, kindness, and creating a safe and supportive environment for those we serve. It always reminds me to prioritize human connection and our power to positively impact others.
What valuable advice would you give new entrepreneurs starting?
I advise them to choose a business venture that aligns with their passion and values. Being genuinely passionate about your work fuels your motivation, dedication, and resilience. It also allows you to connect more authentically with your target audience and make a meaningful impact. It is also important to surround yourself with a network of mentors, advisors, and fellow entrepreneurs. Seek guidance and insights from experienced individuals who have walked a similar path. Engage in networking opportunities, join industry associations, and participate in entrepreneurial communities. These connections can provide valuable advice, support, and collaboration opportunities. Lastly, as an entrepreneur, it’s easy to get caught up in the demands of your business. Remember to prioritize self-care, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and nurture your physical and mental well-being. Taking care of yourself ensures you have the energy and clarity to lead your business effectively.
Who should we interview next and why?
I have no one in mind at the moment.
What is your definition of success?
To me, success is the ability to make a positive impact in the lives of others and create meaningful change. It is about helping individuals overcome their challenges, heal from addiction and mental health issues, and empower them to live fulfilling lives. Success fosters genuine connections with clients, providing them the support and tools they need to thrive. It is also about personal growth, continuous learning, and being able to adapt and evolve in an ever-changing field.
How do you personally overcome fear?
I overcome fear by embracing it and reframing it as an opportunity for growth. Fear is a natural response to uncertainty and stepping out of our comfort zones. Instead of avoiding or suppressing fear, I acknowledge it and examine its underlying reasons. By understanding the source of my fear, I can address it directly and develop strategies to mitigate it.
Taking action is also a powerful antidote to fear. Breaking tasks or goals into smaller, manageable steps allows me to progress despite fear. I build momentum and gain confidence by focusing on bringing one step at a time.
Moreover, I surround myself with a supportive network of mentors, colleagues, and friends who provide encouragement and perspective. Sharing my fears and seeking their guidance helps me gain different insights and reassurance.
How can readers get in touch with you?
You can connect with me on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. Following my profiles lets you stay updated on the latest news, articles, and insights about addiction, mental health, and personal growth. I’m here to support, guide, and assist individuals and families struggling with addiction and mental health issues. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m eager to help.
