After what Karen likes to call her ‘preparation period’, she began her journey as a brand coach, her mission, is to unleash truths and change as many lives as possible. With extensive training in Psychology, counseling, and NLP, Karen found her calling helping entrepreneurs integrate their passions, experiences, and talents.
Karen’s motto is living a life of authenticity. She felt so strongly about owning one’s truth that she published a parenting book in 2014 just so she can address misrepresented truths about the challenges of parenting. Now, she applies this in her brand coaching where clients are encouraged to use their true selves as their brand. Why this approach? The answer is simple: ‘We buy from people we trust. The best way to earn trust is to show the world who you really are.’
Karen has always found herself drawn to working in people-centric occupations. From her humble beginning as a boat ride host in the first theme park in Singapore, Haw Par Villa Dragon World where she was later talent scouted and moved on to perform in musicals to flying the skies with Singapore Airlines. Her last job before dedicating her time to her children was working with EQUAL-ARK in Singapore where horses were used in therapy for troubled teens.
No different from many others, Karen found herself at a pivotal crossroad last March when the Covid pandemic was merely a possibility. There was a sense of urgency that the years of training and preparation was for that moment. Within weeks, she launched her business and never looked back since.
What is your business all about?
My business to help entrepreneurs create their ideal business by utilizing their passions, experiences, and talents. Then using themselves as their unique business brand; earning consumers’ trust by showing up authentically as the brand.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you started your company?
My background is in Psychology, counselling and NLP. I am trained in various therapy methodology such as DBT, MBCT, to name a few. I practised as a psychologist briefly when I had the opportunity to work with at-risk teens using equine therapy. That was very rewarding. Unfortunately, we had to relocate back to Melbourne and I chose to focus on my children.
I started my company shortly after the Covid pandemic hit and it made me realise that I had to do something with all the training I had collected. It did take me a couple of months to finally be able to monetise my passion. So, you could say, I simply jumped in and started swimming.
What would you say are the top 3 skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur, and why?
The top 3 skills in my opinion are:
- Proper training – You can desire to do something, but one cannot lie about what you know. It is an ethical obligation.
- Audacity – You must dare to want what you want; because there will be people who will question you and even you will question you. The element of fearlessness is a definite requirement.
- Tenacity – Of all people I know this. If you want something bad enough, you will find ways to make it happen. I wanted to fly for Singapore airlines so badly, I interviewed over 20 times over the span of 3 years to finally get in. So, I know firsthand the power of tenacity.
What are your plans for the future, how do you plan to grow this company?
I get so excited when people ask me about my future. I want to spread the audacity of authenticity. Let’s all get real! Let’s speak our minds but in a kind and compassionate manner. I hope to help more businesses grow in their uniqueness. I hope that the practice of honesty in business can spread to our daily lives.
I will go and speak on any platform that will have me. I actively seek out opportunities to get some airtime. I am planning on doing more collaborations so that more people can hear my message!
How do you separate yourself from your competitors?
By saying what I mean and meaning what I say. I do not false advertise. When I offer a free coaching call, I never sell. I show up authentically (sorry if you are sick of this word, will try to think of a different one for the next answer). I don’t sell what I cannot provide.
What were the top three mistakes you made starting your business, and what did you learn from them?
- Thinking that I had to have everything ready in order to get started.
- It is hard, there are no shortcuts, but it will get easier.
- Trust you, don’t let anyone tell you what your niche is. You are the one who is going to be going through this for a long time. Make sure you love what you do. You will know when the right niche comes along. Keep exploring.
Tell us a little bit about your marketing process, what has been the most successful form of marketing for you?
To be honest, most of my marketing is currently conducted through Facebook. The reason why it is so successful for me is that I took the time to make real connections. Get to know the new friends you have made. Whether they are your ideal clients or not. Because the power of referral is not to be underestimated.
What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
My biggest challenges can be narrowed down to 2 hurdles:
- Tech – I was very resistant to tech so that took me a long time to get over. Tech refers to Canva, Mailchimp… But I bit the bullet and of course, when one first starts a business, the cost is an issue. All these are free if you learn to do them yourself. So, I did, and it turned out to be easier than I expected.
- Self – doubt – Let’s face it. We all have it at various points in our lives. How did I get over self-doubt? First, I only offer services I know I am very good at. Which is why I don’t call myself a business coach; I don’t teach sales funnels and such. I show you how to utilise your strengths, that I am very good at; given my psychology training. Second, I don’t give it any attention, this is what I have decided to do, and nothing is stopping me. Not doing this is no longer an option. This is also where tenacity comes into play.
If you started your business again, what things would you do differently?
I wouldn’t do anything differently because every decision I made, every course I signed up for had a reason. I will not be so secure in my niche if not for all the trials and errors. They are vital to businesses. How would you know what works if you don’t know what doesn’t work?
What are the top 3 online tools and resources you’re currently using to grow your company?
I hope I am answering this correctly. I am using Canva, a private coaching portal, and of course Youtube!
- Book – The story teller’s secret by Carmine Gallo
- Podcast – Gary Vee
- Online course – Australian Smallbusiness.com.au
If you only had $1000 dollars to start a new business, knowing everything you know now, how would you spend it?
With a good coach, straight away. Because good coaches know how to get you started where you are without needing to spend extras on other things.
What helps you stay driven and motivated to keep going in your business?
I have waited and second guessed myself for too long. I do this because nothing else drives me anymore and I want to be a good role model for my children. What better life lesson than to watch your own parent work towards their dreams and not give up?
What is your favorite quote?
‘The struggle you are facing is a test to see if you are truly committed to the life you say you want.’
– Unknown
What valuable advice would you give new entrepreneurs starting out?
Get yourself a good coach, one who is aligned with your values and is open-minded. Make sure you have great rapport and trust because you will need it when things get rough. Start where you are because you can never be ready enough; you will get better along the way.
Remember to stop looking at obstacles as something that is there to hinder you; see it instead as a stepping stone for you to climb up to something better.
And lastly, don’t give up because you don’t know how close you are to the finish line!
Who should we interview next and why?
Christina Maningo, because she is so passionate about helping people and there is no one else I trust more.
How can we get in touch with you?
Easy, check out my website Karen Foote. Not sure if giving you my number would work. Or you can message me on Facebook? I love receiving good news emails so an email to say: “Yay, you have been selected would be awesome!”
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