Truth Telling from the Trenches with Business Coach Debbie Page
I am the leading authority on cash flow and profitability for women in business. Over the past 20 years of my entrepreneurial odyssey I have acquired, scaled and sold two businesses - one that was generating multiple seven figures. To say I know a thing or two, about a thing or two when it comes to growing and scaling small business is a fact.
Since 2011 I have guided women business owners, from beekeepers to bookkeepers to do the same with great success.
As a business coach my proven process has guided thousands of women business owners to double and triple digit revenue and profit results, all the while streamlining every system and process that drives revenue.
When not coaching my clients from Sweden to Singapore and across North America, I love a good glass of wine (white over red, and rose in the summer 😊), amazing IPAs and great conversation. I am an avid reader and am committed to my personal development and my clients. I am the proud pet parent to Mr. Harley Hounderton, my eleven year old Labrador Retriever and doggy love of my life.
Where is your business located?
Bellevue, WA
Where did the idea for your business come from?
I had been in financial services since 1996 and kept witnessing a strategy gap in the business market between women business owners and their CPAs and bookkeepers.
It was my female financial planning clients who were starting and inheriting businesses and would call and ask me questions about how I was scaling and sustaining my business. What systems and strategies were effective and how I was getting the results I was getting.
They were telling me, their CPAs were doing great at taxes, and bookkeepers were doing great at keeping the digits up to date. But they couldn't find someone to help the translate those pieces of information and create a strategy to grow their own businesses.
They were the ones who told me I had a system they wanted to know, understand and apply.
In 2011 I sold my financial planning practice, transitioned my clients and began coaching exclusively using my 8 part Business Success Process.
What is the first thing you do in the morning?
I thank God for the beautiful day ahead and identify the 3 ways I want to show up in the world. Today it was kind, compassionate and funny. Then I let the dog out, feed him breakfast and begin listening to The Daily Podcast.
What does your work day look like and how do you maximize your productivity?
I am a morning person. I am up most every weekday morning by 5:30. Once I complete my morning practice of personal development, some quiet time for prayer or meditation, and jotting thoughts in my journal. I head to my office and look at what I have ahead for the day. Check email, see if there is anything I need to respond to, or if anything has come in that needs to get inserted into my day. I spend the first 75 minutes doing creative projects for my business so that when my first client session begins at 9 - I have already worked out a few things for my own business.
I work with clients between 9-4, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - giving them my BIG juice on their businesses.
Between 4 and 5 I wrap up, provide any deliverables and between 5 and 5:30 I wrap up my own business loose ends and plan my next day.
By 5:45 my computer is off and I am done for the day.
How do you bring your great business ideas to the world to serve your clients?
I am a marinator. Meaning, I might get a BIG or small idea with big potential, but it takes time for it to unfold. It is not likely I will be the first out of the gate with something. My ideas take some time to come to life.
I give myself that space each week in my morning practice, and then with walks with the pup.
Once I feel I have enough to get going I gather my inner tribe of truth tellers and begin gathering feedback to identify the next steps.
What is one trend in business that excites you?
I am so excited to see women business owners moving from sidehustle and hobby mentality to CEO mindset. Moving away from "I don't have a head for numbers" and towards, "When I make money I have choices and can make a bigger impact in the world."
What is one strategy that helped you grow your business?
Time blocking. Being disciplined with my calendar and what I do when I do it. I don't leave room for distractions.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I built my first business - an insurance and financial services brokerage - to over seven figures with more than 90% of the revenue coming from one lead source. A lead source that was attached to the housing market.
In late 2007, in working with my own coach I knew that my business model was flawed and not sustainable.
Because I had not developed other niche markets, and revenue streams, I had put my business in jeopardy and vowed never again to to put any company I owned or ran in the future in that situation again. It was a definite, Scarlet O'Hara moment......"As God is my witness......"
Ultimately I sold off a portion of my business and downsized. Created new marketing initiatives and strategies and never looked back.
At the time I felt like a TOTAL failure. Looking back ten years later, it was an amazing lesson and I've never looked back.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to this community?
I love to get my nails done and am always saying I need to get my dog's nails done and get him a bath. I'd love someone to open a person and pet salon. Where you can make an appointment for yourself and your pooch. It takes about an hour for a person mani-pedi. And about the same for my dog with a bath. I'd love to get both done at the same time at the same place!
What is the best $100 you have recently spent? on What? Why?
I recently spent $100 on tickets to a fundraiser for a local organization I love to support. It gives me a chance to support them financially, and an opportunity to connect with friends new people I don't know yet in the community.
What is one piece of software or app that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I love tech and am constantly experimenting with new productivity and efficiency apps.
This year my bookkeeper had me download the Self Employed app that syncs with my Quickbooks Self Employed account and tracks my driving. So I can reconcile it each week.
It's the part of my tax prep that was always so frustrating. It's now easy peasy!
What is the best business book you have read? Why?
If you've known me for more than a minute, you know it's The Success Principles by Jack Canfield. I read it for the first time over 10 years ago and it changed ME and my business through the years.
Each year I read it cover to cover, starting in October in anticipation of my year end planning process.
It dives into every area of your life and he creates compelling actions for you to make progress.
What is your favorite quote?
I collect quotes like some people collect pennies.
My current favorite is, "When you think you've arrived you've already started going backwards."
It reminds me that I am a constant work in progress in my personal and professional life.
Who inspires you in business and why?
This is such a hard one (I know, I put this series together). There are so many men and women who inspire me every day, the way the boldly and compassionately show up doing their great work in the world.
I would say currently, my greatest business inspiration is Amy Nelson, Founder of The Riveter in Seattle - who as of this article is about to open her 3rd location!
I met her when the Riveter was still raising funds and working through the logistics of opening its first location. I was struck by her poise and confidence and since then continue to admire how she boldly and beautifully shares how she is navigating the duties of Founder, Friend, Mom and Wife. She is a contemporary voice women in business should be following.
What are your thoughts on work-life balance?
I think it's BS.
I believe there is a rhythm and cycle to our commitments to work and life outside of work.
To me it's more about identifying the rhythm that works for you, stick to it and make no apologies to anyone or excuses to yourself.
What are the 3 business lessons you’ve learned so far?
Don't do it alone.
Don't hold back.
Sometimes the craziest idea is the best.
What is your workspace like?
Today, I'm working in someone else's home office who is a music and Star Wars enthusiast, so I'm surrounded by framed art of Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon and a 4 foot tall Darth Vader! My own office is filled with inspirational prints and pieces of art I love.
Last thing you do at the end of your work day?
Plan the next day and close the lap top and shut out the lights.
Even though I work from home I have always found it symbolic to have the end of the day ritual.
What is the one thing you can't leave home without?
My phone. It's the contemporary version of the old Thomas Guide, and my rolodex combined with the latest book I'm reading and it lets me stay connected to people I love.
What superpower would you love to have to use for good?
I'd love to be able to teleport myself between business meetings, avoiding traffic and tolls as well as use it to travel to see my parents without dealing with mountain pass weather.
Number of unread emails right now?
61
Anything else you want to add?
You are incredibly powerful and successful don't let anyone else (even your inner voice) tell you anything different.
How can other entrepreneurs connect with you?
https://www.facebook.com/DebbiePageBusiness/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiekpage/
https://twitter.com/debbiekpage
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