Trish Springsteen knows all too well how hard it can be to step outside your comfort zone and share your message to the public. An award-winning trainer, mentor and author specialising in speaker training, it’s hard to imagine that Trish is a self-proclaimed introvert.
The difficulties and setbacks she experienced because of her lack of self-confidence early in her career became the foundation of who Trish is today. Because of this experience she is now a firm believer in communication as an underpinning skill in everything you do.
But her challenge with communication is not unique. The moment Trish realised this, she began her mission to help people realise that they too can be a success. As a mentor and coach, Trish gives people the confidence and self-belief in order for them to share their message with those who need to hear it.
Trish now sends a powerful message to others with confidence; “invest in yourself by enhancing your speaking skills so you give yourself the edge when it comes to grabbing the opportunities that come by. By not sharing your message you are being selfish, that it is not only about you, but about the people who need to hear your message.”
Advice that Trish wishes she’d been given when she started her business:
- Build your database. We missed out on a lot of connections early on because we didn’t really understand the value of a database
- Get your marketing right by building your brand and making connections with the media. It’s okay to brag sometimes. Enter into awards and build your credibility.
- Be flexible. It’s okay to change direction if something isn’t working. Failure is not the end of the world, it’s just an indication to try a new direction.
Trish’s advice for someone who’s thinking about starting his or her own business:
- Be true to yourself. Believe in yourself and enjoy what you are doing. If you don’t believe in yourself and enjoy what you are doing, how can you connect with your clients who work with you?
- Have a plan for your business and personal life. Remember to revisit your goals and review them.
- Work on your own personal growth, especially your speaking and communication skills.
- Be flexible. If something doesn’t work, try a different one. Be smart and effective with your time (repurpose and leverage are two of my favourite words!)
- Network and make connections.
- Get good mentors who resonate with your values and vision.
- Listen to what’s going on around you, such as your clients.
“Don’t get caught up in the competition and worrying what others are doing. Instead, concentrate on being the best you can be. There is plenty of opportunity for everyone.”
For Trish, these knowledge areas and skills are essential for anyone starting in business:
- Speaking skills will help you stand out from the crowd.
- Basic marketing knowledge to give yourself an idea of what is best to bring in an expert.
- A working knowledge on social media.
- Know your business and know your clients.
- Believe in yourself and foster confidence in your message and your passion.
We asked Trish to identify the problems in her company that HerBusiness membership solves:
“As a small business owner (a business comprising of only 2 people), being a Premium Member at HerBusiness gives me connections, a network of people who I can bounce ideas off. It counteracts the isolation of owning a small business and also provides opportunities for personal growth with ongoing education and resources.”
