Q & A with Susan Branch
Susan Branch is the founder of Arizona Health Coach, LLC, which uses a step by step process to help people set and achieve their health and wellness goals. The focus is always on the client’s agenda and pace of change. The role of a coach is to provide support and encouragement as well as honest feedback. The goal is to create motivation and provide the education that gets results that last a lifetime.
Susan Branch - Arizona Health Coach, LLC
What led you to start your business?
Before moving to Arizona I had my own personal and professional development coaching and training company. Then, just about two years ago my husband was diagnosed with a potentially serious illness. His healing journey required some dietary changes that were challenging. This was combined with a regular exercise program and frequent visits to a doctor of naturopathic medicine. In the course of this healing I became his chief coach. Finally, I received an email inviting me to listen to a call for something called “health coaching.” Well, I knew my quest was answered. I realized that this was the way I could bring my major life experiences, my skills and my passion together to help other people.
Tell me something about your business that people might not know.
The concept of health coaching is fairly new. With so many baby boomers starting to reach “that age” most of us are looking for ways to slow down or reverse the clock, or deal with chronic issues, so that we can enjoy our “golden years.” People might be surprised to realize that wellness is not only a great personal investment but also a great business investment. There was a recent article on CNN citing a Nebraska company that has initiated a wellness program resulting in a healthier, happier workforce and a healthier bottom line.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome as a business owner?
The biggest challenge is just getting the word out. Once people have experienced health coaching, they “get it.” This is why I offer a free sample health coaching session to people who want to make a change but want to get to know what health coaching is all about and if they like my style as a health coach before they make a commitment to working with me.
What drives your passion in this business?
I am completely passionate about helping people reach and maintain the level of health they deserve so that they can live their lives fully and have the energy to follow their passion and reach the level of success the desire.
What advice would you give somebody starting their own business?
Find a business where you can bring together your passion, your skills and your experience. Then, go out and find people who have been successful and use their success as a model. Talk to everyone, ask for help and let people see your excitement! And, make sure you have the finances you need to get your enterprise to a level of success without financial fears.
Stuart’s Tip: To keep focused on your passion and your vision of success, create what I call an MVP Statement (Mission/Vision/Purpose). This is a one-sentence, memorable, inspirational statement that can become a rally call for your business. Think like Levi Strauss: “We will clothe the world!” The MVP Statement connects your Passion to your Vision of Success.
To schedule a free sample coaching session and complete your Health and Wellness Wheel, contact Susan at susan@arizonahealthcoach.com or visit
www.arizonahealthcoach.com
By Stuart Preston
MyBusiness Advisors, Inc.
www.MyBusiness-Advisors.com
