Erica Mattison wearing a hat smiles at the camera

Business Coaching
for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Thinking About Starting Your Own Business?

Starting a business can feel overwhelming. You might be asking yourself:

Do I have what it takes to succeed?
What if I fail?
How do I even begin to create a business plan that works for me?

If you’ve been thinking about starting a service-based business but feel held back by fear, doubt, or uncertainty, you’re not alone. Transitioning from a steady career to entrepreneurship is a big step—but you don’t have to figure it out alone.

As a Master Certified Life Coach and Certified Career Services Provider, I help mid-career professionals like you identify what matters most, overcome mental roadblocks, and build a plan that feels clear and achievable. My personalized business coaching is designed to meet you where you are, whether you're just exploring an idea or ready to take the next step.

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Business Coaching to Build a Business on Your Terms

Your business doesn’t have to be all or nothing. It can be:

A side gig – A way to supplement your existing income and test the waters without giving up the security of your current job.
Self-employment – A full-time commitment where you become your own boss and design a business around your strengths and values.

Starting your own business is also a powerful way to become more resilient and adaptable in today’s changing economy. By building a new stream of income, you can diversify your livelihood, gain more control over your financial future, and reduce the pressure of relying solely on one source of income.

Design a Business That Fits Your Desired Lifestyle

One of the greatest benefits of starting your own business is the ability to design it around the life you want to live. When you work for yourself, you get to decide:

Where you work – Whether it’s from home, a co-working space, or the beach.
When you work – Early mornings, afternoons, evenings, or a mix that works for you.
How you work – Virtually, in person, or a hybrid model that fits your needs.

Example: If You Love Being Outdoors

If you’re passionate about the outdoors, you can design a business that lets you work outside or engage with nature:

Start a dog walking or pet care business so you’re outside daily.
Offer outdoor fitness classes or personal training.
Develop a landscaping or gardening business.
Provide eco-tourism services or guided hikes.

Or you could simply structure your work so that you’re not confined to an office. For example, you could offer coaching, consulting, or freelance work from a laptop at a park or on a trail.

Starting a business gives you the freedom to align your work with your lifestyle rather than forcing your life to fit around your job.

You Don’t Need an MBA to Start a Business

A lot of people believe that starting a business requires an MBA or extensive marketing training—but that’s simply not true.

You don’t need to be a business expert or have a degree in business administration to launch a successful business. Many of the most successful entrepreneurs didn’t have formal business training—they learned by doing.

What you need is:

Clarity about your strengths and the value you offer
A realistic plan that helps you take consistent action
A willingness to learn and adapt as you grow

Business success isn’t about credentials—it’s about having the right mindset, support, and strategy.

Starting a Business Is Ideal at Life Transitions

Starting a business isn’t just for people with extra time and resources—it can be an ideal step during significant life changes.

When You Feel Stuck or Unfulfilled

If you’re feeling uninspired or know you’ve outgrown your current role, starting a business could be the answer.

Create a path to meaningful work that aligns with your values and strengths
Shift from feeling stuck to feeling in control of your career
Explore new possibilities without immediately quitting your job
Build confidence by creating something of your own

When You’re Between Jobs or Unemployed

If you’re in between jobs or have been laid off, starting a business gives you a way to:

Generate income without waiting for the next job offer
Build skills and experience that increase your marketability
Create something that reflects your strengths and interests
Gain more control over your professional future rather than relying on external hiring decisions

When You’re Starting a Family

Starting a business gives you the flexibility to work on your own terms, making it easier to balance family life with professional goals.

Set your own hours around your family’s schedule
Work from home or remotely
Generate income without being tied to a traditional 9-to-5 job
Reduce the stress of relying solely on one household income

As a “Third Act” or Retirement Alternative

For many people, retirement doesn’t mean slowing down—it’s an opportunity to build something meaningful. Starting a business in your 50s, 60s, or beyond allows you to:

Turn a lifelong passion into a source of income
Create a sense of purpose and contribution in your next chapter
Stay engaged, active, and connected to your community
Develop a flexible work schedule that allows for travel, family time, and personal interests

Small Businesses Are Becoming More Essential

With the federal government in the U.S. being downsized and public services shrinking, more societal needs will fall on the shoulders of small business owners and entrepreneurs. This creates both a challenge and an opportunity.

As government agencies reduce their scope and funding, there will be growing gaps in services and support. Small businesses are uniquely positioned to step in and meet these emerging needs—whether it’s in areas like:

Health and wellness
Education and training
Community support
Sustainability and clean energy

Starting a business isn’t just about personal success—it’s about building stronger communities and contributing to a more resilient society.

You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out to Start a Business

Maybe you don’t know exactly who you would serve or what you would sell or how you would package your offerings—that’s fine. You don’t need a fully formed business idea to get started.

You have ideas—whether you realize it or not—and I’ll help you unearth them. Through thoughtful conversation, structured exercises, and strategic planning, I’ll help you:

Discover what kind of business feels right for you
Clarify your strengths and how they translate into valuable offerings
Test different approaches without feeling overwhelmed
Build a business that evolves naturally as you learn and grow

I’ve Guided Coaches, Including Career Coaches

I’ve helped coaches—including career coaches—turn their expertise into successful businesses. Whether you’re working as an independent coach or launching a coaching business, I can help you:

Define your niche and target audience
Create service offerings that align with your strengths and values
Develop a client acquisition strategy that works for you
Build a sustainable business model

Coaching is a powerful and fulfilling business model—and with the right support, you can build a thriving practice.

I Help You Think Bigger Than You Thought Possible

While you’re busy being realistic, I’ll help you imagine a wider range of possibilities than you ever imagined. Starting a business is about expanding your thinking and seeing new options where you once saw limitations.

I help people realize that not only is it possible—but that they can create a business and life that align with their values, strengths, and goals. I’ll help you push past the excuses, shift your mindset, and take focused action toward your dream.