Julie Johnson - Empowering women to succeed

Julie Johnson runs Julie Johnson Coaching, and attests to empower women to succeed on their own terms – in business, at work and in life – by improving their confidence and leadership skills to achieve balance, their desired income, fun and enjoyment. Here, she takes Bdaily behind the business.

1. What key challenges has your company recently faced?

Key challenges recently have been how to keep past, current and potential customers engaged with my company, and linked to that how to use social media more effectively.

2. What is your biggest achievement over the past 12 months?

My biggest achievements recently have been:

• Writing my first book ‘Stepping into Success – The 7 Essential Moves to Bring your Business to Life,’ securing a publisher and also receiving great feedback from the women it was intended to help.
• Being invited to contribute a chapter for the book ‘Successful Women in Business’ (UK edition) which has just been published.
• Being shortlisted for a NE Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2013.

3. What is your biggest focus for the coming year?

As well as focusing on more speaking engagements for 2014, I aim to grow The Success Club - a membership club and community of like-minded business women with high aspirations and a willingness to learn and grow in order to develop their business.

I founded the Success Club with a colleague to provide an affordable business support solution for many more service-based business owners, whether just starting out or more established. The Success Club is supported by Natwest, and provides a structured business development programme, support scheme, member networking and collaboration, as well as accountability for goals and actions throughout the year – a big plus for business owners who have no-one to check in with on a regular basis.

4. If you had to choose one top piece of advice for someone just starting out in business, or is currently operating within your industry sector, what would it be?

My top piece of advice if you’re running (or about to set up) a business is to focus on the here and now. Obviously you need a vision and plans and you need to learn from your mistakes, but keeping your main focus on the future or in the past will stop you creating the business and life you really want. Stay present, focused, and in action, because your thoughts, decisions and actions in each moment create your future!

5. Can you share with us your view of the current landscape of business, in your region or generally, and where your organisation sits within it?

I believe the economic landscape is changing. Business leadership generally has taken a battering with the collapse of many large organisations and institutions, leading to a mistrust of business leaders and a dislike of the ‘sales at all costs’ ethos. Many recognise the value of softer, more ‘feminine’ leadership skills, and with more women starting businesses than ever before and more men wanting to contribute more to family life I believe there is a great opportunity for a different, more balanced approach to business and working life……..and that it starts with women.

My company is working with women business owners, professionals and managers, supporting them to define and create a successful and fulfilling life for themselves and their family - personally, professionally and financially. Helping women find their authentic voice and improve their skills and confidence for the benefit of all – families, communities and businesses.