ElevateYourSmallBusiness.com

In this issue of the "Entrepreneur's Corner", we are proud to bring you EYSB’s interview of Inner Awakening Healing Center's founder, Ms. Jane Guyette. We hope that you learn as much from her story and experience as we did.

Note: As with every other interview, the views and opinions expressed herein are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of ElevateYourSmallBusiness.com or Merchant Support Network, Inc.

EYSB: Hello Jane. Why don’t you start by telling us your story of how you got started in the business world?

Jane: After 10 years of administration management in a Western medicine institution, I became aware of the many obstacles in how medicine was being practiced, especially seeing how doctors were being taught (or forced) to care for their patients by insurance and drug companies. I became very discouraged by the whole process.

At the same time I was going through a health crisis of my own of having two herniated discs from my professional dancing career and intestinal issues that could not be diagnosed.

Western medicine wanted to treat me with surgery and drugs, but I fought hard to stay away from those treatments since it wasn’t life-threatening.

Fortunately, I found Pilates and soon was on the road to recovery.

What I experienced from then on was how the body can heal itself given the right body, mind and soul nourishment. It was these events that moved me into the Eastern healing modalities.

EYSB: How do you serve your clients through your business?

Jane: Through my business, Inner Awakening Healing Center (IAHC), I am able to empower and educate people on how to create a healthy internal environment, which is the basis of the immune system.

What makes my job so rewarding is that I can assist someone in learning to take control of their own body, teach them how to build up their immune system and possibly prevent and/or reverse diseases from occurring. I believe that even though your DNA says you are susceptible to a certain disease, it doesn’t mean you have to get it. Being proactive is the key to health.

EYSB: Please tell us your biggest obstacles that were overcome in the past to "elevate your business"?

Jane: The biggest obstacle in my business is its Pacifica location. Many people think that Pacifica is out of the way and inconvenient to get to. I overcome this obstacle by positive reviews from my clients and my reputation.

The truth is that IAHC is 5 minutes from Serramonte Mall, 15 minutes from downtown SF and 15 minutes from Burlingame and the airport. I have been successful in attracting clients from as far as Orinda, Pleasanton and Morgan Hill.

EYSB: Who is your target market or your ideal client or customer?

Jane: My ideal client is a person who is committed to making positive changes in their health. Someone who is willing to work at a long-term solution towards health and knows that changes won’t happen overnight.

It can be someone who is healthy and wants to maintain good health over a lifetime, or someone who has health issues, such as, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), diabetes, chronic constipation, high cholesterol, overweight, fatigue, hormone imbalances, acid reflux, cancer, etc., and needs guidance to detoxify, rebuild and strengthen their immune system.

EYSB: How do you currently attract your prospect clients or customers?

Jane: 50% of my clients are from the internet and 50% from referrals.

EYSB: How do you get your customers or clients to come back to buy from you?

Jane: I spend extra time with each client making sure that they have a plan in hand before leaving. The secret is listening and building a plan together that can be reasonably followed and fits in with their busy lifestyle.

Most of my services can be purchased at a generous package discount, which provides continuity of care and brings them back for follow up. I carry the highest quality products with proven positive results that can’t be purchased in a retail store or purchased cheaper online.

EYSB: What is your biggest challenge right now to take your business to new heights?

Jane: With the growth that I’m experiencing, my biggest challenge is finding the capital to move to a larger location and still stay profitable.

EYSB: What has been your worst business decision?

Jane: My worst business decision was related to advertising. This is still the most challenging aspect of my business of trying to figure out where to put my marketing resources in order to reach my target market.

EYSB: What has been your best business decision?

Jane: The best business decision was to implement a 48 hour cancellation policy and require a credit card hold for new clients. This reduced my cancellations and no shows by 95%.

EYSB: What is your most important lesson learned?

Jane: The most important lesson I have learned is to listen and follow my gut instinct. Not listening cost me over $500 in one instance. Sometimes logic does not apply.

EYSB: Who are your heroes today? Who were your heroes when you were growing up?

Jane: I think I would have to say that my true hero today is Bill Gates. As a very successful business man, he is using his wealth in a way to empower others to change, rather than just giving money away. My heroes growing up were my teachers – every teacher different, providing a unique perspective on life.

EYSB: How do you balance your personal life with your business life?

Jane: I start each day out with meditation or prayer. I make every effort to do something for myself everyday whether it is taking a walk, watching a movie or reading a good book.

EYSB: What do you attribute your business success to?

Jane: I attribute my success to loving what I do. I can honestly say this is the best job I have ever had! There is nothing better than seeing someone leave my office feeling better than when they walked in the door.

EYSB: What advice would you offer other business owners to take their business to new heights?

Jane: To make it today in business you have to first have a dream, love what you do and set goals. Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s not about the perfection behind the scenes but how you take care of your clients and customers. Do your customers feel empowered or disappointed when they walk out the door?
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