Wendy Kaufman, Founder and President of Balancing Life’s Issues Inc.
What was your education and professional experience? Were they helpful in starting your business?
Wendy Kaufman
I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Syracuse University and a Master’s Degree in Industrial Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. Following graduation, I worked in human resources, career placement and held various positions at universities. Then for several years I worked as an independent consultant before forming my own company, Balancing Life’s Issues, Inc. Combining my education, life and work experience, I found my clients responded to my down-to-earth, direct and honest approach and insights related to work/life balance issues.
When did you establish your business?
I incorporated BLI in 2001.
How did you spot the opportunity? How did it surface?
I was doing well as an independent consultant and my schedule was overflowing; I actually had to turn down opportunities- this was a key moment for me. It was then that I decided to start building my business by hiring other speakers who shared my same passion and approach.
What were your goals? What were your personal requirements? How did you fit them together?
When I started Balancing Life’s Issues, Inc. I had been through a divorce, and was trying to balance my life as a working, single mother of three. Needless to say, it was a challenging time. I needed a career that could support my family financially, yet remain flexible to fit with our busy schedule. It was important to me to speak about engaging topics that were near and dear to me, topics that I had an opinion on and with that I found my place in the work/life field.
How did you evaluate the opportunity in terms of the competition?
I found I could reach more companies and grow my business by forming partnerships with my competitors. I discovered a unique niche in the market by becoming a national training affiliate for large work/life and EAP providers.
How did any outside advisors make a difference in your company?
I encountered a lot of naysayers in the beginning from well intentioned friends and family. “Are you going to have enough money? Remember, you are a single mom, after all.” “Do you know how many small businesses, fail?” etc. I had to stay focused on my goals and trust my instincts. The positive feedback I received from my clients really kept me going in the early years and to this day.
What did you perceive to be the strengths of your business?
Our services, our speakers and our reliability. Our programs are direct, candid and deliver practical information about important work/life issues. Additionally, our seminars have a personal touch– the facilitators have a vested interest in each topic and that makes our programs so engaging. I use my experiences from when I was a single mother and the challenges of running a successful business as material for my trainings. I believe audiences can immediately relate to me on many levels because they find many similarities in their own lives. I earn their trust because my speeches are sincere, personal and truthful. I don’t hire trainers, unless I can hear commitment to the topic in their voice. It’s not enough to have the credentials, I have to know each trainer will be able to connect with the audience emotionally, and make a difference. As a result, we consistently receive high ratings from all our clients and we are invited back again and again. We have an unwavering commitment to service excellence. Our clients know that we are responsive, care about their total satisfaction and they can count on us to deliver programs that are not only entertaining but facilitate outcomes.
How about the weaknesses?
Planning for growth and pacing ourselves. As a small business, it’s a challenge to manage growth at the right pace.
Tell us about your business and the services you provide:
Balancing Life’s Issues, Inc. is a national provider of custom work/life balance trainings. We have a nationwide team of expert trainers that provide programs on a wide range of topics including managing stress, balancing work and family life, healthy living, household budgeting, organizational change, team building, leadership skills, workplace effectiveness, parenting issues and caring for elders. With programs ranging from one-hour work/life seminars to keynote speeches to health and benefit fairs, our services help employees feel valued, and companies retain and enhance a more committed and productive staff.
What do you find most rewarding as an entrepreneur?
When my vision becomes reality and the services are delivered in a way that meets my expectations. I know it’s working when my clients request a seminar or service again and again.
What advice would you give an aspiring entrepreneur?
You have to be willing to fully commit and work harder than you ever thought you would have to. In the beginning, you may have to do it all and several years in to it, you may still be doing tasks that you may not want to do anymore. It is hard work but worth it. Also, it’s not easy to replicate a successful model. Communicating your vision to others to implement is challenging.
What are your plans for the future?
Continue growing and adding new clients. I’d like to expand the training programs into longer sessions and continue our growth while constantly developing new relevant programs and finding quality educators to deliver them.
This issue of WomenandBiz.com’s theme is “Being Proactive”. What actions would you suggest our readers to start taking today, in order to have a more balanced business/life?
Be very clear of your values and priorities each and every day. That often involves reprioritizing your “to-do” list throughout the day. Ask yourself frequently – what is the most important thing to do right now? Say yes to opportunities as much as you can and decline when it’s in direct conflict with your priorities. I assure my clients that finding the balance in one’s life is a learned skill. By reaching within ourselves and learning to think differently we can make important changes in our lives.
Final Thoughts
Take a close look at businesses that are doing well and strive to stay one step ahead of the game. Read biographies and learn from other people’s mistakes and successes. Maintain an optimistic and positive mindset of being successful.
For more information about Wendy Kaufman and her business, please visit www.balancinglifesissues.com