Female Entrepreneur: Jill Gardner
Company: Hate it? Change it!
Location: UK
Age range: 30s
What motivated you to start your business?
I used to be fat, miserable and depressed! I had no confidence, hated exercise and loved food. I comfort ate and hated myself! I hated it so much that eventually I started on a journey of change!
Tell us about your business.
I have become known as The Fat Controller! I teach people how to feel fitter, happier and stronger and remove the pain and confusion about diets and exercise. I motivate people to want to take control and become a fat controller! I run 30 minute fat burning classes called Fitstop. I run monthly cookery courses at a cookery school with a chef and I run on-line fat loss programmes for people all over the country (and have had some global attendees also!!)
What is a day in the life of you like?
Get the kids up for school. As soon as they leave I start work around 8am. I update all my social media accounts, see to my on-line participants and answer their questions and queries. I will do some research and writing of blogs and articles. I will spend time on new product creation, filming workouts and doing my own workouts too. I may attend a networking event. Then I may spend some time researching new recipes for my cookery event. I will work until my children come home. I will spend time with them (I am a single parent) before I go out to teach my classes, courses or shopping events in the evening.
What have been your biggest challenges so far with running your business?
Self-belief! I have had to learn that I am standing on a mountain of value. My experiences and learning will help so many other people to do what I have done but in much less time. I have had to learn so many skills from networking, speaking (i was someone that couldn’t even stand up and say my name at an event let alone talk!!), accounts, marketing, PR, website maintenance. All of if have been challenges as I have overcome barriers and obstacles.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I remained persistent and determined not to give up! I have also learned to ask for help! I have been amazed at how many people out there have been where I have been and therefore can help. Learning to outsource has been my most recent challenge but it has freed me up to concentrate on building my business more!
What have you found to be the most effective way to get new clients?
Building trust and loyalty and not to sell, sell, sell. It has taken a long time to get this trust and build a brand that people recognise as genuine and authentic. I have given lots of time and advice away for free and I believe that this has stood me in good stead.
What advice would you give to other business owners?
Only do it if you are passionate! If you are passionate then it won’t feel like a job. Have clear goals and a clear vision of WHO you are helping, HOW you are helping them and HOW you are going to do it.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
My children and a desire to prove to them that you can do anything you want to. Also, knowing that I am genuinely helping people. If I am only helping a few than it is better than none at all.
What’s your favourite quote?
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
Who inspires you?
Anyone that has overcome barriers and demonstrated, through passion, determination and vision that anything is possible.
Do you have a business philosophy?
Only do what you love and feels right. If you are doing something because you think you should then it will drain the life from you.
Get in touch…
Website: http://www.hateitchangeit.co.uk
Twitter: http://twitter.com/itsjillgardner
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hateitchangeit
