Today we’d like to introduce you to Maureen Edwards.
Maureen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Creating a startup was never part of my plan. I was a corporate girl through and through, leading teams, dressing in business suits, and working long hours to make companies rich.
But everything changed when I had an aha moment inventing a pet product, and I walked away from my six-figure corporate job and its perks, leveraged my 401k and house, and took a leap of faith into launching my own company.
However, I almost lost it all, teetering on the edge of becoming one of the 20% of businesses that fail within their first year. So much money, time, and resources were lost. The journey was filled with mistakes, fears, and hardships that could have been avoided.
I turned my first nightmare startup around (another story in itself), and six startups later, I now proudly call myself an entrepreneur enthusiast. I now dedicate my career to coaching and consulting business owners to succeed at making an impact while making an income and loving entrepreneurship along the way.
I never want anyone to be where I was when it doesn’t have to happen.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing worth doing and getting results from is smooth. Starting, growing, and succeeding in a business is hard every day. From budget constraints to loneliness to the fear of failure, every day brings something to overcome, even from someone who has built many companies.
The number one challenge I experienced with my first startup was my ego. I believed that since I had a successful career and I created the company, no one could do it better and I could do it all. I could YouTube and Google my way to learning it if I didn’t know it, and execute anything, even if I hated it.
My ego clouded my judgment and blinded me to the opportunities that would have prevented hardship and loss. It was a hard lesson but one that made me much more successful later.
I see this same mistake made by business owners every day. There is no room for ego in entrepreneurship. You can’t start and build a successful company alone. Even YouTube will tell you that.
We’ve been impressed with 8 Simple Steps, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Acquiring customers is the lifeblood of any business. It’s the key to sustainability, yet often a major challenge for many business owners. But it doesn’t have to be complex. The crucial foundational process, often overlooked in the business-building journey, makes all the difference.
8 Simple Steps is the go-to solution for business owners facing struggles in customer acquisition or seeking a solid roadmap for their new ventures so that it isn’t a challenge after launch.
My coaching model is unique, combining “do it for you,” “do it with you,” and “teach it to you.” I work alongside every business owner, ensuring they grasp the why, what, and how of implementing best practices that yield optimal outcomes. And I do it in a clear, concise, customer-centric way with an 8 simple step framework.
My goal is to help entrepreneurs lay a sturdy foundation for their companies, driving revenue, boosting profitability, and securing long-term success. Simplicity, results, and accountability are our pillars, instilling confidence in business owners’ knowledge and capabilities to steer their businesses to success.
Business owners who are just starting or those still not acquiring customers the way they should start with my proprietary 5-week V.A.L.U.E. Accelerator course and business-building intensive. I also have an exclusive invite-only monthly coaching, consulting, and community club for all business owners across all stages of their journey. It is a highly curated space, empowering entrepreneurs to learn and grow together.
I always say, “You don’t need to know everything, only what works.” I only focus on what moves the needle, tailored to each business owner’s unique situation.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Everyone knows I have a passion for the art and science of marketing but they may not realize I use it to flip houses as a hobby.
I love interior design for the same reasons as marketing. It allows me to be creative and strategic. Every design decision has to be very thoughtful to ensure the home entices the right buyer. The implementation has to be seamless to stay on time and budget.
I love taking a neglected house, dismissed due to a lack of vision, and transforming it into a place someone will cherish and call home.
Pricing:
- $97.00 per month –UP Membership -invite-only
- $1497 – 5-week V.A.L.U.E. Accelerator
Contact Info:
- Website: https://8simplesteps.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maureenedwards_8simplesteps/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startandstayinbusiness/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/8-simple-steps
- Other: https://www.ingennicom.com/
Image Credits
Leonardo Senna de Castro of CRIATIV | MEDIA
