“90% of success is the mindset.”
Corinne Ann Maples is an executive leader at United Debt Counselors (UDC) where she serves as the Senior Vice President. Corinne has fourteen years of experience in customer service, financial services and general operations of the company. She is exceptionally well versed in management, legal, quality, compliance and coaching and mentoring employees. One of her significant achievements is leading the formation and development of compliance and operations departments with the help of her stellar team of management. In Corinne’s present role she oversees accounting, IT, legal, compliance, scheduling, operations and HR.
Where did the idea come from?
We have always had a passion for helping the average Joe/Jane. In fact, our company Core Purpose is “Score one for the average Joe.” Many Americans struggle with debt, and we wanted to offer a solution that helps people deal with the immense burdens that debt can cause.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
Most days my morning starts off with some yoga and breath work. I get the kids ready for school and then head into the office. Every morning we have a daily huddle to talk about what went well or needed improvement from the previous day. Additionally, I set the goals for the company departments for that day. I am old fashioned and like to handwrite my list and check it out. It feels so good when you leave for the day with each item on your list checked off.
How do you bring ideas to life?
My mentor, David Melrose, taught me something that has worked very well for me over the years. I will focus on an idea, talk it through for 30-45 minutes, get every angle, come up with a general plan, and then stop working on the idea until the following day. It is amazing when you walk away from the brainstorming process for a few hours. Sometimes it helps you to realize ways the idea will not work out or ways it needs to be looked at. This process saves us from implementing things too quickly without thinking them through.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I love that healthy living is becoming more and more popular. Your body and mind are your greatest treasures, and it is so important to treat them well.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Writing down my goals with the plan and timeline to achieve them. So few people write down goals and come up with how they plan to accomplish them but when you do you are so much more likely to achieve them. I have goals for both things at the office, and things in my personal life and I am always working toward those goals.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Start saving money early. When I was younger I didn’t think I needed to save because I was so far from retiring. I wish I would have started that long-term financial planning when I was younger.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on?
90% of success is the mindset. If you think you can, you can and if you think you can’t, you can’t. People may not disagree with the concept, but so many people forget to implement mindset into their success.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Goal setting. Goals keep one focused every day in his/her work. Additionally, goals motivate a person to work harder.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.
Every employee is an individual, and you need to treat them as individuals. If you find out what drives and motivates your employees, you can use that to inspire them to achieve things they never thought possible. When you help someone to achieve their goals, it gives them a level of loyalty that you can’t get any other way.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Two years ago I hired someone whom I trusted in a senior position. He was not doing the job as expected and this caused troubles and inconveniences to our clients. I was forced to hire a new team to implement the new system in the division and re-assemble damages.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers
Creating a real estate investment company to help investors in the industry. The idea is to facilitate buying and selling properties without losing money or making mistakes.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
I purchased My Juice Fountain juicer. I am really into healthy eating and living and being able to make juice every day for my family, and I is great. I have found a way to get my kids and husband getting lots of fruits and veggies in each day, and they love it.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Skype. The software helps me to conduct meetings with prospective customers and clients.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
“Think and Grow Rich” by Napolean Hill
What is your favorite quote?
“If you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sunbeams, and you will always look lovely” Roald Dahl
Key learnings:
- Ability to help Americans in debt crises is incredibly rewarding.
- Everybody has money issues in one form, or another so don’t freak out because you are not alone.
- There is always a partner willing to assist you when in debt issues, but you just cannot be afraid to seek help when you need it.
Connect:
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Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.