I don’t look at anything as a failure. If we tried a new strategy and it didn’t go as planned, I view it as a learning experience or stepping stone, not failure.
Over the past 15 years, Erica has made it her mission to help women feel their absolute best throughout every stage of womanhood. Because everyone’s bodies are different, her focus has been on a fusion of nutrition, wellness and movement that is unique to each individual.
Erica is a serial learner and is always diving into different topics that she thinks are interesting. She loves to challenge the status quo and invites others to think outside the box because as soon as you step outside your comfort zone, that is where the magic of discovery happens!
Erica tries to always approach every situation with grace and kindness while expressing gratitude for all the amazing things that are happening in her life. If there is one thing she has learned, it is the power of positivity and when you decide to shift your mindset, anything is possible!
Where did the idea for your company come from?
I have always had a passion for training prenatal women. I wanted a fun, catchy name and that’s how Knocked-Up Fitness was born!
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
Honestly, my day looks different every day. Some days I’m teaching Pilates and coaching clients while other days we are in the studio filming. I also set aside time for learning, researching, editing and writing. Every day is unique!
How do you bring ideas to life?
I have always been one to dream big and think outside the box. I have an incredible team who helps bring my ideas to life. We all have the same mentality of making the impossible, possible!
What’s one trend that excites you?
There is more buzz around fascia right now which I am so excited about! I have been talking about fascia for years and it has been a fundamental staple in my training of clients, members and Instructors.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Delegation. It is by far the hardest thing to do, but the most important. By delegating, I am able to free up my time to focus on what’s next and growing the company.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would probably tell myself to believe in my skills and abilities more on a deeper level.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
When I tell a client to stop sucking their belly to their spine, they tend to have a hard time digesting this. Fitness professionals still teach this technique so changing the way they have “always been taught” takes time.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Listen to your intuition. As a small business owner, there are always new challenges and decisions you are faced with that can seem overwhelming at times. In these situations, I evaluate my options and really trust my intuition to help guide me in the right direction.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Ever since I started my business, I have had a mentor. She has been an invaluable resource for me because I can talk to her about every aspect of my business. She gives me sound advice and has helped me prioritize what should come next, when to hire additional help, how to manage the ever-changing world of social media and everything in-between. I highly recommend every business owner seek out a mentor.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I don’t look at anything as a failure. If we tried a new strategy and it didn’t go as planned, I view it as a learning experience or stepping stone, not failure.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I honestly don’t have a specific idea to share with you, other than to follow your passion. If you are doing something you love and helping change people’s lives for the better, there is nothing more fulfilling. Obviously, there is a TON of hard work involved, but it doesn’t seem like “work” when you love what you are doing.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
The best $100 I spent was on my Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee. It is part of my daily morning ritual and something I can’t live without!
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
My team and I use Kajabi and would recommend it for all small business owners. We use it for our products, memberships, opt-ins, website, blog, weekly newsletters and more. It is extremely user friendly and the Kajabi team provides excellent customer service.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins. It’s an oldie, but goodie!!
What is your favorite quote?
“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right”. ~Henry Ford
Key Learnings:
• Trust your intuition.
• Stop using the word “failure”. There are no failures, only learning lessons and stepping stones.
• Dream big and think outside the box!
• Hire a mentor and start building your own community of like-minded entrepreneurs and professionals.
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Carlyn runs the day-to-day publishing operation here at ideamensch and interacts with our awesome customers and entrepreneurs. She is likely editing this with a cat on her lap.