As a business owner of over two decades, the coaching is relevant, on point, and current, not theory. Clients see results and work with RoyceTalks repeatedly. Royce has worked with over 200 startups to help them develop solid foundations and grow revenue. She is an SBDC Certified Coach and has her education in Nonprofit Management, working with the executive team on strategic plans and fundraising. Royce’s business extends internationally through speaking and consulting.
She has created and written over 100,000 pieces of content, including an award-winning social enterprise business plan and copy for major brands, and been published in the Small Business Expert Forum, HuffingtonPost, Carol Roth, Charity Magazine, and more. In addition, Royce has written and published several books and co-authored a few, including an international best seller. Royce is a Certified Direct Response Copywriter.
She has appeared on many podcasts and has her own podcast, Thrive: A Woman’s Journey to Victory which has featured international recording artists, authors, and startup founders.
Where did the idea for RoyceTalks come from?
After 12 startups, several failures, and a few successes…….this gave me the chance to begin coaching startups in 2012. But, I didn’t believe in myself yet, so I did it for free and mentored MBA students and those going to business plan competitions. As I racked up results and increased my confidence, I realized statistics had to change. An 85% failure rate in the first five years for entrepreneurs pouring blood, sweat and tears into their future was unacceptable.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I start my day early with coffee and reading. Meetings usually start by 8am. And, what I love most about owning a virtual business is each day’s different. Some days I’m at my computer with coaching clients from 8-6. Other days I might be kayaking or hiking by lunch. My writing typically takes place before 8:00 am or after 6:00 pm. I am self-motivated so I always meet or exceed deadlines.
Productivity looks different for me than others; I don’t promote the gym with a 5:00 am workout. I get things done, read and practice success mantras daily, and enjoy hobbies outdoors around my schedule.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Interestingly enough I don’t call myself creative; I’d consider myself innovative. My ideas come to life through my clients. They share their vision, I ask a lot of discovery questions, then position them to set themselves apart from the competition and reveal their uniqueness. That’s how I bring ideas to life for others.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Social enterprise! Although that’s not what I get to spend 100% of my time on, I’ve consulted in the social enterprise sector and written business plans for it. There is no better combination than social good and profits in my book.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
There are two habits that make me productive. First, to schedule everything; this means I never say “I forgot”. Second, I’m an avid reader. Although that may seem unproductive, it’s the way I’m able to coach my clients and have answers “off the cuff”. I devour information to stay on top of trends and understand the market shifts.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Find a mentor and be coachable. I’d be much farther ahead today if I’d have listened sooner.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
I’m not sure if no one agrees with this, but I’d say it’s not well-known and widely accepted…..horses are intuitive healers. For nearly a decade I operated an Equine Assisted Living business, and while it wasn’t the most successful business and didn’t make me wealthy, it did transform lives.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Always have a coach. As a business coach, I also have coaches. There is no better way to discover your blindspots and stay accountable. My best quote is “learning is a lifelong process.” I practice what I preach.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Cultivate and nurture relationships. I’ve found referrals to be my best source of business and support.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I’ve lost everything twice, once to the economy, once to divorce. My advice: get back up. Get up everyday with a purpose and look at the future, not your present circumstances.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Use LinkedIn. It’s the most powerful online tool in my opinion. And yes, I write and use sales funnels, and other online marketing tools. But, LinkedIn is today’s Rolodex. It’s so powerful to me I give away a 30 minute training on how to use it to generate an additional six figures.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Buying gifts for referral partners. Why? It’s important to let them know you appreciate them. I unexpectedly send gifts a couple of times a year randomly.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
My life is in Google drive. This allows documents to be accessed anywhere.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Level Up! Visioning Your Leadership DNA. Through short stories this book shares some of the most vital lessons of leadership and how to influence and nurture others around you. It’s a quick read, too.
What is your favorite quote?
Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.–Maya Angelou
Key Learnings:
- Read. Learning is a lifelong process.
- Be coachable. We’ll never know it all. Listen to another perspective.
- Practice gratitude. Success is never a solo sport; thank those who support you.
Connect:
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.