Question:​ I am a solopreneur opening a Life Coaching business. I often find myself stressing about my business and putting myself out there to promote my business. How can I get out of my brain and get motivated?

A: Congratulations, you’ve already taken an important step by reaching out! Every entrepreneur runs into self-doubt. Here are some tips:

1. 1. Build your confidence. Know your core values and the values of your business. What do you and your business “stand for?” Is this different from your closest competitors? If so, how? If not, how can you differentiate your services? Strive to tell your story — and, with permission, share testimonials from happy clients.
   2. Know your worth. Very often, finances drive that self-doubt — and research is the key. How should you promote and package your services? How much should you charge? Add up how much money you need to cover your bills, emergencies and long-term savings goals each month. Divide that number by the number of hours you wish to work each month. This gives you a baseline hourly rate. Next, search LinkedIn, job postings, salary.com to find out what you would make if you worked for someone else. Find out what the competition charges. Is this realistic? If not, consider repricing or packaging services, working more hours and referring or collaborating with others.
   3. Celebrate your accomplishments. Opening your own business is a vbig leap. Setting a schedule, creating and sharing your messaging, and making a budget are all important steps. Regularly take a minute to appreciate your efforts and count your blessings. An attitude of gratitude is reaffirming.
   4. Don’t go it alone. Central Oregon has an amazingly supportive business environment. Join your industry communities on LinkedIn or through membership organizations. Take a friend and attend a local networking meeting at Economic Development for Central Oregon or the local chamber of commerce. Reach out to Central Oregon Community College’s Small Business Development Center for no-cost support and SCORE for no-cost mentoring.

Central Oregon Community College’s Small Business Development Center offers free, confidential professional business advising and a variety of low-cost courses to help entrepreneurs through the business lifecycle: cocc.edu/sbdc.