Tonya Shadoan is the owner of Circle City Planners in Indianapolis.  She is also a coach to new wedding planners.  One of her clients told me all about her and raved about the great things she was learning from Tonya.  Learn more about Tonya… and her tips on goal-setting and balancing her family and her business…

Tonya Shadoan
Circle City Planners
Indianapolis, IN
Established 2001
www.circlecityplanners.com

Why did you start your business?

In 2001 I decided to open my business because I really wanted to stay home and raise a family. What happened is I started a level of service that no one in the city was offering and it literally took off. Now my kids often say, “Where’s mommy?” It’s my goal to set a great example for my girls, that a woman can have the best of both worlds. It’s all about the balance and filling each component in your life.

What book do you recommend to new business owners?

Funny question, I laugh at this question because I’m addicted to books. I have every business/coaching book under the sun by my bedside table. I never read from cover to cover, I pick one up that I feel really is calling my name. I read a chapter while I’m winding down for the day, I feel that was the right message for me at that particular moment. I am a big believer in education hence, why I started teaching wedding planners across the country. The more you know, the more your competition is trying to keep up!

Do you have any cool goal-setting tips to share with us?

Write it down and POST it! Say it 3 times when you wake up in the morning and 3 times before you go to bed. I’m a true believer in putting in your order. God knows what you need, but it’s all on his timing. Be patient. Every week I have my staff write 3 goals and send those to me. I hold them accountable, finding an accountability partner or mentor/coach is the best thing I ever did for my business. Now I have the joy in helping others accomplish their goals in life.

What do you find to be the biggest challenge as a business owner?

Balance! Everyone just needs a little time with Tonya. It’s not that I don’t want to spend hours with people, I just have to be careful on how I do spend my time. Every minute counts in my day. I have to really try to stay in the moment and not think too far ahead of what’s next. Cherish those little moments and celebrate even the smallest victories!

If you were starting your business all over again, what would you have done differently?

Hire a mentor/coach from the very beginning. Now I’m helping woman transition from a corporate job they hate to a career they love. It’s very rewarding, but I couldn’t have done that if I hadn’t put in my time. It took me years to learn the hard way. It’s my goal to teach all of my mistakes, so they don’t have to wait so long to be successful! Networking and working on your business every second counts! Don’t wait, just JUMP (just make sure you have someone to catch you!)

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