The Conversational Solopreneur. Who knew that having the right conversations could change a person’s life? Amber Wright did, that’s who, and she’s using what she knows to help others do that and more. Amber is an entrepreneur, college professor, mother and wife who fearlessly goes after what she wants. People seek her by the dozens for advice on public speaking and how to transform their platforms from barren to bold. She also gives detailed insight on relationships, communication and inspiration on her blog, Talk to Amber.

 

Hi! I’m Amber Wright, The Conversation Coach. I believe that the secret to getting what you want – from the boardroom to the bedroom, you have to start having the right conversations! I teach bloggers and entrepreneurs how to become fearless speakers and communicators, so they can grow their brands and businesses. I do that through coaching, online courses, and my own blog, TalktoAmber.com.

In this short feature, Amber shares with us how she prepares herself to be her best for others: family, friends, students and clients. We’re certain that watching her journey as a solopreneur unfold online that you will be inspired to live the life of your dreams.
Tell us about your typical work day.
I work from home on my business on Monday and Wednesday. On those days, I’m working with my coaching clients, thinking of new topics to write about on my blog, and as of late – developing content for my first e-course. I do that in intervals throughout the day (by intervals I mean after taking dramatically long and terribly counterproductive social media breaks!) until it’s time to pick up my daughter from school. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Fridays I teach courses in public speaking and interpersonal communication at two community colleges in my area. My days are interwoven with my business stuff, emails, lesson planning, and grading. And family stuff. Whew! I’m tired just reading that!

What is your biggest challenge as a solopreneur?
Devoting the time and attention my business needs, along with having another job. Teaching allows for some flexibility in my schedule, but it’s still work that commands a lot of my attention. Doing EVERYTHING alone for my biz is definitely difficult, but I manage as best I can.

How have your relationships (or friendships) changed since becoming a solopreneur?
I’ve got great friends that are super supportive of me and my endeavors, even if they aren’t entrepreneurs themselves. I’m grateful for that. Since I’ve started my own business, however, I have definitely become more attracted to other women that are like minded and goal oriented. There’s nothing like sharing your experience as an entrepreneur with someone who “gets it.”

How do you unplug? How often do you unplug?
I unplug by remembering how much of life is happening beyond the internet, and that there are things offline that I don’t want to miss…like watching my daughter ride her bike outside. One some days and weekends I may not post anything to social media at all and simply enjoy my life as it’s happening – without taking the pictures to prove it.

What are your favorite apps or websites that help you succeed in your blog/business?
Dropbox, Wunderlist, Evernote, and Wave are my business besties.

What is the biggest/best investment you made toward your brand/blog?
Honestly? It was attending Blogalicious in 2014 (for the first time). I really mean that! I looked at attending the conference as an investment in my brand, so that I could increase my visibility, expand my network, and learn new things – all of which I achieved! The idea for my first course was affirmed at the conference, I received some much needed business coaching from one of the speakers afterward, and made some amazing new connections that are still growing and being fostered. I’m #TeamBlogalicious fah-eva now!

The one piece of advice I wish I knew when I started out is…
That there is no race. I have to remind myself of that often. It’s okay to take your time and do things YOUR way. What success looks like for me may look completely different for someone else and not only is that okay, it’s also the very point of it all – to carve your own path.

What is your dream job? Are you doing it right now?
My dream job is to run my business full time and still teach classes (because I love it!) – but only if I want to, not because I have to. I’m not there yet, but I’m on my way!

 

Thank you for such an encouraging spotlight, Amber!

 

For the latest on Amber’s courses and advice on rocking it from the bedroom to the boardroom, visit her website at:  http://www.talktoamber.com. Connect with Amber online @talktoamber.