EnterpriseZone.cc Connecting Global Leaders
After many years working in small businesses, Diane Helbig realised she could successfully put that experience to helping others.
What’s your story?
In 2006, after working my whole life as an employee, I decided I would rather be the victim of my own decisions than of someone else’s. After conversations with those closest to me I realized I should be a business consultant and work with small business owners. I had always worked in small businesses either in leadership or in sales. I had watched business owners struggle with things unnecessarily. So, I took all of my business leadership and sales experience and launched my practice.
What excites you most about your industry?
The consulting and training industry has been embracing the idea of remote learning. It’s taken some work and exploration, but I believe it will make professional development improvement more effective. We’ve had to learn new skills and have had to master new tools. I think the more we engage and develop our skills the better it will be for the training industry as a whole. There are so many options!
What drives you in business to push beyond what other people consider normal?
I’m on two missions. One is to improve the world one small business at a time. The other is to rid the world of bad sales tactics. These goals continue to fuel my drive and energy.
What have been the most useful skills you have learnt and applied in your journey?
The biggest skill I’ve had to learn is patience. When I started my business I expected companies to hire me because I knew I was good at what I do. However, I had to realize that others didn’t know me, or my skill level. That takes time. I also had to expand my communication skills. As I’ve conducted workshops and trainings I’ve learned that there are times when a concept should be explored in different ways. It really depends on the audience.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
When I was just out of college and had my first leadership position my boss taught me something I’ve never forgotten. She told me that as a leader I had to deal with people based on who they were, not on who I was. I had to shift my energy and communication style to meet people where they were. I’ve taken that advice with me regardless of the position I’m in.
Who inspires you?
Creative, never-say-die entrepreneurs inspire me. These are the small business owners who are problem solvers. They are possibilities thinkers. They never give up and they always believe there’s a way to succeed. They seek help, collaboration, expertise and aren’t afraid to say they don’t know something.
What have you learnt recently that blew you away?
I learned how to conduct a remote training program and was amazed at how much activity there needs to be. I conducted a very successful week program using the tools and ideas I learned. It is all about engaging the attendees when you can’t see them. Learning the platform which was AdobeConnect was also an accomplishment. It’s amazing how much a trainer can do with virtual learning.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would carve out a creation day each week and stick to it. Over the years I’ve allowed myself to schedule things even on the days I wanted to keep to myself so I could focus on creating programs. If I had the chance to do it over again I’d be stingier with that time.
How do you unwind?
I workout and when the weather is good I garden. I find weeding and growing vegetables to be very relaxing. I also like to read and walk my dog.
What is a major mindset change, belief shift or ‘ah ha’ moment that you’ve experienced in relation to your business?
My ‘ah ha’ moment came when I sat in on a coach training discovery call. As I listened to the explanation of the program and then to the sample sessions I just knew it was what I should be doing. I knew I was supposed to be coaching and consulting small business owners. And I should be training businesspeople of all kinds. That lightbulb moment propelled me to take the coach certification course and leave a steady, secure, full time job.
Everyone in business should read this book:
How To Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Shameless plug for your business:
If you’re looking for a pragmatic possibilities thinker who can help your small business grow, schedule a complimentary 30 minute phone consultation from my website – www.helbigenterprises.com. I believe there are solutions to everything and what’s most important is creating a strategy that you will actually implement. No canned programs. Everything I do is customized to who my client is, how they motor, and how they define success. And if you need to learn a better way to sell, pick up a copy of Succeed Without Selling.
How can people connect with you?
You can email me at diane@helbigenterprises.com, call me at (888) 229-3357, connect with me on LinkedIn at www.LinkedIn.com/in/dhelbig.
Social Media Links?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhelbig
https://www.twitter.com/seizethisgrowth
https://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig
https://www.youtube.com/c/Seizethisdaycoaching
https://www.facebook.com/seizethisgrowth
