We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chloe Clark a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Chloe, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
It took me many years to discover my true purpose, a journey that didn’t truly begin until my late twenties. For a long time, I struggled to define my life’s purpose because I was overly concerned with others’ opinions and the pursuit of financial gain. This shallow mindset caused me to overlook the natural talents I possessed, leading me to believe that there was nothing unique about me.
It wasn’t until I found myself sinking into depression and experiencing a profound sense of emptiness that I realized I needed to seek something that brought me genuine happiness, something I could wholeheartedly dedicate my life to and derive joy from. Before this awakening, I had held jobs solely for their monetary rewards, social status, or comfort they offered. These “comfortable jobs” granted me the freedom to come and go as I pleased but left me completely unfulfilled. Comfortable jobs have a cunning way of sapping your intellect and stifling creativity, causing you to squander some of the most precious years of your life. You become trapped in a routine that feels comfortable and secure in the moment, but in reality, it is an illusion. You cease to evolve as an individual, lacking growth in knowledge, skills, and creativity. Anything that doesn’t grow is destined to wither away.
On the day I decided to change my life, I sat down and compiled a list of my strengths and interests. Initially, the list was dishearteningly short, but over a few days, it expanded considerably. I asked myself what I enjoyed doing even when there was no financial incentive. It was from this list that I discovered my purpose. I found a deep passion for entrepreneurship, encompassing activities such as business management, strategic planning, marketing, product development, research, and mentoring. These were tasks I frequently engaged in for the benefit of friends and family, and I excelled at them. Upon starting my own business, I realized that a significant portion of my time was spent assisting friends and family in developing their business ideas—essentially, doing what I loved for free, and enjoying every moment of it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am an experienced serial entrepreneur with a history of launching multiple businesses in various industries. At present, I am the owner of Simply Sage Dog Treats, a pet wellness company specializing in manufacturing grooming products tailored to dogs with allergies and skin issues. Our dedicated customer base includes pet owners who are actively seeking natural and holistic remedies for their dogs’ allergy-related skin problems. Our product line includes pet paw balms, skin salves, and shampoo bars designed to address these issues.
In addition to my entrepreneurial endeavors, I devote my time to volunteering as a business mentor for SCORE, a prominent national nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. Furthermore, I maintain a blog aimed at educating fellow entrepreneurs and business owners on navigating the complex business landscape. I offer innovative marketing strategies that go beyond conventional approaches, delivering tangible and proven results.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most vital skills include:
Research Skills:
Proficient research is essential, particularly when embarking on a business venture. Often, thorough initial research is neglected during the planning phase. Effective research entails the willingness to explore various perspectives on a subject. Many individuals tend to confine themselves to echo chambers, gravitating towards beliefs that reaffirm their existing views. This approach hinders actual understanding. To conduct meaningful research, one must transcend personal biases and move beyond platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. While it can offer valuable content, its primary purpose is entertainment, not business growth or development. My advice to mentees is to read books relevant to their area of interest and to read from diverse viewpoints to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
Sales Skills:
This is an often underestimated skill set that plays a pivotal role in business success. Currently, there is a tendency for business owners to rely excessively on technology to perform tasks that require personal sales skills. Learning how to sell, whether it’s oneself, a business, products, or services, is crucial. Overreliance on technology can lead to the misconception that simply creating a website, running digital ads, posting on social media, or starting a YouTube channel will guarantee business success. This is not the case. Mastering the art of selling involves effective communication with people, whether in person, over the phone, or through email. It also entails understanding what motivates customers to make a purchase and what discourages them from doing so.
Adaptability:
Adaptability is an invaluable skill, especially when plans don’t unfold as expected. Many individuals struggle with this skill, as they become rooted in their original ideas and are unwilling to explore alternative routes. Learning how to build upon initial concepts, making adjustments, and adding or removing elements that contribute to or detract from the ultimate goal is a critical ability. It’s essential not to fixate on a single brilliant idea but to explore ways to multiply and integrate these ideas to achieve better outcomes.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
The Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant by W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne is an exceptional book! The authors aim to help readers recognize that opportunities exist continually within the marketplace. They emphasize that a business doesn’t need to rely solely on price competition. Furthermore, they highlight the potential to identify new target audiences, allowing businesses to generate revenue from unexpected sources. I highly recommend this book to any business owner who feels stagnant and seeks innovative ways to boost their revenue.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://whatstrendingsage.com
- Instagram: @whatstrendingsage
- Other: https://www.simplysagedogtreats.com
Image Credits
R. Clark
