Interview – Jodi Michele Cooley

This week, we’re introducing readers to Jodi Michele Cooley. Please allow Jodi’s success story to become YOUR inspiration. Today.

1. Jodi, I find your story and your work to be very inspirational. Can you share with Wickedly Chic readers how you help others through that work?

People come to me because they know something isn’t working in their lives and they can’t quite put their finger on it and they are unable to solve it on their own – I call it “being sick of being sick & tired of being stuck”.

First we do an intake of all the areas of your life e.g. health, career, relationships, and money. Then we assess the levels of satisfaction and dissatisfaction. From there we develop a customized strategy to capitalize on your strengths and we develop a plan to work on the areas where you are struggling. Most people are so busy in their heads focusing on what’s not working in their lives. This creates frustration, tension and dissatisfaction which is leaving no room for fun and creativity. Together we laser in and focus in on the obstacles that are getting in your way. Then we start a process of assessing, exploring and investigating in just one area of your life. That’s when the floodgates of opportunities open and situations in every area of their life start to slowly open. Relationships become easier, work environment changes, health gets stronger, and finances become more empowering. The most important thing is being witness to your life – seeing why you do things or don’t do things. Becoming aware of the messages that have shaped your life. Paying attention to the words that you think and speak, not only to others but how you treat yourself. In essence you get a greater understanding of the bigger picture and your life’s mission.

It would be nice to have someone wave a magic wand and all our problems would be solved, but that’s not how life works. We have to acknowledge the situation of our lives, take responsibility and make a plan for action. We live in a ‘I WANT RESULTS NOW” society, but that’s not how you get long lasting result…you’ve got to put forth the effort of Reclaiming Your Life. You don’t get a beautiful body by going to the gym once. You need a plan and a strategy. The primary key to cracking the code to your life is to understand why you’ve gotten to where you are and after that the world is your oyster.

2. How did you get started? What on earth made you want to have your own business?

I never intentionally set out wanting my own business. It seems like it came to me. The best way to describe it is that I felt guided. I know unconsciously a key driving factor was watching my father being laid off more times than I can remember, which planted the seed for being in control of my destiny. What inspired me to be in business for myself was FLEXIBILITY and CONTROL. My first job experience when I was 16 years old was working for Sears and Roebuck. I learned so much about etiquette and listening to the customer. The customer WAS ALWAYS RIGHT. A happy customer was a returning customer and Sears returned EVERYTHING. The other thing I learned from working at Sears was the pride people took in their jobs. They dressed professionally, they knew their product and they had a Rolodex of customers. I love providing a service for people, but also being in control of how that service is provided and delivered. I like the personalization. As an entrepreneur, I give what I expect as a customer, in fact I over deliver, that’s how important it is to me. My client’s success is the most important to me and it gives me great pride in knowing I’ve helped them improve the quality of their lives.

3. Your website talks about the fulfillment of dreams. What piece of advice can you give to entrepreneurs or people who are dreaming of starting their own business?

DON’T LISTEN TO THE NAY SAYERS! Part of the work I do is what I call “The Myth Slayer”. We all have myths that have been passed down to us by friends, family, teachers, coaches, media, etc. There are a lot of reasons why people tell you myths. The top two reasons are to control and manipulate. Bottom line…these are called fears. But they aren’t your experience – they may not even been their experience. In actuality they are called “beliefs” and most people don’t want to disappoint these well meaning people that have passed on this information, so it’s easy to start to dismiss your OWN instincts, hopes and dreams. Because our society has trained us to live “safe” and “inside-the-box”. But remember “beliefs” are not “knowings”. Beliefs are usually not our experience. Knowing is our instinct and intuition. It’s that fire in your belly that won’t go away. Inasmuch as we try to stifle or deny it, it’s there. But that’s why we are here on this planet…to create and manifest our uniqueness. No one else can do it the way you can.

My anecdote for anyone contemplating their own business, in the words of Nike, “Just do it”. Okay, that may seem a little extreme. Do your research and talk to people that are doing what you want to be doing.

DON’T

1. Talk or share your ideas, hopes and dreams with the “Nay Sayers”. You know who they are, don’t try to change them!

1. Your research. Knowledge is the enemy of fear.

2. Build a strong support system (Your dream team – these should be mentors and loving friends that give you words of support, inspiration and compassion – THESE are your cheerleaders)

3. Make a plan.

4. Take action.

Remember, no one goes to their deathbed wishing they had worked more. It’s about your legacy; it’s about doing what you came here to do on this planet. Your life is out there waiting for you. Turn this into your daily mantra, “where there is a will there is a way”. Go forward with the same determination as a little child wanting to get their way. Never give up!!!! And you WILL reap the rewards.

If I can do it YOU CAN TOO! Let my story be your inspiration and hope be your driving force. You can reclaim your life. You can overcome life obstacles and your self-defeating behaviors. Contact me right now and we’ll explore how we can work together to write your own success story, beginning today.