We ask our members to share a few thoughts: to introduce themselves to fellow members, and those who are interested in our community.
In this instalment, we interview Colleen Reichrath-Smith of CJS Career Consulting.
Tell us about your business:
I started CJS Career Consulting in 1997 in Canada and took it with me on an international journey to the Netherlands in 2005 for love. It has grown and evolved alongside me when I started working in Dutch, became co-author of A Career in Your Suitcase, and continues as I most recently am incorporating Syntropic principles and narrative career development tools like Online Storyteller into my work.
What 5 words would you choose to describe your business?
Empowering, equipping, authentic, syntropic, human
What are your most popular products or services?
Workshops: Active Career Navigation, Portable Career webinar, Retire to the Life You Design
What do you like best about owning a business?
Bringing my whole self to my work, growing the business alongside my own evolution and really making a difference for people in their lives.
What or who inspired you to start your business?
My mom is also my mentor. In 1996 I said I really wanted to do career development work like she did on a contract basis. She advised me on what was needed to enter the field and became my colleague as well as my mom.
What makes your products/services special?
I tailor my approach to each person’s story and the future they want for themselves. After 25 years in the field I’m have a diverse tool kit drawn from many different theories and approaches.
What advice would you give women who are starting a business?
Take the WBII Start Your Own Business seminar and inform yourself about what is required to run a business that works for you.
What are your top tips for networking?
Honour who you are and make real connections with people by being more interested in them than what they could do for you.
Thank you, Colleen!
For more information about Colleen Reichrath-Smith visit CJS Career Consulting.