We recently connected with Anika Cohen and have shared our conversation below.

Anika , appreciate you joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

Seeking assistance and embracing vulnerability to request insight, direction, and guidance in undertaking unfamiliar endeavors has been a significant journey for me. I authored my first memoir, “Diaries of an Ele Lady,” which addresses themes of overcoming addiction, domestic violence, and gun violence, while also exploring the identification of my purpose amidst despair. Upon publishing my book in 2015, I recognized that I was entering the business realm and needed to uncover my niche and purpose. To facilitate this, I engaged a book and business coach and participated in business development conferences during the initial 2-3 years. Lacking a concrete plan, I chose to follow what I perceived as God’s plan for my life, which led to my evolution into entrepreneurship through various avenues.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

International Speaker, Business Strategist Coach, Author, Certified Christian Life Coach, and Counselor specializing in Co-occurring Disorders.

Anika is recognized for her assertive, straightforward, and self-assured approach in motivating purpose-driven women and men to transform their lives. She encourages her community to establish clear intentions that foster strategic progress, leading to mental, emotional, and physical transformation in their lifestyles. Anika firmly believes that “Minor Steps create Major Impact.” Her journey of overcoming addiction, domestic violence, marital separation, and single parenting serves as an inspiration to both men and women.

Anika conducts coaching sessions intensive workshops and seminars designed to empower individuals to move from a state of stagnation to focused action, from vision to execution, and from feelings of shame to achieving success. She equips her clients with the necessary skills to build a brand, create a lasting legacy, and make a significant impact.

Additionally, Anika is the visionary behind two bestselling anthologies: The Ultimate Workbook & Guide To Conquer, Create, Command Successful Lifestyles and Dare to Stand Out!

Highlights:
– Gun Violence Survivor, 2007
– Prestigious Lady of Excellence in Leadership Award, 2014
– Empowered Women of the Year for Educational Advancement, 2017
– Mentor of the Year, ACHI Magazine, 2018
– Lymphoma Cancer Survivor, 2019

Have you ever had to pivot?

Since the inception of my business in 2016, I have consistently adapted my approach. My journey began as an author in 2015, and I have since transitioned to training others to develop their ideas with clarity, confidence, and strategic planning. Initially, I launched my business without a solid foundation, focusing on elements such as logos, photoshoots, and empowerment, while neglecting essential aspects like branding and marketing strategies. This experience taught me the importance of having a clear mindset and defined goals for effective pivoting. Through entrepreneurship, I have evolved into a woman of substance and balance, no longer seeking external validation. The entrepreneurial journey fosters growth in all areas of life, enabling one to pivot effectively in response to uncontrollable challenges, such as declining sales.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building your online audience is ongoing however I advise others to try different strategies and track what content their audience is attracted to such as before and after, behind-the-scenes, live video, carousels, beta experience, etc. What works for me is live video, behind-the-scenes, and beta experience. Always track, access, and adjust.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.choosetolivesociety.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anika.cohen.1042
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@anikacohen958