We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Robin Chodak. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Robin below.
Alright, Robin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard
There are many things that can be done using online systems such as receiving certifications in different areas. Some examples are certification as a website designer, minister, meditation teacher, nutritional specialist and many more. I am excited to offer a program to certify someone as a grief coach. The program offers training and testing to equip the student to help others during grief experiences. My program is different than most online courses that have no interaction with a live person. I offer one-on-one sessions with the students in addition to the training . This allows time for questions and I offer a free mock coaching session with them. My company, Griefhealingllc.com only certifies those who exhibit the qualities of an empathetic grief coach.
Robin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Grief came to me early in life when I lost my teenage years and became a mother at 16. The experience changed the trajectory of my life. The grief continued to enter when my 16-year-old sister, Ralene, was diagnosed with bone cancer (osteosarcoma). I watched the ravenous disease reduce her once strong, athletic body to a skeleton. Ralene had several surgeries and fought hard, but died four years later from the insidious disease. The grief from losing her hit my family hard. In 1987, we could not find support groups to help us cope with our grief. We did what many people do—tried to deny our grief. It wasn’t until 2005, after my husband Steve died by suicide that it finally came to the surface. I was in shock after finding him dead in our home from multiple gunshots to his head. That one instant changed my life forever. As I sought help in therapy, I realized I had two choices. One was to stay debilitated as a victim of a horrible tragedy or become a survivor. The latter decision started my journey through grief and transformation. Ten years after Steve’s death, I left my I.T. job and became trained as a grief coach, and started my own business. I knew I could help others with what I had learned. I began to write about grief and published four books. I married Dr. Gerald Chodak in 2011 and thought happiness was my destiny. But sadly, I was wrong. The grief entered my life again when I found Gerry dead in our home from an aneurysm. My grief journey started again, and it affirmed how important it is to have bereavement support. It has been four years since his death, and grief continues to give me opportunities to learn and grow. Grief has taught me to embrace each moment without fear and treasure moments with family and friends. I live with a heart of gratitude, knowing that life is a gift.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I believe being authentic is what builds reputation in any area of business. It’s particularly important in my business. People who come to me are grieving and they want someone to be empathetic. They trust me because they know I have had several grief experiences. Those who lost loved ones to suicide feel safe with me because they know I’ve lost a loved one to suicide. I have also been trained by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to facilitate groups.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
My clientele grows from word of mouth, my books on amazon and my courses on Udemy. Another effective tool has been google ads.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.robinchodak.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/robinchodak_coach
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suiciderecovery/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-chodak-69115a2b/
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/suiciderecovery/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RobinChodak
- Other: Udemy courses https://www.udemy.com/change-your-brain-create-an-excellent-life/ https://www.udemy.com/be-gentle-with-me-im-grieving/ https://www.udemy.com/grief-a-new-way-of-thinking/