Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shawne Hebert. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
SHAWNE, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
Taking the Leap: Starting My Own Business as a Single Mom of Three
Starting a business is a daunting prospect for anyone, but doing so as a single mom with three daughters? That takes courage, resilience, and an unwavering belief in oneself. This journey has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. I hope my story inspires others to take the leap, even when the odds seem stacked against them.
The Catalyst for Change
Life changed through a divorce and I was forced to make some career changes that would allow a higher income and flexibility so I could still be a mother and provider for my family. While my job provided some income but it also lacked the flexibility I needed to be present for my daughters. The turning point came when I prayed asking God to give me direction on a new career path that would be good for our family. I wanted to create a life where I could be both a present mother and a fulfilled professional.
That’s when the idea of starting my own business began to take shape and I decided to take the risk. I got licensed with the state in order to be in my industry and it was a struggle but I knew I didn’t want to have a fixed work schedule with corporate and I wanted to have potential for higher income but most of all showing my daughters (they were my why) that you must put your mind, heart and hard work into anything that is what it takes to be successful. My immediate circle would say to me how can you do that being a single mom and not having a steady paycheck and being completely 1099 income, I said if I don’t take the risk I will never know.
Overcoming the Hurdles
Starting a business as a single mom came with unique challenges. Time, for one, was a scarce commodity. Balancing the demands of raising three daughters while building a business required meticulous planning, especially dinners we had a lot of crockpot meals.
Finances were another significant hurdle. With no safety net, every dollar counted. So I never focused totally on the money I just keep working as hard as I could and the rewards came slowly.
Building a Business and a Legacy
The early days were tough, balancing getting work done, being there for my children and attending their events, to get my business off the ground was a challenge but I just keep going.
As my business grew, so did my confidence. I started to see the fruits of my labor—not just in terms of financial stability, but in the example I was setting for my daughters. They saw firsthand that it’s possible to overcome obstacles and build the life you want, even when it’s difficult.
Lessons Learned
Looking back, there are several key lessons I’ve learned on this journey:
Believe in Yourself: Self-doubt is inevitable, but don’t let it paralyze you. Trust in your abilities and your vision.
Build a Support Network: You don’t have to do it all alone. Lean on friends, family, and community resources.
Embrace Flexibility: Things won’t always go as planned. Adaptability is crucial for both parenting and entrepreneurship.
Involve Your Kids: Turning your business into a family affair can make the journey more rewarding and less isolating.
Celebrate Small Wins: Every step forward is progress. Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.
A Message to Fellow Dreamers
Starting my own business as a single mom was one of the riskiest decisions I’ve ever made, but it was also the most empowering. Through this journey I have showed my daughters the power of resilience, determination, and self-belief.
If you’re standing at the edge, contemplating your own leap of faith, my advice is simple: Go for it. The journey won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. Take the risk, and watch yourself soar.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My Journey into the Insurance Business: From Legal Assistant to Entrepreneur
My path to becoming a business owner in the insurance industry was anything but conventional. It began when someone introduced me to the world of insurance and the vast array of options and opportunities it offered. This introduction sparked an interest that ultimately changed my life, paving the way for a career that allowed me to work from home and be present for my three daughters.
Leveraging My Legal Background
Before stepping into the insurance industry, I worked as a legal assistant for 10 years in insurance defense. This experience provided me with invaluable exposure to the legal industry and a deep understanding of insurance policies and procedures. While I enjoyed my work, I often felt constrained by the lack of flexibility, especially after I became a mother. My background, however, laid a solid foundation for my transition into the insurance business, giving me a head start in understanding the complexities of the field.
Adapting to New Challenges
Everything changed when I had twins, bringing my total to three daughters all under the age of five. I needed to find a way to balance being a full-time mother with earning a living. Working from home became a necessity, and I quickly realized that it required a level of discipline I had never experienced before.
Those early days were filled with challenges. I vividly remember the times I had to be on the phone for hours, speaking with clients or prospects. Without a dedicated office space, I often found myself retreating into the closet to ensure the person on the other end of the line couldn’t hear my children in the background. It wasn’t glamorous, but it worked. My determination to succeed for my family kept me going.
Building a Business Around Family
Despite the hurdles, I found ways to make it work. I developed a strict schedule that allowed me to juggle work and parenting responsibilities. My daughters became my motivation, reminding me why I had taken this leap in the first place. Over time, I began to see the rewards of my efforts. I was not only building a business but also creating a legacy for my family.
What drew me to insurance was its versatility. The industry offers so many paths—from personal and commercial lines to niche specialties. The opportunities seemed endless, and I knew I could tailor my business to fit my strengths and passions. With hard work and perseverance, I began to grow my client base and establish myself in the industry.
Lessons from the Journey
Looking back, there are several key lessons I’ve learned:
Discipline is Key: Working from home, especially with young children, demands structure and consistency.
Adaptability is Crucial: Finding creative solutions—like using a closet as an office—helped me overcome the challenges of limited space.
Leverage Your Experience: My background in insurance defense gave me a unique edge when starting my business.
Stay Motivated: My daughters were my driving force, pushing me to keep going even on the toughest days.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Building a Reputation of Excellence: The Key to My Business Growth
In the insurance industry, success is built on trust, reliability, and relationships. For me, the cornerstone of my business growth has been earning a reputation as someone who genuinely cares about her clients. By prioritizing their needs, taking the time to listen, and providing tailored solutions, I created a foundation that led to an invaluable source of growth: client referrals.
Showing Clients You Care
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that people don’t just want a product or service—they want to feel valued. From the beginning, I made it my mission to show my clients that I cared about their well-being. Whether it was helping a family find the right coverage for their unique situation or guiding a small business owner through complex policy options, I approached every interaction with empathy and understanding.
This meant going the extra mile, even when it wasn’t required. I would follow up after meetings to answer additional questions, provide clear explanations of policies, and ensure my clients felt confident in their decisions. These small acts of kindness and professionalism didn’t go unnoticed; they became the foundation of long-lasting relationships.
The Power of Listening
Listening is an underrated skill, yet it’s one of the most powerful tools in building trust. When meeting with clients, I focused on understanding their needs, concerns, and goals. Instead of jumping straight to solutions, I took the time to ask thoughtful questions and truly hear their answers.
This approach allowed me to provide personalized advice and recommendations that resonated with my clients. They could see that I wasn’t just selling a policy—I was invested in helping them protect what mattered most. This level of care and attention set me apart in an industry that can sometimes feel transactional.
Taking Care of Their Needs
Beyond listening, delivering on promises and meeting my clients’ needs were critical to building my reputation. I made it a priority to respond promptly, resolve issues efficiently, and be a dependable resource for my clients. By doing so, I demonstrated my commitment to their satisfaction and peace of mind.
When challenges arose—whether it was a claim that needed quick resolution or a last-minute policy change—I worked tirelessly to ensure my clients felt supported. This reliability earned their trust and, in turn, their loyalty.
The Referral Effect
Satisfied clients became my biggest advocates. Word of mouth is incredibly powerful, and my dedication to providing exceptional service led to a steady stream of referrals. Each referral was a testament to the relationships I had built and the trust I had earned.
As my reputation grew, so did my business. Clients were not only staying with me long-term but were also sharing their positive experiences with friends, family, and colleagues. These referrals became the driving force behind my growth, allowing me to expand my reach and help even more people.
Lessons Learned
Care Authentically: Genuine care for your clients fosters trust and loyalty.
Listen Actively: Understanding your clients’ unique needs helps you provide personalized solutions.
Deliver Consistently: Reliability and follow-through build confidence and respect.
Value Relationships: Strong relationships are the foundation of client referrals and long-term success.
A Message to Fellow Entrepreneurs
Building a reputation in any industry takes time, effort, and a sincere commitment to your clients. By showing you care, listening deeply, and taking care of their needs, you can create a ripple effect that drives growth through referrals. Remember, your reputation is your greatest asset—nurture it, and success will follow.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
The Importance of a Business Coach, Processes, and Continuous Learning
Building a successful business is not a solo journey. It requires guidance, structure, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. For me, the combination of working with a business coach, creating effective business processes, and attending motivational seminars has been instrumental in achieving my goals. Here’s why these elements are so vital for entrepreneurs.
The Role of a Business Coach
A business coach can be a game-changer. They provide an outside perspective, helping you see challenges and opportunities that may not be immediately apparent. A good coach doesn’t just tell you what to do; they guide you in making better decisions and hold you accountable for achieving your goals.
When I started working with a business coach, I gained clarity on my vision and the steps needed to achieve it. They helped me identify areas where I could improve, such as time management, delegation, and goal setting. More importantly, they encouraged me to think bigger and push past self-imposed limitations. Having someone in your corner who believes in your potential can make all the difference.
Building a Business Process
While passion and hard work are essential, a thriving business requires well-defined processes. Processes ensure consistency, efficiency, and scalability. From client onboarding to daily operations, having a structured approach saves time and minimizes errors.
Creating a business process was transformative for me. It allowed me to streamline my workflow, provide better service to my clients, and free up time for strategic planning. My coach played a crucial role in helping me map out these processes, ensuring that every step aligned with my long-term goals.
Here are a few tips for building effective business processes:
Document Everything: Write down every step of your operations, no matter how small.
Analyze and Optimize: Look for bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
Standardize: Create templates and checklists to maintain consistency.
Delegate: Assign tasks to team members or tools to focus on what you do best.
The Power of Seminars and Workshops
Attending seminars and workshops is another critical component of entrepreneurial success. These events offer a wealth of knowledge, networking opportunities, and a chance to recharge your motivation. Hearing from industry leaders and connecting with like-minded individuals can spark new ideas and reignite your passion.
Over the years, I’ve attended seminars on topics ranging from marketing strategies to personal development. Each event left me with actionable insights and a renewed sense of purpose. One of the most impactful takeaways was learning that success isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about execution and perseverance.
Continuous Growth and Learning
Combining coaching, processes, and seminars has taught me that growth is a continuous journey. As an entrepreneur, you must always be open to learning and adapting. Surround yourself with mentors, invest in systems that support your vision, and seek out opportunities for inspiration and connection.
Final Thoughts
Success doesn’t happen by chance—it’s the result of deliberate action, informed decisions, and a commitment to growth. A business coach can provide the guidance you need, processes create the structure for success, and seminars keep you inspired and informed. Together, these elements form a powerful foundation for building a business that thrives.
If you’re looking to take your business to the next level, start by seeking out a coach, evaluating your processes, and attending events that challenge and motivate you. The investment in yourself and your business will pay dividends for years to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://srcfinancialconsulting.com/
- Instagram: srcfinancialconsulting
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SRCFinancialConsulting
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawne-hebert-57676b14/