Tamara has been an inspiration to me since she was a child! Tamara is a first cousin to my wife Nicole and, like my doctor wife, Tamara has always set her goals high and continues to strive for personal and professional excellence. We also share a favorite management book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. It is an honor to feature Tamara on this issue of Entrepreneurs in Action and she is definitely “Driven to Succeed.” I look forward to supporting and cheering her business development efforts into the future.

1. Career influences

My brother James was very influential in supporting and motivating me to start my business. He was supportive from the very beginning when I feared going into business. He was available at all times to answer questions, motivate, and assist me with all my start-up needs. During my first business meetings, my brother was very instrumental in building my confidence and coaching me in what to say. He even came up with the name Visions (to look ahead) for my business name.

I was also inspired to become an entrepreneur after reading about a successful nurse entrepreneur, Vickie L. Milazzo, the pioneer of Legal Nurse Consulting. Vickie’s messages and success motivated me to believe that nurses have what it takes to be successful entrepreneurs.

2. Biggest career success

My biggest career success so far is starting my consulting business Visions Care Management & Consulting, LLC and my coaching business TMR Coaching4U. When I attended graduate school to obtain my MBA, I was the only nurse in my class. Not knowing anything about business at the time was very challenging. I was able to graduate with honors and follow my dream of becoming an entrepreneur.

3. Recent lessons learned

Lesson #1: Set your fees up front and clearly communicate the cost of your services: I learned this lesson very quickly. I received a request to consult with a client on a project. I never set my fees up front and invested seven hours on this project. Needless to say, it was free service and a big lesson learned.

Lesson #2: Don’t be afraid to set your fees high. I received a referral for a consultation and as soon as I stated my fee, the client immediately and in surprise stated “Really”. The client informed me afterwards that my services are worth a lot more than I was charging.

Lesson #3: Don’t be afraid to say “no”. I have wasted lots of time and energy working on projects when my plate was full and I should have referred the client to another consultant.

4. What inspires and motivates.

I listen to Hay House Radio every day for inspiration and motivation. I listen to motivational CD’s. Les Brown, Anthony Robbins, and Zig Ziglar are some of my favorite motivational speakers. I also read a lot of books. Some of my favorite books are The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, CEO Material by D.A Benton, and Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. I also surround myself around like minded, goal oriented, and supportive people.

My advice for other entrepreneurs is to always find a network of like minded supportive people. Surround yourself around successful people so you can learn and grow. I always remember this saying “If you know more than everyone else in your circle, you need a new one.”

5. Share a leadership story

I remember my first meeting to obtain a contract. I thought I would be having a 1:1 meeting to discuss my qualifications etc. I walked into a room with a conference table surrounded by people to interview me. I was terrified, however, I walked into the room full of confidence and acted like this was not my first contract. I received a telephone call less than two hours after the meeting and was offered the contract.

My advice is to never let them see you sweat. Feel the fear, but don’t let fear keep you from moving forward.

6. Your Top two ideas or pieces of advice for other entrepreneurs

It is okay not to have all the answers, to make mistakes, and to be wrong. Start before you’re ready. Follow your passion and turn it into a business. Make small action steps every day toward your goal. “A vision without action is a fantasy” (Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith).

7. About Tamara

Tamara Richardson “The ReNew U Coach™” is a Registered Nurse, Certified Coach, and Consultant. Tamara has over 15 years of nursing experience and has worked in a variety of clinical settings:

• hospital,
• nursing home,
• rehabilitation,
• community,
• clinic, and
• managed care

She has worked in case management for over 11 years specializing in chronic care and geriatric care management.

Tamara is the owner of Visions Care Management & Consulting, LLC and TMR Coaching4U. Tamara works as an Independent RN Contractor and Consultant and provide health/wellness coaching for corporate wellness programs and other organizations. Tamara is passionate about promoting optimal health and wellness and assisting clients in self managing chronic conditions. Tamara is also passionate about empowering women to live their best authentic life. Tamara specializes in chronic care management, stress management, holistic health, self development, divorce recovery, and women’s empowerment.

In her private coaching business, TMR Coaching4U, Tamara coach women in transition due to divorce, separation, or ending unhealthy relationships, who want to improve their health and rebuild their lives.

Tamara received her Associate of Science in Registered Nursing degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College in 1997, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cardinal Stritch University in 2001, and her Master of Science in Business Administration from Cardinal Stritch University in 2009. Tamara is a Certified Health Coach and is currently studying to become certified as a Life Coach and Master Spirit Life Coach. Tamara is a proud member of the National Society of Health Coaches (NSHC) and Case Management Society of America (CMSA) and has strong partnerships with professional nurses and other health care providers.

http://visionscm-consulting.com
http://www.tmrcoaching4u.com
http://therenewucoach.wordpress.com
Email: tamara@tmrcoaching4u.com

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