IAM627- Online Business Coach Helps Others Ditch the 9-5 Life

Intro 0:02

Do you want to learn effective ways to build relationships, generate sales and grow your business from successful entrepreneurs, startups, and CEOs without listening to a long, long, long interview? If so, you've come to the right place. Gresham Harkless values your time and is ready to share with you precisely the information you're in search of. This is the I AM CEO Podcast..

Gresham Harkless 0:29

Hello. Hello. Hello, This is Gresh from me, I AM CEO podcast and I have a very special guest on the show today of Erin Mortenson of Erin mort Wellcome, Erin, it's awesome to have you on the show.

Erin Mortenson 0:38

Hi, Thank you for having me.

Gresham Harkless 0:39

Super excited to have you on. And what I want to do is just read a little bit more about Erin so you can hear about all the awesome things that she's doing. And Erin is a corporate ladder climber turn online business coach. After years of commuting to a cubicle, Erin decided she wanted to. She wanted more freedom for her life. And she set out on her own business to start her own business. She now helps others ditch the nine to five life and start their own sustainable, profitable online business so that they can make real money working from Wi Fi. Erin.

Erin Mortenson 1:04

Yeah.

Gresham Harkless 1:05

Great to have you on the show. Are you ready to speak to the I AM CEO Community?

Erin Mortenson 1:07

I am, I am,I am pumped.

Gresham Harkless 1:09

Awesome. Let's do it. So I know I touched on your story a little bit, but I wanted to hear a little bit more about what I call your CEO story.

Erin Mortenson 1:14

Yeah, of course. So basically, I was in the corporate world for I'd like to probably about like eight years or so right. And I have a degree in management of information systems. So kind of like a techie degree. But I never really fit into a box. I was always in like executive assistant type roles where I supported, you know, the President, the CEO, the CFO, I supported the C suite, I had some pretty prominent jobs working for you know, former top executives of American Express, I worked for the governor of New Jersey, his wife I worked for, you know, these prominent figures managing their lives and their businesses. But I just never fit into like a specific box. Like, I would always look at people who were accountants and be like, how do they know that they want to do accounting? Or how do they know they want to do marketing, and that just wasn't me, I want to do kind of everything. And so I kind of developed this like really resourceful, like, sort of mindset where I was just that person that I became the go to person for, for the different jobs I had. It's funny, because when you when you have one of those roles, like you are as important to the President, as the CEO is, you know what I mean? And so I was always this kind of jack of all trades. And at my last job, but you know, I said to them, when I was being hired, as an executive assistant, I said, I'll come in as your Ei, but I would like to not stay there. I'm kind of done with this role. You know, I want to figure out where I'm meant to be. And I said, Okay, sure. And sure enough, after about a year, they promoted me to the head of IT, and investor relations. So great corporate job, you know, great benefits, the whole thing. But I was really living under fluorescent lights, and I was stuck in a cubicle and I was in New Jersey, and I love my home state, but it's very gray for a lot of the months. And so I found myself feeling really, you know, kind of like, not fulfilled, you know, I was on that path of, you know, climbing the corporate ladder, making the good money and all those things. But I just didn't like it, you know, I just, I kind of hated my job. So, I started traveling, and I actually took took that job remote, they let me they let me take that job remote. And as soon as I did, I started experiencing like, the worst anxiety I've ever had in my life. I started experiencing chest pains, brain fog, like insomnia, all these really crazy physical symptoms. And so I hired a business coach, and I said, I know I need to work online. I just don't know what that is. Can you help me? So long story short, she said, you know, you sound like a virtual assistant. I was kind of done with that role. But she said, you know, this would be a great place for you to start so, so, I did it, I became a virtual assistant. And shortly after starting a business, I hit 8k months, within like, four months of launching my business. I was doubled my corporate income, I was making good money. And I also got fired by that job. Yeah, so that was that was honestly looking back the best thing that ever happened to me. So after I became a virtual assistant, I, you know, like I said, I started hitting this high in two months, and I had people in my DM saying, like, how did you do what you're doing and I started teaching them one by one, I started taking people on to coach them and one by one, they all started quitting their jobs. They all started making like good money online, they all started excelling. And I was like, Okay, I think it's like I found what I'm supposed to be doing. So that's how I got here.

Gresham Harkless 4:04

Nice

Erin Mortenson 4:04

Long winded answer.

Gresham Harkless 4:04

No, it's a perfect answer. And I love for you, I love that you broke everything down because I think so many times people are listening or see you maybe online and they see like your chapter seven or chapter 15 wherever that might be, they don't see the process that it takes to go there. And a lot of times when you are in a job that you don't feel fulfilled you might be making the money you want to make but you don't feel fulfilled you feel like you're by yourself so to actually hear your story hear the process and how you got to exactly where you are now definitely creates that community feeling and that connection, I think.

Erin Mortenson 4:32

yeah, totally. And it's actually interesting because one of my jobs prior to the last one, I was making really, really, good money. But I was the most miserable I've ever been. And it's was a job in Man hand and it's you know, a lot of people out there love that like they love these high paying in New York City jobs, but they just they can't stand it and it's just such a bad it's a bad way to live. I would rather I was happier making less money with more freedom than I was, you know, making a really high paying job and having no time for myself.

Gresham Harkless 5:00

Exactly, exactly. And I think that when you start to figure out that and figure out how to define success for yourself, not define it from these external factors, or I need to be doing this or I need to be making that amount. That's when you really get to kind of take more control over, you know, everything that you're doing. And, and so I know you help out, obviously, you know, people that are looking for that maybe trying to figure out exactly how they do how they do that. So could you take us through like some of your services, how you serve your clients exactly how the process goes?

Erin Mortenson 5:27

Yeah, absolutely. So basically, I help people who have little to no businesses set up, start their business online. So whether you are in your nine to five, and you have nothing going on, or maybe you've started your business, and you're just not doing well, you're just like not getting the traction that you want. I have a program that helps you go from that place to a place of being able to quit your job making, you know, 5,6,7,8, 10k plus months, my first clients are now at that level where they're, they're hitting that 10k month mark. So, which is really exciting. So yeah, it's basically it's a program that helps you it teaches you the foundation of your business that teaches you how to find clients teaches you how to figure out what you want to do. It really, yeah, it teaches you everything. It's called the OSP Training Academy. And I call it that because I don't want to box everyone into like a VA square or box, you know what I mean? Because it's more than just virtual assistants, it's, you know, any sort of online service provider. So even coaches, even if you are wanting to start or become a coach, it works for you as well. So it's a really great way to start an online journey and just kind of get your toes wet, get your feet wet into this online world because there's room for everyone. And it's only going to get bigger.

Gresham Harkless 6:32

Yeah, absolutely, as the online world is definitely vast. And I appreciate you for talking about how it's not just for, you know, people that want to start virtual assistant businesses, because of course, you know, you've been able to be successful. And that has been phenomenal to be able to kind of tap in that expertise. But I think that there's so much overlap, and each of these industries, each of these types of businesses online, that you can learn so much from somebody that's been able to be successful at it.

Erin Mortenson 6:55

Yeah, absolutely.I mean, I even help fitness coaches, you know, because it's a lot of the same principles. It's just that there aren't many people that are teaching you the foundation of what you need to do, or teaching you, you know, like, just go get clients and then grow your business. And where do I start. And so I love being you know, that that part of your journey to help you figure it all out and not feel like you're so rushed to just like, go hit these high income months, when you don't even have a foundation, you don't even know why you're doing what you want to do. Because a lot of it is like, mindset, too. It's a lot of a lot of psychology behind it. It's a lot of that stuff. So figuring all that out before you hit those income months is really important.

Gresham Harkless 7:25

Yeah, absolutely. Because a lot of times if you do even if you do hit those high income months, I say that three times fast. A lot of times you have things that that fall apart, and you're trying to figure out why it's because that foundation that you kind of spoke to was not in place, and it's not figured out to the level and degree to help you to sustain that growth. Totally,

Erin Mortenson 7:42

Totally. And, yeah.

Gresham Harkless 7:46

So, I want to ask you now for what I call your secret sauce, and you might have already touched on this, and it could be for you or your business, but what do you feel kind of sets you apart and makes you unique. Um,

Erin Mortenson 7:53

I'm kind of obsessed with my clients. And I'm obsessed with their success, which is like, it's could be bad, right? Because I cannot be successful if my clients are successful. And so I put a lot of care and a lot of energy into each person individually. You know, a lot of programs they are not as hands on, they're kind of like, you know, give you like an outline and just go go do the thing. But I'm very much checking in with my clients, and very much like they're holding their hand alongside them. And, and I think it's just, it's the ability to connect with my clients. I think that that is a huge component as well, because I have the type of personality where I'm introverted, and I'm extroverted, right. And so the people who struggle a lot like on the introvert side, I can still break through to them, and the people on the opposite side as well, I can still break through to them too. So had a type of personality where I make meaningful relationships kind of easily. And I think that helps my clients feel really safe and comfortable, and like they're really supported.

Gresham Harkless 8:48

Yeah,I think it's perfect when you're able to kind of find that alignment. Because even from what I heard, at least from what I hear my from my perspective, and being, you know, in those assistant roles that you had before, you have to be very flexible, you have to be kind of like water, and be able to handle any situation handle any type of personality, and so on and so forth. And it sounds like that, you know, when you see those skills, you know those things, and it manifests itself and as you say, you start to have those that success yourself, but you then you start to have it for your client. That's really awesome. Because you're in that perfect spot, it seems like.

Speaker 1 9:14

Totally. Totally. And I also think that one of the things like in this online coaching world is that there are a lot of people who just kind of like woke up today, we're like, I'm a coach, now, you know what I mean? But I think it's I tell all my clients who even want to transition into that role, like you need to walk the walk before you talk the talk, right? Like you need to build your business, you need to figure out how to get clients, you need to be able to do all the things on your own, before you can teach other people how to do it. And so between my experience as a virtual assistant growing my business the way I did, but also my experience in the corporate world, you know, getting those really difficult jobs working for people from American Express and, you know, the government and, and, you know, getting these difficult jobs, and, like managing teams managing, you know, whole businesses essentially, because executive assistants, they're, in a way they're kind of like the backbone of the business, right because , they work so closely with the top dog. Right. And so even though they're always kind of seen like as like the bottom of the totem pole, there's a lot there, they have a lot of info that sometimes even like the other, you know, C suite levels don't even have. So I think my management skills come from that, too. So it's just, I think, like, everything that's led me to this place has really helped me become the coach that I am.

Gresham Harkless 10:22

Right. So I wanted to switch gears a little bit. And I want to ask you for what I call a CEO hack. So that could be like an app or book or habit that you have. But what's something that makes you more effective and efficient.

Erin Mortenson 10:31

So my biggest thing, since starting my business has I have put myself care first and foremost before anything else, meaning like, if I know that I'm gonna have a late night, one day, I will not schedule anything the next day until like noon, so that I know I will get my sleep. And sleep has been such an important part of my whole entire journey, even with like the whole anxiety thing, like being able to take care of myself. Because if you can't take care of yourself, you are just going to flounder in your business. Your brain doesn't work right , your creativity goes away. It's your there's just no point, right. So I put self care before really anything else. In my business. That's probably my biggest hack.

Gresham Harkless 11:06

I love and appreciate that. So I wanted to ask you now for what I call a CEO nugget. So that could be like a word of wisdom or piece of advice, or something you might tell a client or maybe even your younger business self,

Erin Mortenson 11:16

My biggest nugget is impact over income. When you lead with income, you will crumble. And I've seen it with myself, I've seen it with some of my clients there. It's not only bad for your own mindset, but people can sense that, you know what I mean? People can sense when you are like, like really after an income goal, or you're only doing it for the money. Like it sounds so cliche, like you know, money doesn't buy money does buy happiness, like don't get me wrong. But like when you when you set out on a journey like this just for the money, it will not work. And so when you lead with intention, and you know, wanting to actually make a difference in people's lives, the income will multiply it will grow and grow and grow when you lead with like, I'm gonna hit 100k month this month, you won't come close.

Gresham Harkless 12:04

So now I'd ask you my absolute favorite question, which is the definition of what it means to be a CEO. And we're hoping to have different, quote unquote, CEOs on this show. So Aaron, what does being a CEO mean to you? Okay,

Erin Mortenson 12:14

I think being a CEO, to me is really like, first of all, leading, you know, like I said, you know, my experience in the corporate world helped me with this kind of like managerial sense as well. So it's leading, it's, it's leading people not having just like followers, but having people who also want to grow into leadership positions as well, who, who feel like it's possible for them to do these things, right. But it's also stepping into this role that you knew you were meant to be in, right? Like, I always knew that I was meant for more than an executive assistant, which is why, you know, in my last job, I said, I'll come on as your EA, but I want to be something else. Towards the end, I always knew that I was meant for more. And don't get me wrong, EAS. Like I said, they are the backbone of the business. There. It's a great role. But for me, I just I knew I wanted something else I knew I knew I wanted to not schedule the meetings, I wanted to be in the meetings, right. And so just following that, that drive and that passion until you get to a place where like, you are your own CEO, that's, that's so important. So stepping into the power that you know you have, and just fully believing in it. And gotta believe in everything that you do. Don't do anything that is like a get like, if you feel a pit in your stomach over something you're doing, it's not going to work. So just fully believing in your mission, your goals, your your vision. That's that's probably what being a CEO means to me,

Gresham Harkless 13:27

Erin, Truly appreciate that perspective. Appreciate your time, even more, what I wanted to do is pass you the mic, so to speak, just to see if there's anything additional, you want to let our readers and listeners know. And then of course, how best they can find out about your programs get in contact with you and all the awesome things you're doing.

Erin Mortenson 13:40

yeah, of course, I would say, you know, like, I have kind of a crazy journey. You know, I had some crazy things happen to me when you're when I was younger, and there was a time where my future didn't look very bright. You know, it looked a little bit bleak to be totally honest. And if you just continue to believe that you like what you're going through is meant is happening to for a reason. And it will shape who you are. And it'll help you get into this person that you're meant to become. If you have that if you believe in that it will happen. Everything that I have wanted and wish for and hope for and dream for. I have believed it with all my heart. I've never said like, I'm going to do this and just like hopefully will work with. I've been like this is happening. It's not negotiable. I want to live my life in a specific way. So I'm going to make that happen. And it's happening and it sounds a little woowoo but it's true. It's when you really believe in things. It's like the universe like gives it back to you, you know what I mean? So that that is that has been one of the biggest things for me is just like, believing in everything. I'm doing full heartedly you know, with every bone in my body. And yeah, just keep on going. Just keep on going and find your community. That's that's another really important thing. Find a community who understands what you're going through. Because if you're starting something online, if you have these goals and these visions, you know, the people who came before us, they all worked for 40-50 years at jobs and you A lot of times they don't understand when you want to start your own thing, and you want to go do this crazy thing online. And so finding people who are doing similar things as you and have the same goals and visions and dreams, that has been monumental in helping me, you know, stay sane during this whole entire process. So that'll be like my last little my last little spiel.

Gresham Harkless 15:19

Awesome. Awesome.Awesome. I love it. And I appreciate that. And people that want to reach out to you get in touch with You.

Erin Mortenson 15:22

So, you can find me on Instagram. That's where I'm pretty much the most active. I'm at erin dot mort. And you can find me on my website, www dot erin mort.com. And yeah, not only do I help people, you know, start their online businesses. But I also help people who have online businesses start hiring their teams, because that's another really scary component as well, when you aren't growing as you know, bringing people into your business with you. So that is another thing that I love doing. Because I've been in on both sides of it. I've been the VA and I've been the business owner. And so yeah, that's another thing that I love helping people with as well.

Gresham Harkless 15:56

Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Well, thank you so much again,Erin , I truly appreciate that. We will have the links and information in the show notes. And I appreciate the reminder as well, too. You know, just understanding that when you have a mentality that everything's happening for you, not to you, it changes a lot of things changes your perspective and you start to write your story. Start to write your future start to write your destiny, when you have that mentality, no matter how difficult some of the times may be. I appreciate you for reminding us of that.

Erin Mortenson 16:17

You write your own story. I love that.

Gresham Harkless 16:19

Awesome. Definitely have a great rest of the day.

Outro 16:22

Thank you for listening to the I AM CEO Podcast powered by Blue 16 Media. Tune in next time and visit us at iamceo.co I AM CEO is not just a phrase, it's a community. Be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our podcast on iTunes Google Play and everywhere you listen to podcasts, SUBSCRIBE, and leave us a five-star rating grab CEO gear at www.ceogear.co. This has been the I AM CEO Podcast with Gresham Harkless. Thank you for listening.

Transcribed by https://otter.ai