Business-Curious:
A Professional's Guide to Exploring Independence Through Business Ownership
Considering starting your own business but feeling overwhelmed?
Explore business ownership, consulting, and freelancing at your own pace. Experienced guides Erica and Chuck show you how to transform your professional expertise into meaningful independent work through small, practical steps—bring your curiosity and openness to possibility.
What's Inside
20+ engaging lessons. Here is an abbreviated outline.
Module 1: Cultivating the Entrepreneurial Mindset
- Managing Fear & Uncertainty
- The Art of Starting Small
- Adaptable Planning: Building a Foundation that Grows
- Embracing Your Strengths
Module 2: Building Your Business Circle
- Building Your Professional Ecosystem
- Connecting with Your First Clients
- Your Professional Network and Value Creation
Module 3: Essential Business Resources
- First Steps: Legal and Financial Considerations
- Essential Business Tools & Business Systems
- Developing Business Skills: Resources and Support
- Professional Development: Mapping Your Learning Path
- Testing and Learning: Your Business Evolution
Is Independent Work Right for You?
Dreaming of having more control over your career? You're not alone.
Many experienced professionals reach a point where they wonder: Could I succeed on my own?
Whether you're unsure how to make your day-to-day work less stressful or you're feeling frustrated searching for a new opportunity, feeling unfulfilled in your career is not your only option!
Transform Your Expertise into Independent Work
This course is designed for mid-to-late career professionals who want to:
• Create more flexibility in their work life
• Maintain or improve financial security while exploring independence
• Turn their expertise into sustainable income
• Find greater work-life harmony
• Make a meaningful impact through their work
Learn from Experienced Guides
Created by East Coast and West Coast entrepreneurs Erica and Chuck. We've experimented, hired business coaches, participated in thousands of hours of business workshops, and built adaptable businesses while enhancing work-life harmony.
We originally met at a mission-driven coworking community event in Portland, Oregon in 2018. At the time, Erica was the executive director of a grassroots environmental nonprofit organization and Chuck was running his own design and marketing business.
Since then, we've supported each other with our businesses and have served as a constant source of inspiration and peer mentorship.
LET'S GO
What Makes This Course Different?
- Test ideas safely
- Build confidence gradually
- Learn practical strategies
- Access proven resources
- Receive personalized written feedback
- Connect with like-minded professionals
Perfect for Mission-Driven Professionals Who:
✓ Have valuable expertise but aren't sure how to package it
✓ Want to explore independence without risking everything
✓ Seek greater autonomy and creative freedom
✓ Value both innovation and stability
✓ Feel ready to explore but uncertain where to begin
What You'll Discover
✓ How to evaluate business ideas without risking your security
✓ Ways to leverage your existing expertise and network
✓ Strategies for building multiple income streams
✓ Tools for managing uncertainty and building confidence
✓ Resources for ongoing support and growth
Wondering if Independent Work Could Be Your Next Chapter?
Hi, I'm Erica
As an Executive Coach, I partner with purpose-driven professionals who are ready to reimagine their careers and create meaningful change in the world. I'm particularly passionate about helping experienced professionals discover how their skills and expertise can have greater impact through professional freedom.
My path to coaching began naturally, when colleagues started seeking my guidance about their career transitions. While working as an environmental protection lobbyist, I launched my coaching practice on the side, working with clients during evenings and weekends. As my client base grew and my vision expanded – including plans for a book and speaking engagements – I recognized it was time to fully embrace professional autonomy.
Drawing on my background in psychology, law, and public administration, I help clients chart their own entrepreneurial paths in ways that align with their values and priorities. Whether you're dreaming of consulting, launching a small business, or creating a solo practice, I'll help you transform your professional expertise into work that offers both impact and independence, with an approach that honors your need for flexibility, financial security, and work-life harmony.
Qualifications
- Successfully grew a side business into a thriving coaching practice serving hundreds of clients
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Developed strategic partnerships with major institutions including Harvard University, Suffolk University Executive MBA Program, and University of Massachusetts Amherst
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Created multiple revenue streams through diverse service offerings: executive coaching, career development programs, and professional speaking
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Author of "Clarifying What Matters: Creating Direction For Your Career"
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Expert in helping professionals leverage their expertise into sustainable business ventures
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Certified Career Services Provider (National Career Development Association) and Master Certified Life Coach
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Combines business acumen with deep understanding of professional development (BA Psychology, Masters in Public Administration, JD)
Hi, I'm Chuck
I've spent over two decades navigating the waters of entrepreneurship, from running my own design agency to launching a specialized pet care business. I understand firsthand the mix of excitement and uncertainty that comes with considering independence – I've been there multiple times myself.
My journey started with my parents' swimwear business and led to running ILLUSIO for 22 years, where I helped businesses and nonprofits build their digital presence. In 2021, I made another pivot, founding Pooch Patrol LLC, a specialized pet care service. This transition showed me that it's never too late to start something new, and that past experience can provide unexpected advantages in new ventures.
Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I've learned the value of keeping things simple and working smarter, not harder. I believe that a successful business shouldn't mean sacrificing your personal life. I'm here to help you explore the possibility of independence – without the overwhelm that often comes with it.
Qualifications
- Over 20 years of successful entrepreneurial experience across multiple industries
- Founded and operated ILLUSIO design agency for 22 years, serving clients from local nonprofits to major entertainment companies like Showtime and Universal Pictures
- Expertise in business transitions, having successfully pivoted from corporate work to entrepreneurship multiple times
- Built and scaled a specialized pet care business (Pooch Patrol LLC) during the pandemic, demonstrating ability to identify and fill market needs
- Background in marketing, branding, and digital presence development for small businesses and nonprofits
- Experience balancing multiple revenue streams while improving work-life harmony
- Deep understanding of both service-based and client-focused business models
- Practical experience in starting businesses both full-time and as side ventures
- Track record of building sustainable businesses that prioritize lifestyle flexibility
- Real-world experience in simplifying business operations and creating efficient systems
