Valerie Fischer Trainer and Coach

Who are you and what business did you start?

Hi! My name is Valerie Fischer and I am based in the Philippines. I started a training and coaching business last year at the start of the pandemic.

What’s your backstory and how did you come up with the idea?

“We need to talk”. My former boss sent me this message when I refused to work in our makeshift office after the lockdown has been announced. It was a very confusing time and I did not want to leave my family behind in the middle of all the chaos that defined the start of this pandemic. I knew what was going to happen next. I quit. She fired me. It was mutual. I hid from social media for a few days. I was embarrassed. I have never lost a job before and having it happened during that time made it more difficult. But because my friends knew that I know digital marketing, both from my previous job and the e-commerce business I co-founded in 2018, they started calling and asking for help. There was a need for a trainer, a coach, a mentor that will hold their hand as they transition to the digital space. The training requests came pouring down as soon as word got around that I started doing sessions. I then also realized that there were other trainers in the market and I needed to be different. That is where my certification as a Neuro-Linguistic programming practitioner proved to be helpful. I combined NLP with my over 20 years in advertising and marketing, plus my experience in running the e-commerce business into a marketing method that I trademarked and call Brain Science Selling.

Describe the process of launching the business.

It was surprisingly very easy. My business skyrocketed and the trainings were non-stop. I describe it as a superhero costume waiting for me to put on.

Since launch, what has worked to attract and retain customers?

I would name 3 things for this: 1. GV – it stands for Give value and good vibes. Always provide value in whatever platform you choose. When you are sincere in helping people, it will show and you will project an air of good vibes. And heaven knows we need a lot of good vibes these days. 2. Be consistent – Get up, dress up, show up. 3. Speak your customers’ language – this is very important in creating rapport. Make your customers feel like you know them, care about them and that you are reading their minds.

How are you doing today and what does the future look like?

I feel great! Ever since I started the business in April of 2020, I have become an international speaker, an award-winning marketer, a podcast host and as of this writing, a soon-to-be published author. I collaborated with a group of fantastic individuals and came up with the book Becoming the Big Me, with Sharon Lechter.

Through starting the business, have you learned anything particularly helpful or advantageous?

I learn something new everyday, about myself, my customers and my business. I continuously learn how to manage my procrastination, imposter syndrome and even my own loneliness. Being a solopreneur can be lonely, especially when you are an extrovert in lockdown. I learned how yoga and meditation can be helpful in managing stress. I learned that you cannot please everybody and you do not need to. Having a personal brand means you have to stand for something, even if it means alienating some people. I also learned that once I set my eyes on something, as long as the goal is to help more people, the Universe gives it to me.

What platform/tools do you use for your business?

I use Linkedin, Facebook, both Page and Groups, my podcast, a website, and believe it or not, I am also on Tiktok.

What have been the most influential books, podcasts, or other resources?

I would list Start with Why as one of the most influential books for me. Doing the Gallups Strengths Finder assessment was also life-changing. As for podcasts, I have a lot of favorites but the ones that come to mind now are The Mindvalley Podcast, Hidden Brain, TED Radio Hour and the Modern Selling Podcast.

Advice for other entrepreneurs who want to get started or are just starting out?

My friends always tell me that I am so good at manifesting. I also believe that I am, but the secret to this is that I do not stop at just visioning. I take action. So for other entrepreneurs who may be reading this, do not feel overwhelmed by all the things you need to do. How do you achieve the impossible? By taking small possible steps at a time.

Where can we go to learn more?

Thank you so much for this interview. Please go to www.valeriefischer.net to learn more about my work!