Meet Sherry from Inner Rhythm

Sherry Davies-Selak is the founder and principal coach at Inner Rhythm and The Privacy People. She is an NLP trainer and has a background in Education, Psychology and Gender & Cultural Studies. She started Inner Rhythm about 12 years ago alongside another business and ultimately loves to work with female entrepreneurs to help them balance their business and their life through the use of personal development tools and powerful conversations.

Tell us about your business

Inner Rhythm is a personal development and education business based in Werribee, Melbourne. We know that getting in business is exciting and also a little bit scary and overwhelming at times. We believe with the right support and tools everyone can be successful. We work with people from across the country and around the globe to develop personal leadership skills so they can create a life and a business that works for them. Learn more about Inner Rhythm Coaching Courses.

Why did you start your business journey?

In 2003 while running a retail gift store in WA we were running some workshops for people sharing emotional intelligence and soft skills to help them with personal issues and relationships. It made sense to create a different brand for the training. We eventually closed the retail store but our love for education has endured and grown.What does being a business owner mean to you?

For me, it means that I get to mix with and work with other incredible business owners and individuals and I have the flexibility to have a wonderful balance in my life. Because of the nature of my work I’m not inhibited by location so I can travel to WA to see my family and still work, or I can work with people across the globe and get to learn even more about other cultures and business practices.

What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?

I’ve had some truly outstanding mentors and coaches who were able to help me. My NLP trainers and the many gorgeous women who have attended my events and networking lunches have taught me so much. My current coach is amazing and I love that she sees my blind spots and brings those things into focus for me to work on. I’ve also been very fortunate to have run or participated in many mastermind groups. I’ve learned so much from all the people I’ve met on my business journey.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

So many things to celebrate. I was part of the leadership team for ANZI coaching when they were getting started…and was named runner-up for the coach of the year awards (Aus and NZ). I also loved working as a leadership coach for the Australian Government with international students. That was an amazing 6 months. And the fact that Inner Rhythm is still growing and has undergone changes as I have faced challenges including the solo move across the country in 2013.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

Watch how you talk to yourself…you are creating your future with your words and thoughts.

What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?

Networking with other business owners and social media would be the most effective for me.
What is one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?

Get up, dress up, show up and SMILE.

Manage your time really well and don’t give up on your dream.

Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business? If yes, please describe (and include links if available).

Your email signature is so important. I’ve just discovered Wisestamp – an amazing piece of software that you can use to create a gorgeous email signature that also shares your latest tweet, sign up links for a newsletter and a pic. Let your signature talk for you.

The other thing I use a lot is Focus Booster and app for the computer that I can set for 50-minute sprints to get work done. It sits in the background but will let you know when you have 5 minutes left and then it’s time to get up and move around to keep the brain fresh and give your eyes a rest.

Do you have any new projects coming up (or have you just completed a big project ~ reached a milestone, etc.)? If so, please tell us about it.

I’m currently working on developing online courses from my face to face workshops. It’s a work in progress.

What do you do for fun/relaxation?

I walk the dog every morning. I love hosting dinner parties for friends. And I love body balance, yoga and dance to unwind.

What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

Persistence. Flexibility, courage.

What fear have you faced in business? Have you overcome it? How do you manage fear?

Self-doubt. I think like all entrepreneurs when you are following people in your industry that are ahead of you on their journey, then you may feel that you don’t know enough to be of value. This is the imposter syndrome at work. Remembering that others are following your journey and that what you have learned in your field along the way has value.

What are your top 5 goals you want to achieve by the end of 2016?

Finish and publish at least 2 online courses.
To continue to expand my network of female business owners.
To finish an outline of my book.
To be hosting at least one fully booked out workshop each week.
Set a firm date for my NYC holiday (I have the ticket but the date is not finalised!)

What makes you happy?

Connecting with other people.

My dog.

Happy clients.

Have you had to make any sacrifices whilst running your business? If so, what are they?

Sleep!…especially when I get excited about a new workshop idea and start researching.

Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most and why?

Oh…do I have to pick one? There are too many great businesses that I admire. Most recently though I’m really impressed with a couple of friends from Perth whose businesses has just exploded over the last 6 months.

Where you see yourself and your business in 10 years? 20 years?

Traveling the world, teaching, coaching, speaking and inspiring others.

What book has inspired you the most? (OR What is your favourite book?)

I have many shelves of books so it’s hard to pick one. Think and grow rich is still a favourite. I’ve also read the Abraham Hicks books. Seth Godin is another author whose work I enjoy. I’ve just finished reading Beyond Satisfaction by Breanne Dyck

How do you measure your success in business?

By client satisfaction and how well I sleep at night.

Do you have kiddies if so how many? And what is their favourite activity to do with you?

Mine are all young adults. I have three and two live in WA. The youngest moved here in May. Favourite activity – Saturday morning pancakes after a long work week!

Favourite inspirational quote?

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.

Anais Nin

What are your top 5 business tips?