Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Ford.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Danielle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I began working on my business in 2016 after my 30th birthday. My husband and I chose to separate and I leaned into my friends and family to help me adjust to life on my own. I have a mentor who introduced me to a planner that would train me to be strategic in setting goals and provide clear steps to help me reach my goals. I had weekly reflection pieces, monthly reflections, mid-year and end of the year reflections. I constantly evaluated myself to determine what worked, what needed to change, and how I could do and be better.
Divorce is difficult, but I used that time alone with my children to get to truly know who I was as a woman, a mom, and a working professional. I would spend the next four years working with mentors, coaches, and therapists to help me become a better version of myself. I enjoyed the growth process so much that I decided to take everything I learned and create a business in which I could help small business owners and young professionals create and reach their goals, both personal and professional through functional/strategic planning.
Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing good comes easy. There is always going to be some type of challenge along the way. I had quite a few challenges The biggest challenge was time. While there are only 24 hours in a day, I had to juggle schedules of four children. They were involved in Dance and sports, along with homework time, family time, spiritual activities, medical appointments, and did I mention I also work a corporate job full-time! I worked myself into burnout, I ended up in the hospital in late 2019 and my body completely shut down. It was during that time in the hospital that I realized there had to be a better way for me to function. I had to be able to work my business, work my corporate job because I really love what I do, and maintain my family structure. I did the only thing I knew how to do and I went back to my planner and began to brainstorm ways that I could be able to accomplish everything.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
GeekPlanning & Development, LLC primary focus is to help small businesses and professionals create and reach their goals through functional/strategic planning. We also provide support in business process development, professional development training, design, and facilitation.
I am a true believer in patting yourself on the back for any wins. I am most proud of securing my first client contracts four months after finalizing the registration of my business in the state of Texas. I was also able to secure a partnership with a larger consulting firm and being able to help an organization reach their personal and company goals.
I believe what sets me apart is the fact that I am able to share my story with my clients if ever they feel discouraged or that everything becomes just too much. Each client gets customized results based on their specific needs.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Houston is most definitely the best place to start and grow a business. I feel this way because of the diverse resources available are endless. I’ve met some wonderful people during this process and I’ve learned from everyone what to do and what not to do. I would not change this experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.geekplanning.net
- Phone: 8326310458
- Email: info@geekplanning.net
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/TheGossipGeek
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/GeekPlanning
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