Growth Coach Dona Blackman Wins Small Business Award
Manassas, VA (PRWEB) March 11, 2014 -- When Dona Blackman opened The Growth Coach of Northern Virginia in 2010, she saw it as an opportunity to open her own business and help others in her community. That dream came full circle on January 22, 2014 when Blackman was recognized as the Prince William Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year for the up-to-five-employees category.
The Growth Coach, the world’s leader in group coaching and the #1 Business Coaching Franchise in the United States for 2013 according to Entrepreneur Magazine, is the only coaching franchise dedicated to helping business leaders find both greater success at work and balance in life. Clients include small business owners and leaders, management professionals, sales teams and self-employed professionals among others.
“Business coaching is a business, but you have to have heart. Part of what I like most is creating partnerships and being seen as a community resource. I’m thrilled and humbled to have been selected for such an honor by the chamber, which has more than 2,000 members. I had other nominees giving me high fives. It was amazing,” she said.
Blackman launched The Growth Coach of Northern Virginia with more than 30 years of business experience in the financial, engineering and behavioral health industries. A former Fortune 500 Human Resources executive, Blackman holds a bachelor’s of science degree in Business Administration. In addition to her chamber membership, Blackman is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management, the National Association of Professional Women, the Circle of Champions, and the Women in Business Network of America. She also volunteers with Girls Inspired and Ready to Lead and Missing Children of Color Foundation, Inc.
Although she stays busy with her business and her community involvement, Blackman said she’s always made time for her work with the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.
“Becoming a chamber member is one of the first things I did when I opened The Growth Coach and I’ve continued to be involved over the last three years. I’ve always tried to distinguish myself among all our members by volunteering on various committees and helping out however I can. As a mentor, I meet with new members as they join the chamber. I just think it’s important to be of service in your business community,” she said.
And her work doesn’t go unnoticed. Kristine Johnson, Membership Development Director for the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, said Blackman’s business acumen and volunteerism has made a significant positive impact on the community.
“Dona's award is well-deserved. Her commitment to business excellence is evident in everything she does. Whether it's mentoring a new member, making connections for people, presenting a seminar or coaching businesses, she is always prepared, genuine and professional. We are very fortunate to have her as a Member and an Ambassador for the Prince William Chamber,” Johnson said.
Being seen as a connector is something Blackman values. For her, it’s about helping people work less and earn more – not just working with potential clients.
“If you’re looking to connect with someone else in the community – another business owner, a vendor, someone to partner with – I’m the go to. I’ve had people tell me that I’m a natural connector. Whether or not there’s any benefit for me, I want to get people connected in a mutually beneficial way. I say it’s a win-win-win because the two people I’ve connected win and I win by knowing I’ve made a difference,” Blackman said.
The Growth Coach franchise was founded in 2003, but the company’s leaders have a 20 year track record of successful business coaching. Today, the franchise is in over 140 markets in North America and abroad, and was recently included in the Bond’s Top 100 Franchises and has been recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Franchise 500,” “Best of the Best” and “Top Home-Based Business” listings. While most of the coaching is delivered through affordable group workshops, they also provide one-to-one coaching, remote coaching delivered via phone and web, and special projects.
To set up a complimentary “Get to Know You” business clarity session or to learn more about Blackman’s business and sales coaching services, call 703-986-0860, email d.blackman(at)thegrowthcoach(dot)com or visit http://www.thegrowthcoach.com/dblackman.
ABOUT THE GROWTH COACH
The Growth Coach was founded in Cincinnati in 2003 and is the only pure business and sales coaching franchise aimed at driving success while balancing the lives of business owners, managers, sales people, self-employed professionals and executives across a wide spectrum of businesses and industries. The Growth Coach specializes in group workshops and individual coaching with the goal of helping clients gain greater focus and leverage in order to work less, earn more and enjoy more fulfilling lives. The Growth Coach is active in more than 140 markets in North America and abroad and is always looking to expand domestically and internationally. For more information about the company or the process of opening an award-winning franchise, visit http://www.TheGrowthCoach.com.
Angie Shafer, The Growth Coach, http://www.TheGrowthCoach.com, +1 (513) 563-0570 Ext: 119, [email protected]
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