Sara's Coaching Corner
September 2026
This month marks four years since I became a business owner.
When I started this journey, I had the steady corporate paycheck, benefits, bonuses, a mortgage, a daughter heading to college, two kids in high school, and a self-employed spouse. I had plenty of reasons to stay comfortable, but I chose to explore what was possible instead.
One lesson has become clear: we usually talk ourselves out of opportunities long before reality does. We know our own circumstances better than anyone else, so it's easy to jump straight to the worst-case scenario.
But if something truly matters to you, you'll find a way to explore it. Not because the timing is perfect, but because your future is worth investing in.
To everyone who has trusted me to be part of your career journey, Thank You! Whether you've become a business owner or are simply discovering what's possible, it's been a privilege to walk alongside you.
As you read this month's newsletter, I encourage you to challenge one assumption that's been holding you back. Sometimes the biggest obstacle isn't your circumstances. It's the story you've been telling yourself about what's possible.
All my best!
~Sara
As I celebrate four years in business this month, I'd like to ask one small favor.
If our coaching conversations have helped you gain clarity, confidence, or simply see new possibilities for your future, would you consider introducing me to someone you care about?
You probably know someone who feels stuck, burned out, facing a layoff, or questioning whether there's something more beyond traditional employment. They don't need to be ready to own a business. They just need to be open to exploring what's possible.
One introduction could be the conversation that changes the direction of their career and their life.
As a special 4th Anniversary Thank You, I'm doubling my referral reward from $250 to $500 for every qualified client referred during the month of September who meets the requirements of my
Client Referral Program. Click here to view the program details and eligibility requirements.
Thank you for trusting me with your journey, and for helping others discover that they have more options than they may realize.
I invite you to join my next live webinar, Beyond the Paycheck: Redefining Success Through Career Ownership, happening this Tuesday, September 22nd at 12pm CT. This interactive session is designed to help professionals rethink what’s possible beyond traditional employment—discovering new pathways to greater freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment through business ownership. Whether you’re exploring your own next chapter or know someone who’s ready for a change, this session is a powerful first step toward clarity and confidence.
Register here, follow me on social media for future webinars, and share this opportunity with friends, family, or colleagues who could benefit from exploring an educational coaching journey of their own. And don’t forget, my client referral program rewards those who help support and grow my business by introducing others who could benefit from the same guidance and insight.
One of last month's Made 4 More Mondays episodes challenged a common belief that keeps many professionals stuck: "I've always worked in this industry, so that's what I have to keep doing."
The truth is, business ownership isn't about doing the work. It's about leading the business. Many business models provide the systems, training, and skilled employees. Your role is to lead, grow, and execute the vision. The question shifts from "What do I know how to do?" to "What business aligns with the life I want to build?"
So I'll leave you with the same question I asked in the video: Are you staying in your lane because it's the right lane... or simply because it's the one you've always known?
If you missed this week's video, or would like to watch previous Made 4 More Mondays, visit my
YouTube channel. After all, you were made for more!
One of the biggest assumptions I hear from people exploring business ownership is, "I don't have hundreds of thousands of dollars sitting in the bank."
The good news? Most business owners don't write a check for the full purchase price.
Just as you wouldn't expect to pay cash for a home, there are multiple financing strategies available depending on your financial picture, goals, and risk tolerance. The key isn't asking, "Can I afford a business?" It's asking, "What's the smartest way to structure the investment?"
Here are some of the most common funding options available:
- SBA Loans are one of the most popular choices because they offer competitive interest rates, repayment terms of up to 25 years, and can be used for startup costs, equipment, working capital, or even real estate. They are often a great fit for buyers with solid credit who want manageable monthly payments.
- Unsecured Term Loans allow qualified buyers to access capital without pledging collateral. They typically offer a faster approval process and fixed monthly payments, making them attractive for those with strong credit who need flexibility.
- Home Equity Loans enable homeowners to leverage the equity they've built over time. Because the loan is secured by your home, interest rates are often lower than unsecured financing, making this a viable option for some long-term investments.
- Retirement Funds (ROBS) allow qualified individuals to invest retirement savings into a business without paying early withdrawal penalties or taxes. This strategy eliminates monthly loan payments but requires careful planning and professional guidance to determine whether it's appropriate for your situation.
- Loans Against Your Investment Portfolio (Loans from Securities) are another option many professionals don't realize exists. Rather than selling stocks or mutual funds and creating a taxable event, some investors can borrow against eligible brokerage assets. This allows you to maintain your investment portfolio while accessing capital for a business opportunity, provided you understand the risks associated with market fluctuations and margin requirements.
The reality is that funding isn't one-size-fits-all. Many buyers even combine multiple funding sources to create the financing strategy that best fits their goals.
That's why, in my coaching process, we don't start by asking, "How much cash do you have?" We start by understanding your complete financial picture. From there, funding specialists can educate you on the options available based on your unique circumstances.
Don't let assumptions about financing prevent you from exploring what's possible. You may have far more options than you realize. Education comes first. Decisions come later.
- Online Webinar: Beyond the Paycheck-Redefining Success Through Business Ownership Register Here (September 22nd at 12pm CST ONLINE)
What conferences or career development events are you attending? I welcome the opportunity to speak at live or virtual events, including but not limited to: Lunch & Learns, Job Fairs/Franchise Shows, College Business Classes, Career Development Networks & Events, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Networks & Events, and Recruit Military Events. Please send details to sroy@esourcecoach.com. For all referrals that lead to a booked speaking engagement, you will receive a $50 VISA gift card!
About Me
I’m passionate about empowering individuals to achieve their goals and dreams for income, lifestyle, wealth, and equity. It’s my greatest honor and privilege to help you discover your You 2.0 and unlock your full potential!
I live in the Kansas City Metropolitan area with my three amazing children and hold an MBA from St. Mary’s University. In my downtime, I love spending time with family and friends, whether it’s attending sporting events, enjoying plays and musicals, exploring local wineries, or taking in live music.
Email: sroy@esourcecoach.com
Website: https://sroy.esourcecoach.com/
Phone: 913-359-9939
