Today we’d like to introduce you to Kat Beanland.
Hi Kat, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a passionate mom with three incredible kids – one angel baby and two adorable little ones we lovingly call the Beanie Babies. Being a wife and friend adds even more joy to my life. My children and family are my biggest motivators, inspiring me to push boundaries and accomplish the unimaginable. Interestingly, my journey in the professional field kick-started around the age of 9 or 10, when I began tutoring a small bunch of kids whose parents enjoyed catching up after church. I always had a plan, ensuring we finished before the parents chatted. We would do coloring sheets, have snacks, and even finish homework before the parents came looking for us. I thought I would become a teacher back then, but that changed when I realized not all students were as well-behaved as the little angels I had in my class. However, I discovered my passion for fine-tuning processes, documenting them, testing them, and making them work. In my senior year of high school, my uncle, a Clemson Alumni, talked to me about his business degree and what he was doing with it. That’s when I knew I wanted to pursue a business degree. I attended Charleston Southern University and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a double minor in psychology and sociology. There, I equipped my love for people and my desire to see both people and businesses succeed with the tools to be effective and help people. Fast forward a few years, I had been working in the “real” world for a while, and in every position, I noticed inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. Thankfully, I had terrific leaders who allowed me to address these issues and make a difference. These experiences opened doors I never imagined when teaching a few church kids on Wednesday nights. Throughout this journey, I held to my love for business but had yet to find my niche. After several more career changes, I realized that my calling was operational administration and business coaching. It allowed me to understand every aspect of an organization and discover its heartbeat. Without a heartbeat, an organism dies, and I wanted to help businesses thrive and succeed. So, operations became my home and eventually led me to start my own business – Beanland & Associates.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh no, but has it all been worth it? Absolutely. I’ve worked with pioneering sales teams, entrepreneurs, and multi-million dollar organizations. These incredible opportunities taught me some valuable lessons along the way. However, these were all a part of the journey that has led me to where I am today. Our business is centered around helping people get back to doing what they love and enjoy. Whether it’s spending time with family or focusing on the aspects of their business that inspired them to become entrepreneurs, that’s what we’re here for. That’s why we started this business – to prioritize the things we value and enjoy the most, which for us are our children, affectionately known as The Associates or the Beanie Babies. However, like many entrepreneurs, the most challenging part was getting started. For years, people would tell me, “Hey, you should start your own business. You’d be great at it!” I would laugh it off and dismiss the idea, thinking it would be too much work. It wasn’t until the past couple of years that I realized, with my husband’s support (also a co-founder of Beanland & Associates), that this was my true calling. Until I answered this calling, I would only fulfill my professional and personal aspirations. So, we leaped and started a business that aligned with my passion – creating efficient processes, adapting to changes, and ultimately being profitable in every industry I had previously worked in. In every position I’ve held, I made it a point to immerse myself in learning everything about that role while also gaining a comprehensive understanding of the entire business. This approach allowed me to acquire knowledge and connect with unique individuals who believed in me and supported my growth. Their trust and willingness to embrace change gave me the freedom to make a significant impact. To say that I’ve put in a lot of effort would be an understatement, but this journey has been an incredible adventure. Of course, with every sunrise, there are also nights. I can’t ignore the challenging conversations I’ve had with people who didn’t share my vision or when I had to take leaps of faith and leave comfortable positions because I knew I needed to grow. Sometimes, I wondered how everything would work out, but my faith always carried me through.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What makes me different from other businesspeople and other consultants is my genuine love for people. I value people as individuals and champion what they bring to this world. I strongly desire to see everyone thrive rather than survive or exist. This passion for people is also what sets Beanland & Associates apart. While we aim to help everyone succeed, our primary focus is on small businesses. These businesses excel in what they do but may need more clarity on the next level. Additionally, we work with leaders and entrepreneurs so consumed by their work that they fail to enjoy life or thrive personally. Lately, one of my favorite quotes has been, “It’s ok to take a break.” Many entrepreneurs must remember they cannot and should not try to do everything themselves. This is where we come in. We coach owners, founders, and leaders, helping them find rest through delegation, process improvements, and other techniques. If you were to ask any of our clients, they would tell you that I constantly remind them to rest, not just sleep, but truly rest. So, what are we most proud of? Our passion is for successful businesses and individuals who are fully functional, thriving, and effective. We understand that being a business owner is challenging, but learning simple things like delegation can make a difference. And that’s where we come in – we’re here to help.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Look for someone who pushes you to enhance your skills and allows your talents to stand out. Mentorship doesn’t always have to fit a specific mold; sometimes, you need someone who listens to your frustrations and offers a supportive ear. Remember, surpassing your mentor and searching for another one is perfectly fine. It’s a sign of growth and progress if you exceed their accomplishments. Feel free to outgrow them; as long as you keep advancing, you’re on the right track!
Contact Info:
- Website: BeanlandandAssociates.com
- Instagram: @BeanlandandAssociates
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094450733689
