"What is a business coach, and why on earth would I need one?"

It's a question I am always being asked. It is a fairly new concept in business, but essentially, I do for business people exactly the same thing as a sports coach does for sports people – help them, and their businesses, reach maximum potential.

What could you teach me about my business?

The second question I often get asked is, "but what could you teach me about my business? I'’ve been in business for years and I’ve done ok".

My reply - "Probably nothing. If you have built your business successfully then you are unquestionably the expert in your field. There is probably very little I can teach you – about your business."

What I can do though is give you a completely objective view of your business, work with you to enable you to tap into the knowledge and experience gained from working with hundreds of businesses, the knowledge of what has really worked in those businesses and introduce you to a way of thinking about your business that will change the way you approach things. The power of someone looking in on your business from the outside should not be underestimated – many business owners are so close to their business, they sometimes suffer from the "can’t see the wood for the trees" syndrome. It can also be quite lonely as a business owner - having someone to bounce ideas off, a neutral friend to go over a problem or strategy with can be invaluable.

David Beckham?

Let's look at the sports analogy again. There is no denying that David Beckham is immensely talented as a footballer. Would his raw talent alone have made him successful? Almost certainly, but it was Alex Ferguson, his coach, who was able to recognise the full extent of that potential, had the knowledge of how to tap into it and had the skills to enable Beckham to realise his potential to the full.

It's exactly the same in business. Many business owners have made it on their own talent and are running profitable businesses as a result. But the question is, what is the real potential of them and their business? That’s why business coaching is so important. It's the key that can unlock the potentialin both business and owner. In a nutshell, I help business owners learn how to run their businesses more efficiently and more profitably.

So what do I do?

As a coach I don't consult. I don't do the work for you. I will teach you how to realise that potential by giving you the knowledge, the tools, the vision, motivation and challenge to take both you and your business to the next level, and to ultimately enjoy the financial and lifestyle benefits that come with it. So how exactly does this work? Well, we have found that most challenges in business come down to three key areas - TIME, PROFITS and getting the best out of your TEAM.

Time

Let's look at TIME first. Do you work harder than any one else in your business? We have a very clear idea of how a "finished" business should run – it should be able to run without the owner. At the very least, the owner should be able to choose not to be there. If you are your businesses greatest asset, the glue that holds everything together it means your business is worth almost nothing without you – you are carrying the value of your business in your head! As a coach I can help you work on the things needed to get your business to run effectively and efficiently without relying totally on you. You can start by choosing to spend more time with your family, on your hobbies or even take a holiday... I get you to focus on working ON your business rather than in it!

Team

This leads me on to your team. In order for you to have the time, you need to have the TEAM. As you know, great teams don't just happen. We can work on how to recruit, build and motivate your team. On how to ensure they give the best customer service - as good as you could give – every time, all the time. Then the business can work without you.

Profits

What about PROFITS? Immensely important, of course, and often the main reason for clients wanting to work with me. Remember, it has very little to do with revenues – there is no point in doubling your revenues if you don’t increase your profits. So we focus on profit. As such, working on building the business profits is often the first thing that I focus on when working with a new client. We'll focus on Sales, Marketing and Cash flow. I have the tools, knowledge and systems, and you, as the expert in your business, will implement them and get your business flying.

How do I work?

This is how I work – once we both see the benefit of working together: I do a 'long interview' to assess your business and personal goals. We look at what has worked in your business and what has not. This usually takes 3-4 hours. From this we develop a 'roadmap' for the next 12 or 24 months. We then have weekly or bi-weekly sessions of 1-2 hours. The idea is to break down your longer term goals (sell the business maybe?) and then work towards them every session.

I get you to set goals, prioritise, focus on what's important and then I hold you accountable! The progress is amazing!

Interested in hearing more?

What do you have to lose? If you consider yourself to be open-minded and want to get your business up to the next level, then call me now for a 20 minute no obligation, confidential phone conversation to see if this is for you. Warning: Working with me is not always pleasant, but if you are committed we will move you and your business forward.