So, it’s come to this? Somehow you think I can help you directly?
What? Are the online courses not enough for you? The Facebook Page with useful thoughts, tips, advice? Fine, lets talk! 🙂
Before you do make that call, or send that email… consider this…
There is no Silver Bullet Formula.
It is hard work, and takes – above all – Focus.
It is great seeing businesses succeed, especially small enterprises, where the stakes are high, and the passions higher.
One of my firm principles is that there is no real need for mandatory competition in today’s business landscape. In most industries there is enough capacity to allow small business owners to niche successfully, without trying to be all things to all people.
If you are working for yourself, either as a sole trader, or owner/manager of a small business, having someone you can talk to who can help you get or keep on track, as well as KEEP YOU ACCOUNTABLE is vital.
Who can I help?
Anyone who feels they need help or guidance with the anything from where to start with working out which business to look at, to help with logistical questions of ‘How can I grow my business to XYZ’, to fire-fighting questions like ‘A new competitor just opened across the road – what do I do?’ is welcome. Even business and balance questions such as ‘How can I get more time for myself?’ (Know that feeling?)
If you would like help or advice, I will support you if I can.
Coaching can take place in person (if feasible), or remotely via Zoom. (I was using Zoom before it was popular. It feels like I discovered a new band before all the cool kids!)
If you don’t know where to start, or if it is right for you, the best answer is, just to start. Read on below, review the initial questions, and then get in touch to arrange a short chat.
Here is what to expect next
Part of the first step (usually in a free screening call) is to see if it is a good match of skills and needs. It REALLY is important to me that you get on with me, and feel you get value from coaching. Likewise, I need to be sure that you are in the right place right now to get the best out of it.
I need you to succeed if I take you on as a one on one client, and you need me to be able to ask you the right questions and help you focus on the right solutions to move you to the next step.
Before your initial call, there is a bit of homework for you to do. (Essentially, these are some of the questions that would be asked anyway, so you can cheat and read ahead before we speak!) You can find them HERE.
Without trying to sound big headed, I have refused to work with people where I don’t feel I can help, or if they don’t pass a few simple commitment checks.
This is necessary, as there once we engage with you, our success rate becomes yours, so we want you to succeed. If we get the feeling that every meeting or call will just be asking why ‘X agreed action’ is still not done, it will not benefit you. 🙂
The initial call usually has only 3 outcomes:
We are not suited.Â
Either business or personal aims don’t align, not willing to commit, or perhaps our styles just don’t click. That’s OK. In this case, I have access to a range of other coaches, who may be better suited. I’ll put the word out on your behalf (if you wish) and see if we can match you with someone better suited to your needs.
Possibly can help.
If it is unclear, usually then we start with a 3 month stint, and part of that would be helping to fine tune exactly what it is that your real goals are (not the business-plan-esq type ones you see touted a lot), and uncover any issues or pitfalls that are causing you concerns. In these cases, you may already have tried to find support, but cannot find anyone willing to help.
If you are already in business and you have trouble finding someone to assist, it may be possible that you have been refused help because your business has reached an unsustainable point and they don’t want a failure on their card. (A lot of successful businesses have been spun off from a previous one, but it does take a lot of risk and pain. Again, if we click on a personal level and I feel that there is even a slim chance of turning things around for you – we’ll go for it when others won’t).
Yes, I can help!
If it is a good fit, and we feel I can help and add value to you – then great! We can get started.
You’ll KNOW if the coach is not a good fit for you!
PS.
This picture is a great example what a good coach does NOT do!
Discussion, Direction, Drive – NOT Dictator!
Once we get going
We would have have monthly checkpoints, as well as regular follow ups – which makes the difference between muddling through with what is safe and comfortable to do, vs, seeing opportunities and ensuring that you take them. (The safe and comfortable approach almost always leads in the wrong direction!)
Running a small business IS a lifestyle. You don’t ‘Clock off’ at the end of the day. Even if you are sitting down in the evening, catching some rest, somewhere, some part of the brain is pondering the next steps.
Coaching/ Consultation Pricing
You can be anywhere in the world to avail of online coaching.
If you can Skype a relative from another country, we can conduct a coaching call.
Sometimes, even if you are in the same city, it can often be easier to meet virtually to allow flexibility.
It is my policy (and one which I have pushed for CATTS, and Education Nation) to be up front with pricing. No hidden fees, and any extras if needed are discussed with you beforehand. The plans below are for guidance, but I will ‘tear up’ the guidebook if there is a unique business requirement.
For new clients I require a 3 month commitment to a coaching plan once we have agreed to work together.
Active Coaching Plan
Monthly Rate: €250
This is a regular monthly price which includes each month:
2 monthly 60 minute calls (In person or Online).
1 weekly checkpoint call.
Online Support as needed.
If additional meetings are required, (E.g. help with a new launch) they are priced and agreed with us beforehand as part of planning.
Keeping Clear Coaching Plan
Monthly Rate: €175
This is a regular monthly price which includes each month:
1 monthly 60 minute discussion
1 weekly checkpoint call.
Online Support as needed.
Strategy Call.
This is for anyone who feels that they don’t need regular coaching, but do need to discuss something important with an experienced third party.
It can be because you have a major projects coming up which you need more support with, or because your business has had a kick which has left you reeling. Often the times we need the most support is due to unplanned or completely left of field problems. It can be then that the right word or extra opinion or advice can make all the difference.
This is billed at €200 for the first hour or part of, and €50 per 15 minutes after.
All the calls are done via Zoom Meetings unless agreed otherwise.
Coaching/ Consultation Terms
Coaching, Consultation, Mentoring, Training, even a helping tip from a friend over a coffee, is completely USELESS, without the right actions, plan and execution behind it.
As such, I require a minimum commitment of 3 months to any coaching plan after we have agreed that we can be a good match. When a way to drive to achieve your goals is identified and a plan scoped out, it is down to the execution for success. In most cases, I will stick with you to ensure that it keeps on track for your vision (or changes accordingly as it develops).
The only difference between those who succeed in their dreams and those who just dream – is execution!