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Why I have such a low tolerance for BS

Why I have such a low tolerance for BSAnd I don’t mean that British Standard! I’m going to refer to overinflated opinions, general rubbish and fibbing as BS, because it’s a bit nicer than what it stands for…

Why I have such a low tolerance for BS

I must confess that when tact, diplomacy and BS ability were being handed out, I must have been at the cake stand, because I don’t possess any of these qualities in the amount that could be useful. I used to think this was a bad thing, I mean, surely it’s useful when you know someone is talking utter rubbish at you to be able to say ‘oh yes, you’re clearly a genius’. Yeah. I can’t do that. I’ve tried and I sound horribly sarcastic. Or my face shows that I don’t believe any of the words coming from my mouth. It’s a curse. Or is it? Lately, I’ve begun to realise that this incredibly low tolerance for rubbish and my straight talking is actually a massive bonus in what I do now, and something that I am respected for. And that makes me incredibly happy. I should say that I do always try and be mindful of people’s feelings, well, when I feel that they deserve this. If someone rocks up with an ego the size of a small county, I will probably be more direct. That might be a bad thing. But my BS alarm is going off like a mad thing.

Can you have this low tolerance for BS and be a good coach?

I actually think it’s essential! My own coach is very to the point and direct in a nurturing way (yes, they aren’t exclusive!), but she has never once BS’d me. And I have never with my clients. Ever. It makes me unbelievably sad to see the result of some other people’s coaching (that I know others have paid good money for) that is actually harming their business. It really breaks my heart. And I know that sounds really dramatic, but it makes me sad that people are damaging their own businesses so dramatically. Is it because they’re believing their own hype? Is it because their coach didn’t call them out on their own BS? Is it because the coach isn’t experienced in the industry their client is in? It could be any of the above to be honest. However, I can assure you this. If we have a session, everything I tell you will be honest and genuine. If I think you’ve maybe taken a left instead of a right on your journey, I’ll talk to you about it. Even if that means that we aren’t a good fit. Although I have a low tolerance for other people’s BS, mine is non-existent with myself!

Find out more about coaching here

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Is business coaching expensive?

Is business coaching expensiveIs business coaching expensive? It’s a question that I get asked and, actually, one of the areas that usually my clients are pleasantly surprised by. Although, in all honesty, I am a pretty long way from being a normal business coach. However, the definition of expensive different from person to person, but there are other factors too. Firstly, it depends on who you get your business coaching from, secondly it depends on your view of expensive and, thirdly, it depends on how you see real value.

How much is business coaching?

I know – an expected answer for a business coach. That hasn’t addressed whether business coaching is expensive or not! But let me tell you right now that, today, in June 2017, I charge £100 per session. Most people have a session every month, or every other month, and that cost includes an hour (ish) on Skype, Facetime or the phone, follow up notes, and being around on email/chat between sessions, and you can see that I have no skin in this game. I’ve told you my costs. And whether you think that’s expensive or not is completely your call.

But am I typical? No. I’m not. I’ve done quite a bit of research on this. Some people charge less than I do, some charge more, and some charge a LOT more. And when I say a lot, I really mean a lot. Am I having a go at them for this? No. Not even a bit. I’m comfortable with what I charge (I’m not saying it won’t go up in the future, but I’m writing about the now), I want to work with people long term and be part of their team. I love the process and the progression. I get a real kick out of it all. The people who tend to charge a lot more tend to do so for a short period of time, say an intensive course for a few months – it’s a different offer.

What is expensive?

So, what’s expensive? Everyone’s interpretation of expensive is different. And more often than not, it’s connected to the value and what they get back. If something costs you £1 but it’s rubbish, it’s expensive. If something costs you £10k but it’s amazing, life changing, you adore it, use it all the time, etc. etc…. it’s probably cheap. Not the best examples, but you see what I mean.

And there’s another edge to ‘expensive’ the return on investment (ROI). You put in £1, you get 50p back – not good. You put in £1000 and you can use what you’ve learnt to earn over and above that? The £1000 is cheap.

So, what do you think? Have you worked with a business coach? Did you think business coaching was expensive (and it doesn’t matter what you actually paid, let’s think of ROI here)? I’d love to hear your comments.

And you can find out a bit more about my business coaching service here too, you know, in case you’re interested!

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Small business coaching – and why it could help you

If you run a small business, in whatever industry, you’ll feel a pressure. One moment you’re dealing with sales, then marketing, then accounts, then IT, then despatch…and that’s just on a good day! Many small business owners feel pulled in all directions and, at the same time, they’re being bombarded with information. Things they should be doing. Things they could be doing. Especially in terms or PR, marketing and social media. How do you find clarity? Get focus? Get goals? Working a small business coach or mentor, that’s how! And that’s exactly why I do through my small business coaching.

Different areas of business require different areas of expertise, but one essential part is marketing. Nowadays, marketing isn’t just shoving an ad in Yellow Pages and waiting. Oh no. It’s printed media, it’s digital media, it’s collaborations, it’s video, it’s social…the list goes on. You know you need to be doing a combination of the above. You know it’s really important for your business. But your head is so busy with a never ending to-do list and you don’t really know where to start. So what do you do? Lots of people do nothing. And that’s not going to get you anywhere. Start with small steps. There are many sayings that talk about this concept, but it’s true. Now, if you really want help, structure and someone who has your back, working with a small business coach could help you in a big way.

Now, small business coaching, as I see it, isn’t all about cheerleading and telling you everything is going to be fine if you just think really hard. No. I’m afraid it’s not going to cut it. I’m all about action, achievable goals, accountability and NOT spending your life savings/having to sell organs to get all important coverage that will get you in front of your target market. Sound good? It is. I know, that’s a bit arrogant to say, but I’ve worked with a number of small businesses in a range of industries, from equestrian and country to food and recruitment, and ALL have achieved great things. And continue to. How cool is that? Could small business coaching help you?I’m not your average business coach. I’m not your average PR, marketing and social media consultant/coach…or whatever you want to call me. I invest in my clients – I want them to succeed. To win. Why? Because they deserve it and I take their success personally.

But won’t you need a mortgage to work with me? No. No you won’t. I’m not saying that my prices won’t go up, but I really enjoy working with SMEs, and that’s why my charges will always be reasonable. I know I could charge more. I know I could charge a lot more if I’m being 100% honest with you, but I like working with people long term, being part of the team, seeing the growth and development. I’m all about the relationship. Most people have a Skype/FaceTime session a month with follow up notes and then we review, plan and execute month on month on month. And if you ask me a question I don’t know the answer to, I will know someone who will. I’ve run my own business for a number of years too, something I created from nothing that continues to go from strength to strength, so I’m not some 10 year old life coach who hasn’t been there are done it. Of course, I’m not the finished article, NO ONE IS, because systems change and it’s important to grow and develop and evolve. I’d say Facebook was pretty good. But that doesn’t stop Mark and his team building new products and improving it, does it?

My particular strengths are in anything to do with the promotion of your business to your target market. So, that’s PR, marketing, social media, collaborations, working with influencers, video, etc. etc. I’m a bore about social media and why you should be doing it. I’m passionate about working with good people. I could go on…but the chances are you have a to-do list longer than your arm, so I’ll just ask you drop me an email if you’re interested about small business coaching.

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