Six things I have learnt
I can’t believe that it has been six years since I retrained as a professional coach and set up my own business. I have learnt a lot and enjoyed working with over 250 people across the private, public and third sectors. Many clients have stayed with me for a long period of time as they progress in their careers and move into more senior roles.
I also tutor individuals who are studying to become ILM L7 coaches with inspired2Learn
My coaching focuses on the areas of leadership, business growth and career change but most of all it focuses on the person and how they think, act and behave. The differences that coaching can make in all of this to achieve what people wish to.
Six things have stood out to me in running my own business:-
Run your business with your head, heart and gut – take all three into account when you make decisions as this challenges both reason and emotion being in conflict.
Have a good support network around you – people who you can talk with. Have your own coach. Talk to your clients and to peers. Don’t make it lonely.
Get over the fear of promoting yourself and being ‘out there’ – it is one of the biggest barriers that people fear in running their own business.
Be clear on what you are offering and the benefit to others – it is a mix of having a niche but also being able to fit into clients’ requirements if potential business comes your way.
Set yourself rules and structure – no one else is going to do it for you. When will you not look at your emails, reply to clients, sit at your desk staring at your screen…
Overriding all of this – you will never be perfect – believe in yourself and enjoy the journey!
I have found a lot of joy in running my own business and in being a coach. Coaching is very powerful and does make a difference – it helps people to grow in a way that you cannot do alone.