There’s generally two reasons why people need or want a coach. The first is that something is wrong, and they need advice on how to fix it – sales are down, there are staff issues, a key client has been lost and revenue needs to be replaced. The second is that the business owner knows that they can do better…that they have untapped potential. Both are valid reasons, and they may even happen at the same time!

A coach brings clarity. A coach will help show you the way, and get you back on the right path. Often you know what to do anyway… you just aren’t doing it (this knowing / doing gap is extremely common).

A coach isn’t necessarily an expert in your industry…there are other types of advisors, consultants and mentors for that. What I am offering you though is business advice, focus, clarity and a system of accountability within our relationship.

Here’s how we work together. If you have a big issue, we tackle that first. We do this within the context of what you want to achieve, and where this issue sits in relation to your goals. This might involve a bit of first aid on your business.

Once that is under control, we look at your business through a variety of filters, or lenses. In particular we dissect your business in the following ways:

• Your sales process – how you acquire customers.
• Your customer experience – how customers interact with you (from their perspective, not yours).
• Your unique offering – why do people do business with you?
• The risks borne by you, and your customer in your dealings. This is a look at the psychology of your customers.
• Your marketing – where you market and the measurable results from this.
• Your marketing methods – you need to be marketing in at least 9 different ways.
• Your internal procedures and systems…how this creates consistency, transparency, and scalability.
• Your staff, and the culture within your company.

Are you ready for coaching? Some people aren’t. I have been told I am uncoachable! (by a very successful coach whom I worked with for about 3 months. We are still friends… I think). As a client in a coaching relationship I would defend my stance and argue my position. That was some years ago. Since then (I hope) I have changed. The biggest obstacles to change are excuses, blame, and the phrase “I know”. There is a quote “to know and not to do, is to not yet know”. I heard it first from Roger Hamilton, and I think it is confucious. Almost every business owner knows  – deep down – what they should do. They have either not faced up to it (denial is not a river in Egypt), or are still blaming something or someone else (their wife, their business partner, a customer, a staff member, the government, the weather, the economy, interest rates, exchange rates). Those things are conditions. You need to be the force of change in action in order to create your outcome.

A friend of mine  – a very successful businessman – says that in gaining wisdom, you can pay retail or you can pay wholesale. Retail is the full price – you learn the lessons and make the mistakes, and gain the knowledge. Wholesale is paying a discounted price…learning from other people’s knowledge. Throughout our relationship I will refer to those wiser than me…I am a perpetual student of masters in business such as Jay Abraham, Brian Tracey, Jeffrey Gitomer, Jane Switzer, and Harry Beckwith. I bring to the table knowledge in marketing, sales, persuasion, outsourcing, negotiating, creativity, leadership and passion. I believe coaching is about taking all this knowledge, and applying it to you. Working out the best strategy for you to achieve your goals.

Along the way,   we will set benchmarks and action steps. You will determine hwo much you want to achieve and will make a commitment to actions (not results) between each sessions. I will be an unreasonable friend that holds you accountable… this means no excuses.

What does it cost? It depends! Coaching is an investment in your self and has two aspects… time and dollars. The time we spend together in person or on the phone is one aspect…that might start from 4-5 hours a month, or may require a heavier commitment at the start to get up to speed. As well as this, there will be more work to be done by you. While a major goal is to have you (eventually) spending less time in your business, there is some ‘homework’ to do first and this will mean you need to be committed.

Our agreement to work together will be for a fixed period of time (usually three or six months) and after that time we will measure  our progress by your predetermined goals. At any time up to then you can choose to cease our relationship… as can I. (I have expectations about accountability).

If you want to learn about me you can read my blogs either on this site, or on www.giantpromotions.com.au

On this site I also have a virtual library. As a client, this is available to you.

If you are ready to start…call me on 0424 225 097 or drop me an email to stuart<at>marketingcoach.net.au

Thank you

Stuart Gordon