It’s a Lonely Business……

Being in business can be a lonely place................


Are you doing enough of the right thing❓

Where do you go to run your ideas past someone❓

How do you know what you're doing is the right thing❓

What have other people done in a similar position❓

Most people move to self employment for flexibility, freedom and to deliver their expertise in a way that works for them, to the people they choose to sell to.

But it can be overwhelming, tiring and frustrating.

By booking a 1-2-1 session with me, you have a dedicated ear, someone in your corner, who just wants you to be the best you can be❗

This might be direct business advice, strategy, accountability or just reassurance you're on the right track. You get someone else's eyes on your business.

From early ideas to periods of high growth, my experience in STEM industries perfectly positions me to work with engineers, scientists and companies in those value chains.

I speak your language.

Whatever your aim, you'll gain confidence and clarity to move forward on your chosen track.

Customer Service: Are you getting it right?

It's maybe a reflection of my Gen X status, but I am forever in awe at the ease at which you can now return and send parcels from market places such as Amazon and Vinted.

It is so simple I feel like I am doing something wrong. The best bit, you can do it 24 hrs a day through the In Post system! Gone are the days of nipping out to the PO (only open in work hours and not over lunchtime), queuing, writing out labels and hoping for the best in 7-10 working days.

This really is excellent customer service and a user interface we could only have imagined even 10 years ago.

And it all comes back to the same thing in any business.

Are you making it easy for people to buy from you❓

It might seem like overkill for a small business but do you have a process from enquiry through to sale❓

How do you deliver the service or product❓

Do you have an identified focal point to maintain contact throughout the work scope❓

How and when will you invoice❓

Do you ask for feedback at the end of the works scope❓

How do you off-board clients❓

There are so many elements to this and all are important. There's lots of automated systems out there to manage most of these, but you need to understand your weak points and what will deliver efficiency savings before rushing off to buy an app for everything.

Take some time to think what is important to you when you are making purchases in a B2C environment. A lot of the same things apply and in a crowded market place, you must have all bases covered to maintain your market position.

Coach v Mentor: I Have Answers!

I've worked with many coaches over the years and know that 1-2-1 support delivers transformational change, but as a certified business strategist and business mentor, I can give you answers.

Answers based on business and operational experience in the high hazard supply chain.

Some people just need to see the wood for the trees, some don't know where to start, others might be struggling with sales and marketing so their amazing product or service cannot reach their target market.

Wherever you are in your journey, a business mentor is the voice of reason and an answer at the end of a phone to stop the daily struggles faced by single or small business owners.

Or maybe you just need accountability?

I work with founders to understand any blockers to success and change their growth mindset to create discreet plans to systematically work toward their business goals

Do You Make it Easy for Customers to Buy from You?

Are you making it easy for customers to buy from you❓

It sounds basic, but so many people get it wrong.

It should all start with a clear offer so customers understand what they are getting, what pain it solves and how much it is.

This is obvious for something like a training package or a product, but it is not so clear when you are selling consultancy services. If a buyer thinks you are looking for a never ending pot of cash while you assess, review and refine, they will get cold feet. Even consultancy deliverables can, and should be discreetly packaged at fixed price or in a detailed CTR with caveats and options for variations.

This message should be consistent on your website, all marketing collateral and social media platforms.

The next step is to make the communications easy. Even better if it can it be automated. Once your buyer has made the decision, you need them to take an affirmative action as soon as possible to secure the sale.

Get the basics right first. This is the foundation or any BD, sales or marketing strategy.

Bridging the Gap with Business Mentorship

Being self employed can often be a lonely place.

Whether you're a one person Ltd company or lead a team, you will often struggle to find like minded, knowledgeable people to bounce ideas off or even just download after a tough week.

If you're looking for an energiser, ongoing support or even a virtual board member, I work with clients on a 1-2-1 basis to empower and enable growth.

One thing I have always looked for in a business mentor is someone who understands my market and can advise on the next steps. You need answers. This isn’t coaching, this is business advise and support based on over 20 years in commercial and technical leadership roles supporting global industries in engineering design, consultancy and operations.

If you’re stuck in a rut, lacking momentum or just need accountability, these sessions will reinvigorate your spirit, find your mojo, and get you on track for supercharged growth and development.

Let’s start your journey to empowerment today!

Let’s Hear It!

How do you stand out as a business❓

By being RELEVANT❗

Do you know what your customers really want, where you are exceeding those expectations and where you may be falling short❓

You need to understand their pain points and answer them.

The problem is, everyone's market is so unique and typically evolves over time so we can't rely on 'what we've done before'. This is why creating a marketing strategy based on internal and external factors, and regularly reviewing it, is essential.

While none of us should be constantly pouring over our competitors businesses, it is always useful to evaluate performance within your sector to determine where you can create marketing content that informs and engages your customers and prospects.

But THE most important thing you can do today is commit to being consistent.

Much easier said than done.

This is a marathon not a sprint.

What’s In a Business Strategy?

Effective business strategies improve how businesses work by providing direction and focus, optimising resource allocation, managing risk, fostering innovation, and promoting continuous improvement.

As a certified business strategist, I’ve worked with and have been, that business owner who has an idea, but is unsure if it will work or how it can be delivered successfully.

Your strategy gives you the answers and a plan to execute.

How Will Strategy Help Your Business❓

👉Mission, Vision and Values
What are you offering?

👉What’s Your USP?
What do you bring to the market?

👉Market Positioning
Who is your ideal client? Where do you sit in their value chain?

👉External Factors
Are you prepared for threats and opportunities?

👉Is Your PPTP Aligned?
Your business relies on process, product, team and profit.

👉Research
Do you really understand your market? Are you targeting the right businesses or people and are they aligned with your values?

The main reason business strategies fail is because short term business needs take precedence over long term planning and opportunities. While we all understand the pressures on SMEs, it is essential to prioritise for long term success. Only 20% of business leaders achieve their strategic objectives.

With half of small business failing within their first 5 years, you cannot afford not to!

“Without strategy, execution is aimless. Without execution, strategy is useless.”