First year in business I called on an advisor / coach whatever you want to call the trade. Actually I called 3, I have been told always get 3 quotes, 3 prospectives blah blah blah. I was head under water, couldn’t cope and needed some advice and direction.

The business was doing really well very fast, I had a great product and great supplier overseas (both of which are hard to find), but to maintain momentum and control the growth, I really needed help. I also wanted to boost marketing and wanted to

be pointed in the right direction.

Most of them asked me some questions over the phone so they are “better prepared” I got questions like:

1. Do you have brand restrictions? Yes, I did, I was representing an Italian company and I couldn’t veer from their corporate look.
2. How much a side you have put for marketing per year? Not sure can you help me build the budget? Mind you I am 6 months old!
3. How much staff do you have? Four
4. What is your yearly revenue? Don’t know you that well, we will speak about it when we meet.

NOBODY.  ASKED.  ME.

1. How is your product different?
2. Who are your competitors?
3. What have you implemented so far?
4. What is your current business model?

One by one they came and, one by one I had to let them go. They didn’t listen, they took the 80/20 rule the wrong way and, when you do that you cannot tailor solutions that will suit your business. They told me my product needs to be on TV – no shit, Sherlock – do you have $1000.00 per 30 second slot (that was the price at the time) and in what time demographic should I appear on?? They told me my logo needed some changes – didn’t you listen to the brand restriction?

It is after this experience that I realised what I needed: 3 great people behind my business. A – a great Accountant; B – an amazing bank manager and C – a mentor / coach that actually listens, takes the time to know my business and gives advice that suits my boundaries, my budget and my vision and constantly challenges me and gently pushes me outside my comfort zone.

The other day I called this company, being a little bit of a spy (sorry) but I called this specific company because they have presented a very compelling case in their advertising that “they tailor the solution to you, the small business owner”. I scheduled a half an hour assessment (“normally cost $540 per call but today for limited time free, because we are givers”)…

SO.  I.  BOOKED.

10 minutes into the conversation which I have to admit was very pleasant, we spoke about all the things I was worried about and they really, really listened. I was impressed, and then it was about the money… I said that I can probably only afford just under $1000.00 per month, I know it is not a lot, but I don’t need to go through all the subjects he presented, they are just specific areas I need to develop. The conversation cut short, the charm and the interested faded very quickly, you see their packages start at $4500.00 per month and no they are not breaking them down. It starts at $4500.00 and up to $7500.00 I politely declined and unfortunately I still get their automated emails offering the same free strategy session for free!

If you find a good mentor / coach, hang on to them, have a healthy line of communication that will ensure you are always progressing. A good coach gives you milestones, hits targets with you sets the strategies and ensure you follow them up.

Would you like help with setting strategies and developing milestones?

Reserve a free 1 on 1 strategy session
with our Principal Consultant NOW.
Click Here