Frequently Asked Questions

So why would we need your support?

Think about it. Every great performer, athlete or business ‘high-flyer’ will have at least one Mentor, Advisor or Coach. People such as Richard Branson, Serena Williams, or even Brad Pitt are surrounded by them. So why is this? It’s because they want to be the best at what they do and are wise enough to accept that they don’t have all the answers.

There are 2 fundamental business necessities I have identified during my career:

Every organisation that wants to grow or improve needs an outside perspective – because no one can get a truly objective answer from themselves.
We all need accountability to ensure we do what we need to do to get where we want to be.

“Businesses can survive without external assistance, but it’s almost impossible to thrive”

And why you? What makes you different?

I’ve bought, developed and sold businesses for over 25 years and have the experience that comes with it. So, I’m not relying on idealistic theory that may have come from a classroom or a franchise. I’ve been there and have the scars to prove it! You can’t go anywhere now without bumping into a Business Advisor, Coach or Consultant. But believe me, the majority do not have similar experience.
I have worked with a wide range of organisations. From start-ups and family businesses through to international groups and PLCs. This has given me a breadth of experience I will share with you.
I have been a Business Advisor, Coach and Consultant around the globe since the late 1990’s. This includes volunteer roles in schools, colleges and other non-profit organisations.
I’ll only work with you if I’m as certain as I can be that we’ll work well together and get the results you require. If I don’t feel I can add sufficient value or I’m not the right person then I’ll tell you. It’s got to be a WIN:WIN or no deal.
Unless you need one I don’t use contracts because I feel they shouldn’t be necessary. If we’re both seeing results we work together (why wouldn’t we??), but if in the unlikely event we’re not, then we part as friends.

So who do you work with?

Most of my clients already have successful operations. However, they appreciate that we never stop learning and that an outside perspective adds huge value. Combined with accountability they understand results will be achieved much faster.
I believe that life and work should be enjoyable, so it’s important to me to have good relationships with my clients. Hence, I work with motivated people who want to thrive, improve and put the fun back into what they do.

And what areas can you help us with?

Pretty much all areas involved in growing and improving your business with an emphasis on developing yourself and your team. The following are examples of key areas. However, our ultimate focus will depend on you, your business, and your objectives:

Leadership: A company is led from the front. Hence a strong leader guiding the organisation and overseeing change and improvement is essential.
Management: Management is a sizeable topic. Common areas include: company structure, individual responsibilities, performance management and communication.
Team Building and Engagement: Most businesses are way too quick to hire – and painfully slow to fire. We’ll recruit the right team members and ensure they’re engaged, motivated and have direction.
Operations: Robust systems are essential for growth – you pay your team to run your systems. Weak or non-existent systems cause havoc with the smooth-running of your operation and will cause frustration and conflict. End the hopeless cycle of ‘the business running you’ and retake control.
Marketing: If you want to make a sale, first you’ve got to find prospects. So, what’s your strategy?
Sales: The backbone and lifeblood for creating and growing a profitable business. Effective sales planning and management is essential.

OK, sounds good, but how much will this cost?

It’s important to understand that any external assistance should always be looked upon as an investment in your organisation i.e. you should expect a return. The definition of ‘return’ will vary, but generally will include increasing income, saving time and/or reducing stress and conflict. It then comes down to your own perspective and what’s best for you and the outcomes you desire. But broadly, you should expect to pay similar fees as other professional services.

Any new learning is a true investment in your team and your organisation’s future. Not only will you create positive results and a happier team, you’ll learn things you can use for the rest of your life and pass on to the next generation.

You’ll have to invest of course, but based on potential increases in profitability and share value, the return on investment should be more than acceptable.

So when’s the best time to get started?

Come on, what do you expect me to say?? If I was your Business Advisor and didn’t say “yesterday” I wouldn’t be doing my job! But seriously, I’m sure you know the answer already – before you waste any more money, lose another team member, miss another sale, or endure another sleepless night.

Remember, none of us know what we don’t know. And to get to where you want to go, you’ll have to make changes, learn new things and adopt new habits. There is no time like the present – yep, right now!

Remember, “Procrastination is the killer of dreams”.