It seems that every Bank Manager I know wants to change career and become a painter or decorator!
Indeed everywhere we look there are people frustrated or bored at work, longing to do something different or better. But as we all know, there is a world of difference between wanting to do something and taking that leap of faith and making it happen! Especially if you have been with your corporate employer for what seems like forever years.
This is the position Louise Jones found herself in recently, when she made that move and set out on her own, which the help of ActionCOACH.
Louise came into our offices last week to tell us all about It and here is her story in her own words:-
“It struck me that starting a business feels a bit like starting a family. Really daunting! I wasn’t really certain that this was the right time to do it… is there ever a right time? Are we ever completely ready? Six months ago I could have listed a dozen reasons why not to go for it; its too expensive, I don’t have enough support, do I have enough time?… and what about the sleepless nights! Can I parent (manage) effectively? Actually the similarities between starting a business and starting a family are quite striking.The difference however, is that a business is something that you can (and should!) thoroughly plan for. The nature or nurture aspect doesn’t exist. It’s all about the nurturing.
So, we took the brave step to set out on our own, and here we are. I recently sat reflecting on my business start up and realised just how far I had come in such a relatively short period of time. ActionCOACH is all about positivity. We help people and their businesses get nearer to the person they want to be or achieve the goals they want to achieve and yes starting this business has really propelled me to do that at an impressive rate of knots. I have become a self improvement guru and made all manner of changes to my personal and working life. I am continuously learning and increasing my knowledge… particularly in personally uncomfortable areas… and have moved from a feeling of little direction to positive full steam ahead.
And, what are our main learns at this early stage? Well, for me there are a number of elements that are imperative to starting out on the right foot which allow you to address those fears and eliminate many startup pitfalls, time issues and sleepless nights! You will plan, plan, plan…
- Create a 90 day business plan – this is KEY to your success – it lays out a clear plan of action to work to and measure yourself against.
- Set SMART goals – to be VERY specific, focus your efforts, use your time and resources productively – by being specific you will plan exactly the outcome right from the start.
- Utilise your circle of influence – work to develop your circle and maximise your opportunities – identify the support network you’ll need and build those relationships.
Our very own ActionCOACH assisted us through these processes, and many others. We broke down every part of the process into almost weekly goals that we couldn’t fail to achieve and therefore ensured success – it’s actually very simple.
Forward to today… We will continue to be coached throughout the life of our business so that we thoroughly practice what we teach. Now we’re ready to help you make your dream come true. If you’re embarking in business (or indeed anywhere along the route), ActionCOACH will provide all the support you need when your new baby is ‘born’ into this world and begins to toddle.
Remember: Never wish for fewer challenges! Always wish for more knowledge. Even if you only improve by 1% each day – just think where you’ll be in 365 days!”
~ Louise Jones, 19th October 2018 – ActionCOACH
ActionCOACH Business coaching – we practice what we teach
If you want to hear more about Louise’s incredible journey or perhaps seek or share advice of your own she can be contacted at:
[email protected]
or visit
https://actioncoach.co.uk/coaches/louise-jones/
