ActionCOACH-ing the way to business growth

For Belinda and John Shepherd, owners of Mainwest, the benefits of business coaching have been numerous. Belinda explains how their experiences with ActionCOACH led to successful business growth.

My husband John and I have been running our business since May 1994. We had achieved good success and had become a “good name” in our field of expertise. But some three years ago, we realised there was very little we could do to grow our business. The limit of our capabilities had been reached and we really didn’t know what to do next; not wanting to be in our business any more. There was an answer out there somewhere, but we didn’t have a clue as to what it was, or when we’d find it.

As time progressed, we became more despondent, until 18 months ago when a flyer in our Post Office box gave us the answer. ‘Attend a free seminar on business coaching’. Registering, we went along with hopes this really was what we wanted. The seminar was awesome and really inspired us. Signing up and choosing a coach we were both drawn to—Trent Taylor—was next.

Starting out very slowly, as ‘coaching’ was such an alien concept to us; we had to build a relationship with our coach. Once we got into our stride, things went very fast indeed and we learnt different ways to handle things; we were given tools to use, guidance and especially encouragement. Growing at a phenomenal rate was at times frightening, but we always had the support of our coach.

The importance of goals
One of the areas we’ve been coached in and have achieved the best results is planning. Now, we start with the end in mind and work backwards; breaking the goals down into manageable milestones. Probably the greatest result we had from this was in finishing and moving into our new premises.

We have also learnt that if we work SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable/Agreed-to, Realistic/Results-oriented, Time-bounded goals), then we get the desired results. When we miss any of the steps, we don’t get results, especially if we’re not specific in our instructions. So we endeavor to always have clear communication with our team.

We’ve also learnt more about our numbers and about planning the company’s future with them by constructing a budget and using cash flow.

We’ve been taught that it’s OK to grow as people, alongside growing the business, and have been shown that confidence in ourselves is a must. We have the ability and must always improve ourselves in order to be the great leaders we are.
There’s a difference between spending money and investing it in ourselves and our team. It’s the same for time. We now invest time and money—we don’t spend it. In looking at things in a different manner, it has changed the way we think and, to a degree, some of the things we do.

Growth in team and profits
Since starting coaching, our business and team numbers have doubled, our turnover and net profit has increased, as has our business knowledge and overall confidence. This has been one of the most positive actions we’ve ever undertaken in our lives, and has changed both John and I personally and professionally. It has also provided us a friend of great value for life.

The family at ActionCOACH is always ready with a smile or some advice, and always interested in who they are talking to. It’s a great feeling to have this in my life and I thank ActionCOACH dearly.