Business coach - recommendations/tips?
Discussion
Hi all
I'm looking for a business coach/consultant to provide advice to help grow a small business.
We've been around for 7 years, it's a nice, profitable set-up but need some guidance on how best to scale the business up from where we are now, which is still the two of us who set up the company, an account manager and lots of sub-contractors.
I've been to an Action Coach event and was rather underwhelmed - felt it strayed a little too close into David Brent territory and the approach seemed very formulaic.
The admin base for the company is Wiltshire but I'm regularly in London. We are in the software development sector so finding someone with an understanding of this segment and with an existing network in place would be really handy.
Be great if I could get some personal recommendations or any general advice on the topic. Any pointers towards getting funding support if it's available would also be gratefully received.
Thanks in advance.
Ian
I'm looking for a business coach/consultant to provide advice to help grow a small business.
We've been around for 7 years, it's a nice, profitable set-up but need some guidance on how best to scale the business up from where we are now, which is still the two of us who set up the company, an account manager and lots of sub-contractors.
I've been to an Action Coach event and was rather underwhelmed - felt it strayed a little too close into David Brent territory and the approach seemed very formulaic.
The admin base for the company is Wiltshire but I'm regularly in London. We are in the software development sector so finding someone with an understanding of this segment and with an existing network in place would be really handy.
Be great if I could get some personal recommendations or any general advice on the topic. Any pointers towards getting funding support if it's available would also be gratefully received.
Thanks in advance.
Ian
It's a shame Business Link don't still exist as this is the sort of thing they did.
From personal experience, what you are looking for is a rare as the proverbial rocking horse poo.
Those that are really good are your bigger, better competitors and will not be willing to give up their methods. Those you do find are normally those that tried and failed...but think they still know how to do it. Those that can; do and all that.
What I suggest is that find a 'mentor' - someone from a complimentary sector, a former boss or someone of that ilk willing to help you succeed. Finding one is just a bout networking.
But, TBH, business growth and development is really not a secret. Many inadvertently hide behind the advice of external advisors rather than hit the phones and do the leg work needed to drum up business.
If you find someone, then good on you.
From personal experience, what you are looking for is a rare as the proverbial rocking horse poo.
Those that are really good are your bigger, better competitors and will not be willing to give up their methods. Those you do find are normally those that tried and failed...but think they still know how to do it. Those that can; do and all that.
What I suggest is that find a 'mentor' - someone from a complimentary sector, a former boss or someone of that ilk willing to help you succeed. Finding one is just a bout networking.
But, TBH, business growth and development is really not a secret. Many inadvertently hide behind the advice of external advisors rather than hit the phones and do the leg work needed to drum up business.
If you find someone, then good on you.
gary king at tendo https://www.tendo-uk.com/
he does cover London. one of his specialities is scaling
he does cover London. one of his specialities is scaling
Also have a chat with your local Chamber of Commerce - Do Business West cover Wiltshire? - to find out about funding options. As with all Gov't schemes, the paperwork overhead to apply isn't small....
As others have said, networking is the best way to find someone with these skills. Have you looked at the IoD in your area?
As others have said, networking is the best way to find someone with these skills. Have you looked at the IoD in your area?
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