“The art of mastering life is the prerequisite for all further forms of expression, whether they are paintings, sculptures, tragedies, or musical compositions.” — Paul Klee
I don’t expect you’ve noticed but I’ve made a subtle and yet profound change in my work.
Previously, it was all about the individual — awaken, to true self — but, now, it’s about the idea of awakening those people who run and own a (small) business. In short, I’ve now positioned myself as a business coach.
If I’m honest, I should have made the switch from the get-go, i.e. the moment I left legal practice (2010), but I’ve needed this time to awaken in me true Self, the one who now feels comfortable being outside but very much part of the space I inhabit.
And before you think this another faux attempt at selling you a bucket load of sh*t, I can assure you that my brand of coaching is absolutely not about selling you tips, tricks and techniques but, instead, understanding you, your Primary Aim (what you want from life — see The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber) and your dream/vision for your business. Yes, we can talk growth, how big is big and all the usual hallmarks of a well-run business but what I’m most interested in is the idea of TRANSFORMATION…of you, those you serve and the wider market. (Ipso facto if your business is not transformational then it’s not anything, and certainly not one that’s likely to grow over the long term.)
In making this change, I’ve thought long and hard about where I feel I can add real value. I mean, let’s face it, it’s hardly a novel concept to invite solopreneurs, owner-managers and entrepreneurs to shed their moribund skin, but where so many other offerings fall down is a lack of action. And I don’t mean a shuffling of the deck chairs but movement in the direction of your dream, vision, purpose and mission for the business. You see, if I’ve learnt anything these past 30 years, the biggest barrier to transformation isn’t a lack of knowledge or confidence, it’s inviting a more beautiful answer to the more beautiful question and then working with you on the negative reaction that always arises so that it doesn’t stop you dead in your tracks. On a less prosaic level, what this means is I get you to address and overcome your deepest fears (or regrets) and to move forward with the confidence of knowing that whatever happens I’ll be there to support you.
To say I’m excited at moving into this space is an understatement. If I’m honest, I haven’t been this excited since I started my first business, Ambassador Recruitment in 1989. In terms of my output here and elsewhere online, I’ve still to create a wholly consistent profile and so it’s very likely that that’s where I’ll spend my time over the next few months. That’s not to say I won’t blog or post to LinkedIn and Twitter but I can’t currently predict how regularly I’ll post.
I’d love to get your thoughts on how you feel a coach can add value to your business, and if you’re interested in booking a complimentary coaching session, please call (07588) 815384, email juliansummerhayes[at]gmail[dot]com or connect on LinkedIn by sending the appropriate invitation.