Introduction

In the fast-paced and competitive landscape of today’s business world, finding ways to excel and thrive can be a daunting challenge. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a small business owner, or a corporate executive, the journey towards success is often filled with uncertainties and roadblocks. This is where the guidance of a business coach can make all the difference. In this blog post, we will explore the numerous ways in which working with a business coach can not only elevate your business but also transform your life.

1. Clarity and Goal Setting

One of the key benefits of working with a business coach is gaining clarity about your goals and vision. A skilled coach will help you articulate your aspirations, identify your strengths, and pinpoint areas that need improvement. Through structured sessions, you’ll be guided to set clear and achievable objectives that align with your long-term vision. This process not only benefits your business but also brings a sense of purpose and direction to your life.

2. Personalized Guidance

Every business is unique, and so are the challenges that come with it. A business coach offers personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. They can help you devise strategies, develop action plans, and provide insights that cater to your business’s distinct requirements. This individualized approach empowers you to make informed decisions and navigate challenges effectively.

3. Skill Enhancement

Continuous learning and skill development are crucial for staying ahead in today’s competitive marketplace. A business coach can identify areas where you could benefit from skill enhancement, whether it’s leadership, communication, time management, or strategic planning. By honing these skills, you not only enhance your business’s performance but also boost your overall confidence and competence.

4. Accountability and Motivation

One of the remarkable advantages of having a business coach is the built-in accountability mechanism. Regular check-ins and progress assessments with your coach keep you on track toward your goals. This external accountability encourages you to stay focused, meet deadlines, and consistently work towards your objectives. Additionally, a supportive coach serves as a source of motivation during challenging times, helping you maintain your enthusiasm and drive.

5. Problem Solving and Decision Making

Running a business often involves making complex decisions and solving intricate problems. A business coach acts as a sounding board, providing you with a fresh perspective and valuable insights. They can help you analyze situations from different angles, consider various options, and make well-informed decisions. This guidance not only improves your business’s problem-solving capabilities but also fosters your own critical thinking skills.

6. Networking and Resources

Business coaches typically have extensive networks and industry connections that they can leverage for your benefit. They can introduce you to potential partners, collaborators, or clients, opening doors to new opportunities. Moreover, coaches can recommend valuable resources, such as books, courses, or tools, that can further enhance your business acumen and personal growth.

Conclusion

In the journey of life and business, having a skilled and experienced business coach by your side can be a game-changer. From setting clear goals to enhancing skills, maintaining accountability to making informed decisions, the benefits of working with a business coach are far-reaching. By investing in this professional relationship, you not only improve your business’s performance but also embark on a transformative journey that enhances your overall quality of life. Embrace the power of business coaching and unlock your full potential today.

Do I Expand Or Not?

Trade Business Coach, Wayne Bettess discusses;

I see this question asked all the time across social media. To be honest, there is no right or wrong or answer to this question.

Let me have you consider a few things before you make your mind up;

• Does your business have solid foundations?
• Do you have the cash flow to support you?
• Do you have enough work?
• Is that work regular and reliable?
• Have you learned to manage people?
• Have systems and processes in place?
• Do you have a Business Plan?
• A Business Strategy in Place?
• Do you have a clear direction?
• Are you in sync across the Three B’s – Body Business & Balance?

YES OR NO?

If you have answered NO to any of these. I would strongly have you consider that the answer should be big NO!

In this section, I’m going to explain why Being a good Tradesman / Tradeswomen DOES NOT mean you are or will be a good businessman. They are two completely different skillsets. Firstly, If you are serious about expanding your business, then you have to be serious about personal and business development. Ultimately, growing into that new person you must become.

When I first grew a business, I sadly never took note of the above. Didn’t understand that I needed to become a different man, and as a result, I lost it all.

I mean it all, I didn’t even have a van!! Left with Nothing!

A few years of soul searching took place before I re-found my passion and excitement. But, once it returned I knew that my past mistakes had been a blessing in disguise. At the time I was 25/26 and tbh, I wouldn’t listen to anyone. I KNEW IT ALL and the only way I was ever going to learn was by failing BIG!

Back then there wasn’t any easy access to Trade Business Coaches, support groups or networks to leverage. Things have changed so much, a quick search on your phone and you can surround yourself with like-minded people. You Can Start learning by soaking up the mistakes and pitfalls they have all made… ALL FOR FREE!

DO NOT EXPAND WHEN YOUR BUSY… Trade Business Coach Advice

My experience has taught me, the worst time to try and expand is when you are mega busy. This will lead you to make rash decisions. That will end up coming and biting you on the arse…

The first thing I would do in this position is to raise my prices. Raising your prices will, in most cases, stem the influx of work but maintain the profit you are accustomed to.

Once you have bought yourself some time you can prepare, plan and execute with a lot more clarity and certainty.

Once I was back on my feet. I quickly noticed that most successful people I had seen or encountered had one thing in common. THEY HAD A COACH. Whether it be Usain Bolt, the worlds fastest man. A successful local businessman, they all have coaches that help develop & maximise their natural skills.

I decided I need to get a coach right now. Well, it didn’t quite go to plan. I found a coach, and tbh I did learn a lot from the man. Unfortunately, it was all generic coaching, Not a Trade Business Coach. Ao after a few months, I wasn’t finding the value in what he was doing. This led me to find another… then another.

Use a Trade Business Coach- NOT ALL COACHES ARE EQUAL

As a result, I realised that running a trade business is not like any other business. We have a unique set of problems and solution, and the generic coaching wasn’t going to cut it. This cycle continued for a year, or so then I had a lightbulb moment. Why don’t I become a Trade Business Coach!

It became apparent that I actually loved helping and supporting others. I had been doing it for years to people around me so why not!

Over the past 3-4 years, I have dedicated myself to learning and developing my Trade Business Coaching skillset. That mixed with my hand’s experiences gathered in life running successful Trade Business. This reaffirmed that I was on the path designed for me.

TIME TO ELEVATE

As a Trade Business Coach, I work with tradesmen across the UK, From Bristol to Glasgow, Manchester to Bournemouth. What I Have found is, Firstly, some very similar threads. Secondly, They all seemed to think they had to do it all on their own. The biggest part I play as a Trade Business Coach is becoming part of YOUR TEAM, Ultimately, holding you accountable and making sure you do what you say you are going to do! Head over to the Off The Tools Academy page to learn more.

Well, Yesterday ended in a bit of panic. I was closing up for the day and had an email from google… The dreaded ” You Have Been Left a 1 Star Review” was the subject line. By the time I had loaded the computer back up, there was another review… Trustpilot 1 Star Review Received the email subject shouted at me!

Arghhh Man, what has just happened I asked myself.

The review stated

Booked an appointment between 4 and 5 pm. Didn’t bother to turn up. No call to say why. However when I called the landline to complain and while leaving a message to say how disappointed I was, someone called me back and when I said who it was and mentioned the no show for our appointment it went quite for 5 seconds before he said “I was about to call you”. If they had bothered to call early and updated me I would not be taking the time to write this review.

TrustPilot Review

WOW, YourNewBoiler.com , one of my businesses, has an amazing reputation with 450 + positive reviews across various review platforms, so I was a bit shocked to say the least. The old Wayne Bettess ( before Shifting from a closed mindset to an open mindset) would have hit the roof. I would have shouted, screamed, moaned and groaned and let it ruin the day if not the entire week.

‘You don’t rise to the situation; you fall to the level of your training!’

Thankfully, Since I started on the journey to improve across The Three B’s ( Body – Business – Balance ), I have become a totally different man. Here is what i did to attempt to resolve this situation

Reconnaissance

First, I looked on the system at all the notes from my amazing office manager, Rebecca. Thankfully we have systems & processes in place to ensure we always have as much info as possible. In addition rang my right-hand man, Tanino, to find out his version of the event.

This gave me our side of the situation. The next step was to read the review a few times; I wanted to understand exactly what his concerns were before making contact.

This put me in a position of Knowledge; going in blind would have ended up in a sh*t storm.

Prepare

The next step was I needed to call the customer in question. But, I certainly did not want to end up having a virtual fight with the guy. So, I took 5-10 minutes to a) calm down and b) get prepared for the discussion that laid ahead.

Action

The plan was to have a phone call with the gentlemen, Unfortunately, he wouldn’t take my call.

Therefore I had to resort to texting him ( never a good thing, people get brave via text ). I introduced myself, then went on to ask him his side of the situation. This now gave me a complete picture ( as close as possible ) of what actually took place.

The man was a tad aggressive in the first few exchanges, however, I slowly went to work on him. Explaining a few things like the fact he had actually booked a virtual quote, and the time slot of 4-5pm was just that, a time slot not a fixed appointment time.

He started to calm down and then I decided the time was right to ask him to reconsider the review he left on google and trustPilot by this point!

The Result

Below you will see the amended review…

I didn’t know time slots for virtual appointments are 1hr slots and I stayed in from 4 to get a call at 5. I did not know this and Wayne took the time to contact me and point out I was being a plonker when I threw my dolly out of the pram. To be fair he didn’t actually say that, but I was an idiot and should have shown more empathy.

TrustPilot Review

What a turn around! This was now a 4 star review on Google and TrustPilot!

We turned what seemly looked like a very bad review into a 4 star review on two platforms. This goes to show how much we can impact people if we take the right approach with them.

Arrivederci

Wayne Bettess

Master Trades Business Coach / Entrepreneur / Podcast Host

P.S. Want to start learning more about elevating your life & business? Go check out my Free Industry Leading Podcast –  Off The Tools

I spent a bit of time going through my Kickstarter ( a document I developed to keep me focussed). It made me look back at some from a few years ago.

When I started on my journey to become a world-class business coach for tradespeople in the UK. The overriding take away from the reflection was that people were laughing at me. Laughing at who and what I wanted to become. Laughing at what I wanted to create for the tradespeople of the UK. Some of this was behind my back and some were to my face.

It was tough period

For the most, it seemed there was a lack of knowledge. No understanding of what a Trade Business coach can do for a person, for their life and for their business!

Which led to many people trolling me, telling me

• I was not qualified
• Said I could never do it and
• Belittled what I was trying to create!

Fast forward a couple of years and…

We now have a community of over 3.5k people striving to elevate in their life and business. Of which hundreds have had coaching from me on my unique programs.

I have so many clients & prospects that want to work with me at Off The Tools Academy. It’s humbling & a tad overwhelming!

I’m not a conventional business coach

– I wear joggers, hoodies & a hat

– Often swear & have banter

– Have unplanned rants and sessions

– Still running a trades business ( one of the regions largest independent new boiler installation companies )

And most of all, I am honest about who I am, where I am, what I can do and do not try to present myself as this finished article.

Ultimately, this allows me to help people make the changes they need to get results. In all areas of their lives.

I Just received a couple of reviews from some lads on my brand new ‘No Excuses 90’ program. It just filled me up with pride in what I have achieved on a personal & professional level in such a short time.

Trust me when I tell you that, I have only just begun…

and I promise there is so much more to come…

No Excuses Let’s Go!