coachingI recently won a coaching session as a raffle prize.  My first instinct was to find someone “who needed it more than I did”, however everyone I approached seemed to be sorted.  In the end I contacted the coach and booked my complimentary session.

I am a big advocate of coaching and mentoring, having been coached before and part of a mentoring programme when I worked in Canary Wharf.  However, I have only sort out coaches when I have had a specific challenge to tackle.  I must say, it is difficult attending a coaching session if you don’t know what to talk about.

However Nicky of Be Ready Coaching was most helpful with a workbook which guided me on what to focus on in the session.  I took some time to think about “me” for a change, rather than my normal priority of Red Desk’s clients.  By changing the focus it helped me have a stronger idea about Red Desk’s identity and in turn what we can offer clients.

What did I learn from my coaching session?

Taking time out from the business and focussing on you (and your business partner) can help you get back on track if you feel as if you have lost your way.

I also learned what skills I wanted to use and develop, who our ideal customer is and who our ideal candidate/Red Desk team member would be.

Coaching for small businesses

Coaching can help at all stages of running a small business: from making that career change, the initial set up of your business through to successfully expanding your business.  Here are a few other reasons why you might use a business coach if you are a small business:

  • Improving business efficiency
  • Time management
  • Winning new business
  • Networking
  • Dividing up key tasks and delegation
  • Feeling empowered

How does a VA fit in with coaching?

If you have attended an executive coaching or coaching for small business session then you will probably come out with a lot of action points.  Some of those action points may involve delegation of tasks to free up your time and focus on the core activities.  A VA can become a trusted member of your team, taking on research, admin and gently reminding you­ of appointments and upcoming tasks.

An advantage of using a VA company like Red Desk is that you only pay for the time when we are carrying out tasks on your behalf.  We VAs are a help rather than a hindrance and will help grow the finances of your company as opposed to being a financial drain.

If you are thinking of using a VA, we would happily chat to you about how we can help your business.

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