Business Adviser and Coach
I am a down to earth person who loves helping people improve their lives. I believe that I am a proverbial ‘one stop shop’ for any small business owner who is looking to achieve greater success, be that in life or work.
I am good at solving problems using a combination of common sense and lateral thinking. My approach combines over twenty years of entrepreneurship with great human empathy, an appreciation of the challenges of juggling modern day living, and a slice of humour.
Being an entrepreneur is undoubtedly one of the most fulfilling, and at times exhilarating, jobs in the world. But life never runs smoothly, and for every business owner, having someone to talk to when the need arises can be priceless.
Success is as much driven by an entrepreneur’s mindset as their business acumen. Separating the two and working out where help is needed (coaching as opposed to business advice) is always step one in any constructive relationship.
Many people start their business because they are good at ‘doing’ what they sell, but this does not necessarily make them good at running and building the business. Working out where you sit in this conundrum is crucial to future success and fulfilment.
Entrepreneurs are used to doing things their way, and are often slow to seek the help of others, seeing it as a sign of weakness. In reality it is completely the opposite, and if that help is in the form of a listening and probing ear rather than admonishing advice, the outcome can be far more powerful and lasting.
Many business owners find it hard to recognize that their needs have changed as they and their business have got older. At some point it can be invaluable to stop ‘doing’, take stock and adjust our goals.
Life seems to have got extremely complicated and ‘noisy’; working out what really matters seems impossible, particularly when the day to day brain clutter of running a business is thrown into the mix. Gaining clarity becomes a holy grail, which can often only come with external help.
Most entrepreneurs tend to be sceptical of consultants and advisers , viewing them as expensive wastes of time who speak another language and charge exorbitant rates. I’ve always lived in the real world and appreciate both the language and budgets of small business owners. My advice is based more on practical experience than theory or textbooks.
Don’t just take my word for it...
“I find Anthony’s honest and reliable approach highly refreshing. If I was planning a tiger hunt, my first recruit would be Anthony, I know he would help me lead from the front!”
Douglas Douglas, Managing Director, Avon Valley Country Park Ltd
“Anthony has been a great support to us as we started our business, always eager to listen and understand and ready with helpful and practical advice. He was always generous with his time, sharing his knowledge and experience and keen to see us get up and running and launch what is now our successful business. We are very grateful for his support and involvement”.
John Blake, wedding venue owner & former customer