Why coaching is the most important area of running a business

We have recently started our foray into the European market, and the Vanad Group have been incredibly kind in allowing us to use their offices as we write our strategy and commence talking to companies in the area.

Ad has been a client and a mentor of mine for many years, and when someone watches you grow from a 25 year old woman to someone in your early 40's, they have a great insight into what your strengths and weaknesses are.

He reminded me that when I was young, I was a strong marketer, highly energetic and very focused. I was determined to be the best at marketing. As my businesses grew and I later started Marketing Eye, I broke a few rules by working "in" the business and not "on" the business.

In the past three or so years, I have not worked in the business, nor managed staff. I have instead focused on the big picture and other projects such as charity and developing technologies. Each of my technology companies derive from problems that I saw within my own business, and are game-changers in every way.

Once implemented in Marketing Eye, we don't have another company in the world that is on par.

But I will talk more on that in months to come. 

What was most interesting about our long conversation, is where I am today. He reminded me that my biggest value to the business is my experience and that my role needs to be head coach. I haven't worked with staff in years, and have enjoyed being locked in my office creating stuff that I am passionate about or working on charity. To go back into the business, so many years later, is scary. I always laugh when someone has been terminated from the company, usually due to ethics or not being able to do the job they were employed to do, they write nasty things on social media about bullying or intimidation. All key words that usually make entrepreneurs fall over - but of course, given that I don't manage them, it really doesn't say much about our company and more about the people. The same people write monthly the same thing, but in different words - however, any person can tell it is them who writes it as their writing style does not change.

So having not managed anyone in years, I am today about to step up and be head coach. I feel very motivated to work with people and share my knowledge and experience, and in turn listen to their points of view.

It's going to be a huge change, and a shift in focus, but I am excited about my new job. I watch Ad and realise that this is what made him so successful, and as I am an introvert, I prefer usually to work by myself. To step up and back into the business in a leadership and coaching role is going to be daunting but at the same time, I see it's value.

Watch out clients! Your work is about to step up a notch. Being the best of the best is so important in our field, as there is not enough good marketers out there. Never believe a CV. Only ever look at the work that someone has done.

I'm looking forward to sharing the journey with you.