two years of sarah fox coaching!
It’s been over two years since I launched my business and so I thought it was time for another review of how things are going and I do love to share the behind the scenes stuff.
You can have a read of my review of Year 1 if you want to follow where I’ve come from. This is about my business development, rather than coaching development. I’m going to do another blog about that.
It’s fair to say that year 2 has been a year of settling. I’ve been finding my rhythm and working out what I want to do and who I want to serve.
What went well:
Firstly, from a starting point of offering entirely free sessions, I am now on track to actually earn way more than I did when I was in employment. Well, it was a pretty low bar to start with (arts, charity, part-time…) but I’m chuffed that I reframed many of my money stories that were stopping me charging appropriately for my work. And I’m thrilled that I can now share that learning with freelancers in my free workshop (which I’m running again on Wed 21 Sept if you’re interested)
Learnings: working on personal development is crucial. There are ways to earn money without writing funding applications.
I launched my new group programme in April, Lasting Impact. I changed the model of it to be evergreen so I can bring people in every month at a time that suits them. It’s evolved since my last programme so that it’s much more self-paced but offers more support throughout the six months. We have the most brilliant freelancers in the group from very new freelancers who need help getting started to those more experienced who want a refresh and a reset. It brings me so much joy.
Learnings: I love running group programmes, it’s important to test out new models and ideas.
I invested in a business coach who has helped me to figure out what I want to do and who I want to do it with. It wasn’t easy (I want to help everyone) and I have had to make some tough choices but it was worth every penny. I also love being around people who want to build successful businesses with an authentic, values-driven approach.
Learnings: investing money is scary but if you’re willing to commit and take the action, the investment brings all kind of rewards. There are loads of people out there running ethically-minded businesses.
I also invested in a VA service to help me with processes and social media. More investment, yes. But I realised that getting that support would free me up to do more of what I love and help me to bring new leaders and freelancers into my community. Plus, I take the whole of August off so knowing there’s someone brilliant working behind the scenes to keep it all ticking over is flipping amazing.
Learnings; get help on what you’re not so good at or don’t love doing. Find someone who does love doing it.
I got super clear on who I want to help. This has helped me to say no (even if it felt painful). But I realised that a no can feel really empowering. It’s not fair on the other party if I say yes when I don’t really want the work, or if I’m not the right coach. As much as I can, I try and offer alternatives and recommend other brilliant people in my network. And it’s okay. I’m still going. There’s enough.
Learnings: saying no can feel empowering, get clarity on what you want your business/practice to do.
I am working alongside incredible coaches. I do some associate work for others, partnership working and have taken on some associate coaches to help me deliver a big piece of work across a school trust. From every one of them, I have learnt so much and they enrich my experience of the world tenfold. (Big up to you if you’re reading this). Learnings: your peer network is vital and working alongside others provides fresh thinking and rich experiences.
I became an accredited EMCC Senior Practitioner coach and mentor, with plans to become a Master (Jedi?) coach in the next year. I LOVE learning and training. It nourishes me.
Learning: keep learning from a variety of sources.
Challenges and Learnings
I know that with a lot of my clients, being visible and offering a point of view is really hard. I still feel the same. We don’t want to offend anyone, or say anything wrong, so instead we stay quiet. We let everyone else do the talking. Right now, I think it’s crucial we not just listen, but we speak too. We need people with pro-social values to speak up. We need your project, your work, your business to succeed so that the world does become a better place. So whilst it is a challenge and one part of the business I am not comfortable with, I want to show that it is safe for us to have an opinion. It is safe for us to have a vision and bring people with us.
Learnings: Speak your mind with empathy and grace, you can speak your mind, have a point of view without being arrogant.
My daughter started secondary school. On surface, not very business related but it impacted (both positively and negatively) on our family and I want my business to work with my family, not against it. There was definitely a change of routine and what she needs from me is different. I haven’t always got the it right (and nor do I expect to) but it’s still been hard. What I’m learning is that I have to be so strict with the time I spend, so prioritising ruthlessly (thanks C for this phrase!) is vital.
Learnings: family life impacts your work, leave room for it all. Prioritise ruthlessly.
Health and Exercise - this is one thing I have massively let slip until recently when I set myself some goals and started working on building healthier habits. See, even knowing how to get the best out of myself doesn’t always mean it happens.
Learnings: (a reminder) I am my biggest resource, without me there is no business and the work I see that needs to be done, might not get done! Also - I like feeling healthy.
What I’m excited for in year 3
I have got some brilliant pieces of work coming up this year, and I am so excited to support the incredible people in Lasting Impact. They have passion and determination to grow their work so it’s financially sustainable and has a lasting impact, without compromising on their values. They will create change and will make the world a better place.