Is a business coach worth the investment?

Setting up my own business in 2015 was a big change for me and my family.  After spending 15 years in a permanent, pensionable job I was taking a big leap of faith jumping into the unknown and setting up my own Digital Marketing Agency, Mini Media.  

My experience in the Banking and Financial world stood to me right away and with a strong network built on LinkedIn, I hit the ground running with referral business coming my way in the first month. By dipping my feet into the blogging world a few years previously in 2013 I also had build up an amazing network across all my social media platforms.

I was so ready for the challenge and within 12 months I was back earning my Bank salary, and I was chuffed with myself.  But 24 months on I was feeling the pressure and was working around the clock to ensure I was able to sustain the level of income month on month. 

Going into year 3 I felt like I was on a hamster wheel.  With my main source of income coming from social media management, the hours I was clocking up was starting to take its toll.  There was never any downtime.  Even on holidays I was constantly online create and curating content.  The tweets and notifications were getting more and more frequent and my screen time increasing as a result.

Why I decided to invest in a business coach

In September 2019 almost 4 years in business I knew something had to change.  They say when the student is ready the teacher appears.  And in my case this is exactly what happened.  I was served an ad on Instagram, it was Kirsty Carden, Business Coach & NLP Master.  She was inviting me to join her Free 5 Day Sales Breakthrough Challenge. 

Just a few days into the challenge I knew I wanted more for my business and even more for me.  But FEAR was controlling my thoughts and actions.  I was lucky to have a diverse portfolio of retainer clients with a good monthly income but unfortunately it was coming at a cost. 

My health was feeling the brunt of it, high blood pressure was a continuous problem and I was gaining weight from lack of exercise.  I was loosing my buzz and I knew I had to address the matter before it was too late.

It was a no brainer for me to sign up to Kirsty’s Female Entrepreneur Evolution Academy.  It had all the elements I was looking for and ready for.  I always had a burning desire to create my own online business, but I knew I required the help of a coach, someone like Kirsty to help get more visibility and clarity with a major mindset shift required.  

My experience of working with a coach and joining the academy 

Joining the Female Entrepreneur Evolution Academy in September 2019 was definitely the best business and personal decision I ever made.   Kirsty is one of a kind and so is her programme.  It provided me with everything I needed to create a successful online business, from the mindset shift, allowing me to align myself energetically with what my heart desires as well as a full on strategy to get visible and make sales online. 

The most valuable part of the academy for me all took place in Module 1, setting the foundations for success.  This included creating a great relationship with money, goal setting, going deep into me and what I truly desired, having all systems in place and expanding your wealth mindset!

I also loved the accountability and being part of a community.  Having access to the content after the programme ended was also amazing as it gave me time to get my thoughts and ideas together.

Plan of Action 

So in the run up to Christmas I put what I had learnt to the test and set my own 5 Day Challenge to help creative entrepreneur and business owners to create their own website. I got 10 sign ups and convert 3 sales from my first challenge. There was only one thing to do… my happy dance.

Going the extra mile

I also booked a flight to London and checked into the 5 star Warren House Hotel for Kirsty’s Live, Love, Grow Masterclass.  This was a truly amazing experience where I got to spend the weekend with so many like minded female entrepreneurs and left feeling very inspired and ready to go into 2020… New Decade, New Me.

What I was about to embark on upon my return would be taking me way out of my comfort zone but I was finally ready for it.  It was as if the universe was paying attention to my thoughts and desires.  As my social media contracts came to a close they were replaced with one to one consulting and web design clients.  I was final able to unleash my creative side and focus more on my own business.  I had finally found my purpose. 

The Results

Initially I did not have a pipeline of clients like before, which was very scary but also very refreshing.  I started to focus on creating more online courses and programmes and by the end of 2020 (even during covid) I had created a successful passion based 6 figure business.  

Going into 2021 I am even more driven and motivated to grow my online business, have an engaged audience and a business that is a true reflection of me and my unique talents and experience. For too long I was hiding behind my customers and standing in my own way.  I was blocked because of my FEAR.  

Once I identified my fears and discovered exactly what I was afraid of I realised it was not all about me.  I started to focus on my why… I am passionate about helping creative entrepreneur and business owners live their best digital lives by educating them on easy, proven digital marketing methods that can skyrocket their business growth. 

For years I was going alone, I didn’t have a support system. Now I have an amazing team of digital marketing experts in my circle, I also hired two interns have two virtual assistance.  Learning to accept and embrace my fears has been the making of me and my business is reaping the rewards.

Where I am now

My mission is now in alignment with my values and I use my gift to help others take control of their digital presence and develop online marketing strategies that wins them customer, leads and sales. 

Through My Life In Business Academy I continuous run online course with my signature programme Embrace Digital proving very popular.  I teach how to create a social media strategy, design free graphics that stand out from the crowd, create a successful email campaign and give you the secret formula behind every great blog post. 

As well as being a digital and business strategist and social media consultant ,I also run a successful web design business and influencer marketing agency Irish Blogger Agency.   No two days are the same and I am always kept of my toes keeping up with the latest trends.

The changes since working with a coach

So what has changed since I made the investment to work with a coach?  Firstly, I have made some amazing lifestyle changes and habits that I now consider part of my everyday life. Exercise has played a big part in my success.  Making time to walk between 5-10 km per day has not just seen a drop in dress size but more importantly I have more energy and a passion for life.

I have gone from working around the clock to a comfortable 40 hours per week.  My screen time has halved and my blood pressure and stress levels are under control.  I no longer feel I am standing in my own way and as a result I am attracting my ideal clients.  

I am clear on what I want and I ask the universe.  I trust the process and practice gratitude daily.  I keep my vibrations high and clear any resistance.  I also made the decision to changed my money mindset, did you know everyday you have the power to make decisions that will move you forward financially or set you back.  It’s up to you. 

Here’s what I’d say to someone who wants to be where I am now

Making an investment in a coach has been life changing for me, and I don’t say that lightly.   Going into the process I was 100% committed, I felt the timing was right for me!  I was ready to take consistent action and was excited to be part of a community of female entrepreneurs from all over the world. 

Nobody said it was easy but anything is possible.  All you need to do is be willing to invest in yourself and your business, be committed and ready to take action and believe in yourself.  Small steady steps is the key to accomplishing big goals with ease.

My motto has always been ‘Do what you love, Love what you do’ and I can honestly say I am living by this now.