Jackie Arnold, Arnold Associates
I set up my West Sussex business and executive coaching company in 1998. I coach, mentor and train people in the workplace in coaching skills throughout London and the South East.
I have worked in both business and educational organisations and have travelled extensively over the past eight years. I have written a book entitled “Coaching Skills for Leaders in the Workplace” How to Books 2009 which has been validated by the Institute of Leadership and Management for their Coaching & Mentoring qualifications.
In 2000 I sold my Language School in Brighton that I had run for 14 years as I felt the foreign student market was declining and I wanted greater freedom and work-life balance. Before starting my coaching business I had worked in Education and Training for many years both in the UK and overseas. I was fortunate that these skills were transferable to my coaching business.
Things were tough at first as I was a single parent with two young daughters and I needed to study for my qualification over a period of three years. I managed to do this part time before I closed my school so had a regular income, but it was a struggle to fit everything in. I was supported by the local Sussex Enterprise who gave free workshops on marketing, finance, tax and promoting yourself as a sole trader. I was further supported, in that my mother was able to collect the children from school and give them their tea.
The first piece of advice is never to listen to those who tell you that you can’t do it, because you can. It really doesn’t take much money to set up a business and if you take small steps it is achievable. Listen only to those who are supportive. The most important aspect to keep a keen eye on when running a business is the finance. When I started my school, I had one room in a tiny flat next to Hove Station – it was cheap but students still came along as they liked the friendly atmosphere.
You can attend free workshops provided by your local Business Link. At the beginning, I kept a simple spreadsheet of all income to the business and all expenditure. It is vital to keep all receipts no matter how small, as they all add up! Help is out there from many organisations such as The Federation of Small Business, Business Link, Banks and business colleagues. If you are committed, you only have to take advantage and give them a call.
Set a date when you would like to start and then write down your goal for one year ahead. Make this goal very exciting – use inspirational words so that you feel a buzz every time you see it. Then picture yourself when you have achieved your goal. See yourself there really enjoying yourself and visualise everything around you. It can also be helpful to use pictures and break everything down into small mini goals to keep you on track.
I was given encouragement by friends and some family members, however, there are always more people who tell you “you will fail” you just have to focus on those who tell you “you can”. I joined the organisations mentioned above and told everyone I was going ahead – that makes you kick start your business! It helped me a great deal that both my parents had had their own businesses too.
I feel really delighted and privileged that I have managed to create three separate businesses (one in Switzerland, two in the UK), particularly as they are businesses that have helped others to advance their lives too. After writing three books (two on public speaking and one on Coaching) I would now like to write a novel set in the Second World War. I am running a children’s speaking competition next year and I would also like to give back to society a little of what it has been given to me over the years: knowledge, skills, travel, very special people, and a feeling of contentment.
