Business Coaching - 2009

In 2009, I started my journey as a BNI Director Consultant, leveraging my extensive experience to empower hundreds of business owners worldwide through tailored coaching, dynamic training, and strategic networking. My journey began in 2008 when I attended a local BNI meeting to grow my own business, unaware that it would spark a passion for helping others achieve their entrepreneurial goals. Below, I outline key highlights of my expertise and how I can support you as your coach.

Proven Coaching Success

As a BNI Director Consultant, I’ve directly supported local business groups to achieve remarkable growth. One standout achievement was guiding a UK BNI chapter from 22 to 47 members in just one year, elevating it to one of the top 10 groups out of approximately 600 nationwide. Through regular visits, I provided hands-on mentoring, helping members refine their referral strategies, strengthen their networking skills, and boost their business outcomes. My coaching approach focuses on actionable steps, accountability, and fostering a growth-oriented mindset.

Extensive Training Expertise

Training is a cornerstone of my work, and I’ve delivered impactful workshops across the UK and internationally, covering business development, referral marketing, and social media strategies. Key highlights include:

  • Local Training: I’ve led BNI’s Member Support Programme in Surrey, UK, catering to both new and experienced members. These sessions covered core BNI principles, such as crafting effective pitches and building trust-based relationships. I’ve also co-delivered large-scale training events for over 100 attendees, sharpening members’ skills to maximize their BNI membership.
  • Regional Impact: In 2011, I developed a social media training presentation for BNI groups across Kent, Essex, and Surrey. This involved early-morning trips—sometimes starting at 4:45 AM—to deliver engaging sessions. The presentation gained significant traction, becoming the most shared BNI content on LinkedIn globally on one day in August 2012. In 2012, I collaborated with experts Zoe Cairns and Tim Kidd to deliver an enhanced version of this training, diving deeper into digital marketing strategies.

  • International Reach: While vacationing in Marbella, Spain, I offered pro bono training to local BNI groups, covering both social media and general business growth topics. These sessions were well-received, showcasing my ability to adapt coaching to diverse audiences.

Global BNI Engagement

My involvement with BNI extends beyond local and regional efforts, with significant international exposure:

  • International Conferences: I attended BNI’s International Directors Conference in Long Beach, USA (2009), where I networked with 700 directors and nearly 1,000 members in a single event. The following year, I joined the conference in Anaheim, California, and participated in European conferences across the UK. These experiences broadened my perspective on global business networking trends.

  • Meeting BNI’s Founder: In 2011, while in Los Angeles, I had a one-on-one meeting with Dr. Ivan Misner, BNI’s founder and a New York Times bestselling author. This session, along with a tour of BNI’s global headquarters led by Social Media Coordinator Joani Durandette, deepened my understanding of BNI’s vision and strategies.

Thought Leadership and Content Creation

I’ve contributed significantly to BNI’s knowledge base and the broader business community:

  • Published Author: Inspired by BNI’s Author Mentor Programme, I wrote and published two business books, both endorsed by Dr. Ivan Misner. These books distill practical insights from my coaching and networking experience, offering actionable advice for entrepreneurs.
  • Content Contributions: I’ve written articles for BNI’s global websites and print magazine, sharing strategies on business growth and networking. From 2011-2012, I served as the Social Media Coordinator for BNI South East, managing their Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and blog platforms to engage and educate members.

Local Business Engagement

In an effort to launch a new BNI group in Cobham, UK, I connected with over 100 local businesses and reviewed more than 1,500 websites to identify networking opportunities. While the launch didn’t meet all expectations, the relationships built and insights gained fueled subsequent projects, demonstrating my resilience and ability to extract value from challenges.

Why Work With Me?

If you’re seeking a coach to help, I bring a unique blend of hands-on experience, global perspective, and proven results. My coaching is rooted in:

  • Practical Strategies: From scaling BNI groups to authoring books, I focus on actionable steps that deliver measurable outcomes.
  • Networking Expertise: With over five year’s experience gained in BNI, I can guide you in building high-value, trust-based relationships.
  • Tailored Support: Whether you’re refining your pitch, leveraging social media, or setting ambitious growth goals, I adapt my approach to your needs.

 

Let’s connect to discuss how I can help you achieve your aspirations through personalised coaching strategies!