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Read and hear what others have to say about working with Simon Williams and ActionCOACH.
Rather Inventive Case Study Rather Inventive is a internet marketing company that helps people make more profit for their business. It was started by Ben Kinnaird at the end of 2009 after eight years building another web development company. While taking the first steps in growing the business Ben met Simon Williams from ActionCOACH at a networking meeting. He then had a free coaching session with Simon to understand how he could help. As Ben remarked “Simon was very frank and open, which I liked. Plus he had a lot o f useful advice that helped me refine my business plan.” After this meeting Ben attended Simon’s SalesENRICHED course and Growth Club’s. These enabled Ben to gain a lot of useful skills and knowledge. Additionally they helped him gain a better understanding of what Simon could do. “ I loved the course. I learned a lot and they were great fun.” Comments Ben, “In fact I’ve sent everyone on our team on a SalesENRICHED course.” Ben and Simon then began having one to one coaching face to face and over the telephone. As the business was at an early stage Simon’s initial advice was aimed at helping Ben develop his business plan and strategy. One key outcome of this was the development of web marketing workshops. These were initially aimed at gaining leads but now have become a revenue stream in their own right. As Ben said “Simon helped me define the workshop structure and even came along and co-presented the first ones. He helped me realise that at first they should be free as part of our marketing efforts.” The initial focus on developing leads was crucial for building the business and is the starting point of the ActionCOACH ‘5 ways’ model. This breaks the business down into five key areas from leads and conversions through to margins and directly drives profitability. Therefore after leads Simon and Ben started work on conversions. As Ben stated “With Simon’s help I now realise the importance of frequent contact with prospects. He pushed me to get back in touch with them by phone, which was something I wasn’t entirely comfortable doing, but Simon helped me script the calls, giving me more focus and confidence. He was right to push me as it has clearly resulted in more business.” Using the ‘5 ways’ model enabled Ben to plan for the future. He now has a clear target of doubling his turnover this year and by using the model he knows exactly which areas he needs to develop in order to achieve this. As Ben said “Simon encourages me to use the model to work out the exact actions I need to take to reach my goals. He doesn’t tell me what to do he helps me work it out for myself.” This approach is key to Simon’s coaching as Ben is empowered to find the answers himself. As Ben remarked “Simon asks a lot of very searching questions that nudge me towards the answer. He gets me to really think about my business and what actions I need to take. Most importantly he then holds me accountable for what I agree to do.” Some specific areas that Simon helped Ben with included time management and delegation. Simon asked everyone in the business to do a time analysis which involved tracking all activities they do throughout the week. This helped everyone be more efficient with their time and enabled Ben to delegate certain tasks. This meant Ben found more time to work on driving the business forwards. As he said “I started to realise that I could spend time working on the business and not just in it. This was an important mind-set change for me and occurred gradually over the months of working with Simon.” Ben and his team also performed DISC profiling which identifies key personality traits. This has helped everyone understand the best way to work with each other and has strengthened the team. This is especially important as everyone works remotely using technologies such as Skype. Many business owners find it is difficult to maintain focus when they don’t have someone holding them accountable. Ben has found this a major benefit of working with Simon. “I don’t have a business partner to work with. Having a coach is better than a partner as he is objective and always positive. Simon keeps me focused on making more profit and pushes me to take responsibility for everything within the business.” Simon’s coaching has also helped Ben personally. As he said “I now have more confidence. I take more responsibility and have grown personally and as a businessman. I feel much more relaxed, positive and I’m enjoying celebrating our successes.” In conclusion Ben has found that working with Simon has enabled him to develop a profitable business in ways he wouldn’t have considered on his own. As he enthusiastically stated “The workshops have proven to be a great starting point. The business is looking strong and I’m confident about the future. I would recommend coaching to anyone who has the drive to succeed. But you have to be open to the process and willing to answer some hard questions.”
Sunrise Medical Case Study Sunrise Medical manufacture and supply mobility devices such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters as well as many other homecare products. They have been in operation since 1985 and have global sales of approximately £300 million. However, despite providing a great range of own brand and third party products they had begun to see a lack of growth. Jim Barratt took over the reins of the UK commercial division back in 2008 and wanted to help drive change and increase growth. However, he found that his previous product based background didn’t fully prepare him for the sales environment he now led. Also , as Jim said “several years of upheaval and change had left the teams demoralised and success was hard to find.” Although Jim hadn’t heard of business coaching he was referred to Simon Williams of ActionCOACH through a colleague “I could see straight away that the skills and knowledge Simon possessed and the structured approach was what I needed.” Jim and Simon have now been working together for over 2 ½ years and they meet every two weeks to discuss progress and set objectives. Jim says “Simon is a great sounding board and is always challenging me to consider all the facets that drive the business.” The first 18 months of working together were aimed at building a solid foundation to drive profitable sales. For example, Simon helped Jim and his team to develop sales tools such as lead generation marketing packs for use by the dealer sales teams. As Jim remarked “Simon focused us on providing materials that would help support our dealers to pull customers to their businesses, which helped us to help them.” Jim and his team also attended Simon’s SalesENRICHED training course “Over 2 and a half days we learnt a great deal about focusing our efforts profitably, sales negotiation techniques, improving conversions and importantly it helped team morale hugely.” Simon also encouraged Jim to put an incentive programme in place that set realistic targets but still pushed the teams to go that bit further. The programme encompassed sales and customer service which helped bring the two teams together. Jim said “we buddied the sales teams with customer services so they now work together to proactively seek growth opportunities for ourselves and our customers.” The first period of working together was aimed at stabilising what Sunrise Medical had and increasing efficiency through clear systems and process. The results were clear. After year on year decreases in profit, the first year of working together saw an increase in profits of 70% with a 25% increase in year 2. Jim remarked “It wasn’t about top line increases at first, we needed to hit the bottom line and we did this incredibly successfully which created a fantastic atmosphere of drive and optimism.” When the business had firm foundations to build upon Simon and Jim turned their attentions to driving top line sales. A key element Simon introduced was the segmentation of customers around a hierarchy of value to Sunrise Medical products. “we also strive to help B class clients become A class by really understanding their needs, the segmentation enables us to focus our energies effectively.” When Sunrise Medical began to see increased growth, Simon then assisted with the development of the team. Jim commented “We now have a clear process for recruitment and understanding of roles and responsibilities. This means more people have structured input rather than the ad hoc methods we used in the past. This has led to better quality people in the right positions.” The teams have also attended advanced SalesENRICHED courses to reinforce and develop the skills they previously learnt. In addition, everyone is more empowered to take responsibility through utilising the ActionCOACH six steps model to highlight where improvements can be made. This has led to people utilising the principles of coaching and mentoring throughout the business. “Simon has now coached a few other executives in the business. The ActionCOACH health check was performed by all senior managers and reported back to the Global CEO.” The systems that Simon has helped to implement have enabled growth in other territories including Scandinavia, Germany and Australia, Jim highlighted this “the duplication of what we did in the UK has led to similar success in other territories. It has helped us to efficiently manage and drive growth across the globe.” Jim Believes that the introduction of well planned systems and processes has been one of the key benefits that Simon brought to Sunrise Medical. The other key benefit, as Jim put it os “drive and optimism, Simon helps everyone stay focused and positive in a difficult trading environment. He is a ‘glass half full person’ and that rubs off on us.” In conclusion Simon has enabled Sunrise Medical to stabilise a declining bottom line and then build a business that can now positively grow the top line aggressively on a global scale. As Jim remarked “Simon has easily paid for himself many times over and it has been a pleasure to work with him on taking Sunrise Medical to the next level of growth.”
Our Client Case Studies are featured at the bottom of the page SalesRICH Testimonials Really enjoyed this course it will help me structure my sales, keeping records of who and what I’m talking to. Let’s me understand what their PAIN, concerns are. We aren’t against each other Matt Falla – Managing Director, Matt Falla Photography I would recommend the course to anyone who wants to close deals, increase sales and Grow profit. Thank you Simon! Matt Lloyd – Managing Director, Ninety Five Creative 2 excellent sales training days. I learnt a great deal from the role plays, from the people on the course & their businesses. I feel really inspired, positive and ready to win some BIG deals. Helen Coldicott – Managing Director, Coldicott Freelance Training A really creative group of people with truly relevant techniques to work with. I look forward to implementation of these and challenging myself to reap the results. Rhys Humm – Managing Director, The Holywell Water Company Ltd I was actually apprehensive but Simon was good and the team were friendly – could have done with a couple more days of the fun. Cheers Simon, I have enjoyed it very much. Nik Lederer – Coomber Electronic Equipment Fantastic two days, very enjoyable with some great sales techniques and learning opportunities. Very powerful, all starts with ‘Self belief’ and using techniques learnt. Brilliant! Thank you Simon very much for everything. Pat Gwynne – Managing Director, PA Gwynne Great practical course! Loved the interactive nature – I’m going away with loads of new tools to help my approach to sales & negotiation. Brilliant Course delivery. Amy Bayliss – Account Manager, Ninety Five Creative The course gave me new tolls to improve my performance, through prioritising and making effective calls. Simon Robbins – Uniline Safety Systems Now the whole team is going in the same direction and we understand all of the elements of the sales training. The learning the fundamentals of the better sales approach is so important to the whole team. Great Lunch! Ben Barnes – Creative Director, Ninety Five Creative Whole experience – defiantly learned lots and re-enforced past learning’s. Very enjoyable, once I relaxed a bit more. Good food! Sally Turner – Turner Construction This is my first experience in any sort of sales training. At first I was sceptical that I’d learn anything, but now I can see the skills I’ve learnt during the course can be applied in my role, as well as life in general! Paul Husiw-Aiken – ZenZero Solutions Altogether great course, Presenter great. Great ‘confident’ people to be around. Hopefully I can implement into my job role. Learnt communication skills. Totally out of my comfort zone! Chris Jukes – Turner Construction Entertaining, yet consistently informative and enlightening. A true learning experience, providing tools to feed business developments for years to come. Nicholas van der Walle – Director, Astute Graphics Limited Once again, an enjoyable and interactive day. Great concepts simply put. Andrew Yates – Uniline Safety Systems Gave several new ideas and approaches. Simon Robbins – Uniline Safety Systems Great sales course that created thought and was an excellent refresher. Entertaining and you managed to keep me awake after an International flight. Todd Sharp – Uniline Safety Systems Got lots out of the day, really interesting and not full of the usual sales ‘babble’ as in other courses. Wayne Hall – Uniline Safety Systems 5Ways in 1 day provided an insightful and simplistic mechanism for business development team members to utilise to good effort. Presented very effectively with a positive response all around. Inspirational and extremely useful. Stuart Linnitt – Uniline Safety Systems It is a great insight into sales, what make people tick & getting the best out of an opportunity. Cheryl Cooke – Redland Healthcare Motivating and extremely beneficial. It broke down sales into manageable stages with clear ways to implement. Anne Tasker – ZenZero Solutions If there is any weakness in a part of your business performance, Simon Williams is the best coach you can get. Simon Thompson – IM-W A must have for anyone in sales. I learnt so much stuff. Highly recommended! Rob Pring – ZenZero Solutions SalesENRICHED – A fantastic insight into the world of sales!! Useful tools and techniques which can be adapted and used in other areas of the business. Hannah Hackett – Sunrise Medical This is an investment in your business, and will give results. But you need to do the hard work. Liz Eyre – Elizabeth Eyre Ltd Both days have been inspiring to me and Simon Williams is a great coach. I hope everyone gets the same as me! Adrian Salter – Global Security Group. I attended Simon’s SalesENRICHED course on 25th -26th March 2010. This was a great introduction to sales techniques with lots of practical tools and ideas to take away. Simon is a great presenter who conveys his passion to all those he works with. A well spent couple of days! Deirdre Myers – Myers Harrison. Amazing course – loads to learn in two days but defiantly have the skills needed to sell people what they need. Dan Baker – Rather Inventive. Never be afraid to learn, it has helped me to realise that I do make a difference. I need to focus my efforts where I can get the greatest of results. Hard work and commitment does pay off. It was informative and refreshing and left with an understanding of what I can achieve. Steve Abbott – Redland Healthcare. Simon’s SalesENRICHED course was excellent. It was relevant to all businesses whether large or small. It was entertaining, very informative and delivered at a perfect pace. I shall be using the learning’s to make my business more profitable in the future. Colin Blundel – The Planning Company. Interesting and energetic, well structured course. Informal but educational and a worthwhile time out of the office. Even though I’m not a sales person it still provides skills in negotiation and reading people that will no doubt be useful in both business and life generally. A great venue with fantastic food as well! Al Osmond – Rather Inventive. Simon Williams and the SalesENRICHED course to me was a joy. To take the way of thinking about sales and business to make me take ownership and believe that NOTHING is unachievable was an inspiration. The venue was delightful and the food fantastic the other delegates nice to get to know. Thank you SIMON WILLIAMS!! Debbie Beggs – Redland Healthcare. I found Simon Williams and the SalesENRICHED course entertaining and very informative. The course is packed with usable, real-world content and skills. Andrew Yates – Uniline Safety Systems. After being on the course I have realised my areas which I need to improve on but also the areas I’m good at. It’s given me more confidence because it’s confirmed that actually yes I do know what I’m talking about to customers & suppliers. Self assurance. Bethany Milnes – Cathedral Belles. A small group of people, a relaxed and friendly environment, comfortable room and focused. Clear, well presented and extremely useful presentation. Forum for discussion at the right levels and excellent quality of food and service from The Crown and Sandys. Overall an inspiring, motivating experience! Thanks Dora Harcourt – Global Security Group. Thank you for a tremendous 2 days, I was impressed with the energy and the content about professional selling and it certainly was professional and your own energy and presence kept the audience (and me!) on our toes and participating. So again thank you. .......it was an excellent two days, the location and venue was fantastic, the food was good and everything was right, very well done. Tom Malone – ActionCOACH - Master Licence Holder No matter how good you think you are at sales, you need this course! Thanks Simon, I learnt loads, refreshed lots and WILL make more sales from fewer diag’s as a result. Mark Cadbury – ActionCOACH Hi Simon, I had a fantastic 2 days on SalesRICH which will help me to develop and move towards an Action Coaching vocation. I’ve got out of my own way to understand what the customers want is key. Look forward to the follow up day. Matt Norman – ActionCOACH - BDM SalesEnriched has given me much more clarity around the marketing, sales and communications systems within ActionCOACH. It’s given me a huge confidence boost around what is special & unique about my business. I’ve also got some great new sales tools for myself and my clients as well as some fantastic ideas for my own seminars and workshops. Can’t wait to put it into practice! Gil Devlin – ActionCOACH This was time and money very well spent. I leave with the certainty that I will run my own sales process much better and be able to evaluate and coach other businesses to adopt a more effective process themselves. Thank you Simon. Matthew Atkin – ActionCOACH Simon, I’d like to express my thanks for an amazing 2 days of great learning’s at SalesENRICHED. The atmosphere, pace and content of the course was truly excellent and the tools that you gave to us will allow me to deliver more value to my clients. My understanding of the sales process has increased dramatically as well as my confidence in my own 13 steps process. I expect to achieve the outcomes I was looking for – so, job done.... John Davison – ActionCOACH Simon is a really inspiring presenter & is clearly passionate & very knowledgeable about sales. The tools are simple & brilliant- massive BFO’s even for the most experienced Coach. This will make an immediate & massive measureable difference to my earnings this year. Sally Rainbow-Ockwell – ActionCOACH Fantastic course, great presentation by Simon – just the right blend of humour and practical knowledge. The tools and techniques presented will make a big difference to my business and my clients business. Thanks. Steve Scholey – ActionCOACH Thoroughly enjoyed the course- great atmosphere, energy and learning. I’ve taken loads of ideas that I can take action on with clients and in my own business. Nigel Scott – ActionCOACH Thanks Simon for two days of great learning’s around the area of sales. It’s been a great investment of my time and it will repay me with numerous additional clients in the months to come. Stuart Johnson – ActionCOACH - Practical - Great pace and style - Invigorating Brian Doubleday – ActionCOACH Overall – Excellent Huge value in many dimensions. Just do it – for the content and for the energy and for the fun! Many thanks. Matt Thornton Brown – ActionCOACH A really excellent course with lots of new sales ideas both for me and for my clients, for a professional sales gum. Nick Dougan - ActionCOACH Great 2 days I am right out of my zone (not comfort zone – just zone) here as I have not done any selling in my past jobs and don’t get involved much now. But I have found it really interesting and have learned a lot and got a much better understanding of what Nigel is up against! I’m sure our business will benefit from these ideas and new skills. Jane Scott - ActionCOACH – BDM Entertaining, educational & in some key areas, transformational. So many areas of impact to me and my business that it will take a while to assimilate, but I can’t wait to get started with the application of my learning’s. Two great days – a fantastic investment of my most precious resource, time!! Thanks Simon. Mark Biddlecombe – ActionCOACH Thanks so much Simon for this invaluable, energetic, refreshing course. I learned more about myself in addition to how I can move forward as a coach. How to qualify and analyse prospects, get clients, reminders of the sales process, better structures to my COD, Diag’s, sales/marketing process. I have so much more clarity on these and more you’ve helped me so much. Shannon Milsom –ActionCOACH Thank you; in two days you gave us so many tools to play around with in order to excel our business. The good stories you told provided us with the extra strength to solve the challenging tasks you gave to us. Again thanks! Pia Olsson Sunrise Medical, Sweden Well preformed, prepared and dedicated. Two extremely good, hard days. Simon provided good tools to implement in our own business. Looking forward to doing the follow up day. Klas Larsson Sunrise Medical, Sweden A lot of BFO’s (Blinding Flashes of Light) and not as painful as I thought. Jörgen Svensson Sunrise Medical, Sweden Excellent! Too much in such a short time another day would help. Tools to understand an area out of my own. I increased the knowledge of myself. Lots of eye openers. Stefan Gudmunds Sunrise Medical, Sweden Interesting, developing and putting many of the issues on the map. The course was an eye opener for some but very useful in many ways- at work and at home. Staffan Lindblad Sunrise Medical, Sweden Good explanations on all the tools. A lot of good ideas that can defiantly help to increase sales. This has created a common language which will help us to understand the challenges for everybody and increase the business. Ronny Berntsson Sunrise Medical, Sweden Very inspiring 2 days! Simon is a good COACH and hopefully we will start first thing Monday morning to Eat Frogs and Master our time. I have had many déjà vu experiences these 2 days which will help me n my daily work. Good that the whole team has got the same information/material which will help us work even better as a team and we have a common language. My expectations became true! Marie Wellmark Sunrise Medical, Sweden Inspiration Simon made me think a lot of how to use my time. He is very positive with his way of provocation to get us more aware of what we are doing. Sunrise Medical, Sweden I liked the slides on before hand as it made my brain prepared for the talk. Many things went down on the green sheet. Highlights – Written goals & PAIN Petter König Sunrise Medical, Sweden Two stimulating days with many energizing lessons. I feel refreshed. Britt- Marie Haglund Sunrise Medical, Sweden Interesting Learning Fun Hanne Sørensen Sunrise Medical, Norway Useful. Important that all of the team are in it! Important we all go the same way. Many new techniques to use to learn more about the customer. Mette Edvartsen Sunrise Medical, Norway Great, Useful, Funny Øyvind Gregersen Sunrise Medical, Norway These two days have made me more aware of how to meet different customers. Kjell Enok Vatne Sunrise Medical, Norway Dear Simon Best coaching ever!! Sunrise Medical, Norway This is the best Sales training I have ever been for!!! I know myself much better now. Frode Lundal Sunrise Medical, Norway Thank you very much for a good Action Coach. You were brilliant! Roald Pedersen Sunrise Medical, Norway Thanks Many good points. Stay over the line! Jostein Slettehaug Sunrise Medical, Norway I learned a lot and got a new perspective on lots of things. The time was a bit short, but we got the tools to try out. A good course I felt was very useful. Ørjan Strandin Sunrise Medical, Norway This is the best sales training that I have ever had. I have learned more about me and got tools to read my customers. Asgeir Sørensen Sunrise Medical, Norway Many very good points- 5ways and DISC in particular. The Scotsman is very, very important for us “old” salesmen. Thor Arne Tvetene Sunrise Medical, Norway I like the Action Coach and his way of doing it. Paul Ullerlien Sunrise Medical, Norway Many (too many) good ideas and tools. Interesting a good presentation. Annelise Vamnes Sunrise Medical, Norway Many new skills to train consciously. Main skills have to be repeated regularly by myself. Thanks for so many good ideas to be a wiser person. Ellen Velde Sunrise Medical, Norway The principals are easy to understand, a lot of common sense put into systems. Tools that everyone can use and understand. This will drive actions and can be measured! Johan Brodd Sunrise Medical, Norway “It is unwise to pay too much but equally unwise to pay too little” Ruskin. A tool and his money stay together. Every ActionCOACH should undertake this course. Hamish Robertson- ActionCOACH A fantastic 2 days full of innovation, interaction and activity. I have been given some great tools that should make our sales process quicker, slicker and more successful. I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to increase sales and communication within the team. Rachel Lowe -BDM – ActionCOACH Sales ENRICH is a BFO laden experience with an imaginable amount of practical applications for my clients, damn good fun too! Simon has great knowledge and wisdom and completely at ease with the entire sales environment and transfers this with passion, great stuff!! Rich Wainwright – ActionCOACH Fantastic, fun and forward thinking I have had the biggest BFO ever: I AM A SALES PERSON Ashley Metcalf - BDM – ActionCOACH Simon is a great presenter and bought fun and experience to this SalesRICH course. I’m now planning to run my own SalesRICH course and will use a lot of the material in individual coaching sessions. In addition a number of my ideas will help me to close more sales in my own business. Thank you! Martin Nolan – ActionCOACH Simon, Great two days! Been in sales for 25 years+ and learnt more in two days than in the last 10 years. Interesting, enjoyable, relevant and well worth the investment. Message for other coaches – put your egos to one side and sign up for the next one! Andrew Kureishy - ActionCOACH I have found a group of Action Coaches in this Sales ENRICH training to be really supportive and motivational. The learning’s and BFO’s I have got from the two days will make a real positive difference to my business. I have thoroughly enjoyed Simon’s approach to facilitating the two days and find him motivational. Thanks! Martin Shimmern - ActionCOACH If you · A. Are new to sales · B. Want to present SalesRICH · C. Are/think you are competent in sales · D. Run a company/ Sales force You would get some great learning’s and benefits. You / your team will become more focused and it will ensure you get the maximum return from every opportunity. Julian Weekes - ActionCOACH Thank you Simon This has been a relevant and informative 2 days..... It will, I’m sure help me both in coaching my existing clients, help me present more workshops and improve my personal sales performance. Hayley Erner - ActionCOACH Thank you for empowering me to improve my sales conversion rate by delivering and introducing some new tools in Sales ENRICH. It has been a brilliant two days and I am especially delighted that I bought my business manager Ashley along. Together we can go back and implement these tools across the business. In the process we will also be able to train the team to improve them sales skill, train the clients and start our own SalesRICH workshops so we can broaden our product portfolio to a wider audience. Every ActionCOACH should come on this course as Simon is brilliant! Mandy Hildred - ActionCOACH I found the SalesRICH course of great interest and use as although I was familiar with some aspects, putting it all together in the relaxed and convivial environment put everyone at ease and eager the participate. The interactive events give a chance to be creative and really help emphasis the points Many thanks and well done! David Tyas - IKON AVS Ltd Good concise & interactive crammer for solution orientated sales situations. Andy Maynard - Instant Water Company Attended the course with some feelings of scepticism- having been on a number of sales courses in my time. I left after 2 days knowing that my time had been very well spent. I have taken a lot of great advice and knowledge from the course and I would not hesitate to recommend this course to anyone involved in a customer contact role in any business. Paul Spalding - IKON AVS It’s been an interesting 2 days. I’ve learnt a lot about sales e.g. assessing personality types, understanding and listening to the customer’s needs, negotiating skills, devising sales pipelines and lots more. In future sales considerations I will refer to these techniques and use all that I have learned about sales presentations as well. It’s been a worthwhile 2 days. Margret Tyas - IKON AVS Great insight into the sales world. Wished we had used these tools 10 years ago Nice idea with the prizes. Robert Turner - Turner Construction Fantastic 2 days packed with tools, tips and info that I can put straight into action. I feel really enthusiastic to get into action and also to use more structure in my life. Also such a lovely group and a lovely venue. Erica Wark - OAG Aviation Solutions I’ve finally got a feel of this sales game! I might be a background bod but I can see how to contribute to sales. I came in Thursday morning thinking that this would be a waste of time but I can safely say it’s been well worth it. Ed Lukaszewski - IKON AVS Highly informative two days a course giving me the confidence and knowledge to pick up that phone and get the deal. John Turner - Turner Construction Simon’s a great communicator, extremely engaging and interesting to work with. Most of all he holds you accountable to your promises, so when you go away from his seminars you go with real actions you will complete. Ben Kinnaird - Rather Inventive Thoroughly enjoyed the 2 day SalesRICH course and learnt a great deal about sales. Simon presented in a way that made everything more understandable. Caroline Marshall - Saren Engineering Ltd Absolutely stunning value. The course content and tools and techniques introduced during the course are world class and leading edge. The experience of Simon Williams and the amount he gives during the course will literally revolutionise your business. Your business NEEDS This!! Paul Myler - Managing Director, Whichonetobuy.com I attended Simon’s SalesRICH course in Nov 2009. The whole course was highly informative and fun! Simon filled in so many blanks in my sales techniques that if I don’t achieve more I will only have myself to blame. The whole course was worth every penny and we will be able to adapt virtually every aspect of the training. Mike Eager - Saren Engineering I want to share my experience with one of my clients with you. I’ve been working with a software company since June and in the previous 12 months they never closed any new business. Last weekend they took me and my wife out (and paid for everything) to a really nice restaurant to celebrate their 6th sale resulting in £100k of NEW BUSINESS All I have worked on with them is the sales process and introduced them to the tools and principles I got from you at the Sales Rich 2 ½ day workshop. Thanks again for the time and dedication you give to your workshops truly a GREAT INVESTMENT that will repay me over and over. Dave Bater – ActionCOACH Excellent course, great content, great presentation (Involvement, inclusion, enthusiasm and energy). Everyone was motivated and learned a lot. Even for the topics I thought I knew a fair bit about I learnt a whole lot more. I saw things in a new light & uncovered new ways of doing those things. Thanks Simon! Charlie Haddon - ActionCOACH Informative. Interesting. Opened my eyes. All of these and probably more will help me with my job and supporting my team. Samantha Watts – Sunrise Medical I have certainly learned a lot over the last 2 days, mainly bringing out my confidence. The DISC has been 1 thing that has really opened my mind. I think I have a good understanding of how I should present myself now in front of customers which could add a lot of profit to my sales. Thank you Simon Lee Jones – Global Security Group After 2 days I have realised sales people are not born they are made through training and understanding personalities, needs and dreams of people and the sales process. I now believe I have what it takes. Thank you. Julian Waterson – Jigsaw Design Challenging 2 days with lots of useful information and tools I take back to work to use day to day or in a new situation where I might be able to sell to a customer. Trevor Woodridge – Sunrise Medical The SalesRICH programme was absolutely inspirational, it’s a shame you can’t bottle and sell the motivation gained!! Life skills gained in two days. Thank you. Nicki Kelly – UK Flood Barriers Truly an inspirational 2 day SalesRICH workshop. I would recommend all coaches attend, whatever their current level of experience. Dave Bater – ActionCOACH Simon’s SalesRICH 2 day programme is inspirational and a must for anybody who wants to make a difference in business. Rob Cater – Bamboo Business Coaching Ltd SalesRICH is a course that is impossible not to get a huge amount from. Teachings, learning’s, techniques, business and new friends. An inspirational two days that I would recommend to anyone. Thank you. Andrew Downie – Tromans Family Eyecare Wow! Eye opening, interactive and very beneficial. The course was fantastically delivered over the two days and cannot afford to be missed. Thanks Simon for all your help. Richard Dain – Global Security Group I have learnt loads that we can apply to our business straight away. I’m sure this course will have a massive impact on our sales and success. Great people and great fun too! Darius Baria – Office Doctors Fantastic 2 days!! I have learnt lots of new techniques that I can start using straight away, which I know will have a massive effect on my business! Jo Pickles - ActionCOACH On behalf of myself and Jigsaw Design. I would like to Thank Simon and the team for a great couple of days. I got a huge amount out of the sessions and will boost my vision for an even better future. Steve Hughes - Jigsaw Design May I take this opportunity in thanking you again for the Sales Rich course. One of the I AM'S for you after this course is” I AM VERY CONFIDENT” with all topics discussed, you're a great inspiration in your field as a top coach. Vince Gifoli – Agility UK An excellent course load of learning’s that the delegates can put in place immediately. The course was great fun meaning the learning’s will be applied. Thanks for having me there. I look forward to using the course with my own clients Nigel Jew - ActionCOACH Simon thank you for the practical working skills and for the lack of bull s#*t 2 days were spent Many Thanks Karen Lewis – Agility Inspiring and inspirational EXCELLENT!!! I would recommend this to anyone in the sales field. Keep an open mind and ENJOY!! Adrian Goodaker – Global Security Systems As a customer services associate this course provided an eye- opening insight into our salesmen’s world! I feel that it has enhanced my understanding of why it is so important to keep our customers happy Angie Richards Sunrise Medical Being a small group and being able to get involved and importantly being comfortable to do so Jacki Stevenson – Agility A great 2 days. Always good to draw new distinctions especially in such a fun environment! Thanks Simon I enjoyed the course in a strange way and can see if implemented and followed would help to increase sales. It is now down to us to make sure the sales team adhere to it Sarah Williams – Sunrise Medical I liked being able to get involved within a group of nice people and being interactive Vince Gifoli – Agility Great course Simon! Thanks for the experience, the hospitality, the abundance of great ideas. BFO’S a- plenty. Glad I listened to you on Monday, what’s more so will my cracked up clients Graeme Crosbie – ActionCOACH A thoroughly enjoyable 2 days which i know will enhance my performance Training was excellent, energetic, and really useful for understanding sales techniques and diversifies our skills and confidence. Thank You. Gabrielle Frome – FCA Fun learning environment. Day 1- Quite tough. Day 2 -It all started falling into place- many positive learning points to take out of the two days and put into practice. David Ross – FCA Very good 2 days. Some fantastic tools to use in my everyday work to help develop myself and my business. Thank you. Richard Dixon – FCA Very inspiring. An energetic and fun outlook to encourage people to move in the right direction. Ben Schools – FCA Very good presentation & interaction with the audience/participants. Simon challenges us to think outside our comfort zone. Kevin Bailey – FCA Excellent, new, dynamic. Loads of very useful information. Thanks Simon Mike Robertson – FCA A very motivational and interactive course which made the experience entertaining, enlightening and inspiring. Learnt a lot and will most definitely implement/use a lot. Thank You Chris Dunstall – FCA An A’ La Carte menu for all tastes. To try and take more or taste and discard. I did not think I would take away very much to try - but I ultimately did and will Sally Pitcher – FCA This course made me think of a story in a book “chicken soup for the soul.” “Jonny has a medical condition and several leg operations, but has always dreamt about being a famous football player. His mother told him when he was 9 years old that he would possibly not be able to run like the other boy’s when he is older. His answer to her, “Well Mummy I know but there is nothing wrong with my arms and I will just have to hit the ball so hard that I do not have to run! ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE IF YOU STAY ABOVE THE LINE. NO FROG IS TOO BIG TO EAT FOR BREAKFAST! Sonika Cornelius – FCA Thought Provoking and energising course that held interest and engaged staff across all disciplines in our business. SalesRich is a lot of fun!! Sara Chamber Ross – FCA ActionCOACH is the way forward!! Ben Ashton- Sunrise Medical Clear & precise information as a guide to assist in all businesses. Brigitte Lewis – Sunrise Medical Course was fun to participate in. Julie Prosser – Sunrise Medical Excellent course, well presented, will help grow my business in my area. Tim Cox – Sunrise Medical Informal & relaxed approach to training. Beneficial to my job role & development. Will certainly use all I have learned moving forward. Ann Moran – Sunrise Medical The two days delivered content with systematic approach and structure. It will be of great use to all. Phil Ahern – Sunrise Medical Simon was very good at presenting the course I gained a lot of useful information. Thank you very much!! Excellent course- providing excellent skills to develop sales through a more structured process in a fun & interesting way. Suzy Hamilton – Sunrise Medical Simplistic, engaging, interactive, educational, fun, realistic, knowledgeable & fun. Thank you. Beth Young – Sunrise Medical Very good course, learned a lot to do with sales & how to improve my own personal skills. Excellent speaker with very clear goals set for the tutorial group. Chris Taylor – Sunrise Medical Very productive & focused. Steve Hughes – Sunrise Medical New skill set & more sales tools to use to gain more business. Mick Moody – Sunrise Medical Thank you Simon for the stimulating 2 days in which I learnt new skills and cemented previous knowledge. Simon Perry – Sunrise Medical Very structured & informative. Jenny Wilson – Sunrise Medical Great! Supplied the full tool box to do my job properly. Bruce Fleming – Sunrise Medical Very useful & interesting. Good insight into what the sales team do on a day to day basis from an outsider looking in. Jenny Connor – Sunrise Medical Very good concepts and absolutely superb it’s not just concepts you can forget about, but structures we can use to realise these concepts and values. Simon Collins – Sunrise Medical Great value course. I have learnt a huge amount in a short space of time. Presentation and content – Excellent. Will be a huge influence on my business life. Rob Woodcock – Sunrise Medical Exceeded expectation. Will have an immediate impact on our business – particularly sales. Will take immediate action on Monday morning! And I had fun! Sarah Brookes – Sunrise Very informative course. Well presented and prepare. Great prizes! Like this idea. Jim Barratt – Sunrise Very much enjoyed the course. Simon was great – not too formal. Over the series of the 2 days he knew everyone’s name. The content was delivered well in a manner that I felt I would not easily forget what I had learnt. Paula Hardwick – Sunrise Excellent two days. Gave great tools and tips for making sales and knowledge on how best to manage sales people. Allan French – Pinke.biz Excellent! Will put in some of the structures within the commercial team in FCA. John Heron – FCA Thought provoking, packed with tools, techniques and strategies. Look forward to follow up and more. Amanda Browning FCA Excellent course – completely de-mystified the process of buying and selling. Totally pertinent to my role. Good natured, fund and sage, but challenging also. Particularly appreciated the practical advice and tools – thank god it wasn’t all theoretical!! Many thanks. Tim Clayton – FCA Very good introduction to selling process – useful tools to systemise and monitor sales – helps to have a number of FCA people here and on previous courses so we will speak the same language. Richard Knipe – FCA Very straight forward. Some proper nuggets to take away and use. Real world selling techniques. Dave Barber – DataScan Informative, fun and relaxed. A lot of information to take in much of which could be applied to other areas of the business not just sales. Mike Spencer – DataScan Great introduction to sales. Can now understand what process a salesman goes through and how best to help them during this. Tom Turner – DataScan Very sceptical at first, surprised how much I enjoyed it and learnt. Will be taking it back and hopefully putting some of it in to practice. It gave me insight and a better understanding of how sales is carried out – as I am not a sales person myself. Adrian Mason – DataScan Very informative and enjoyable. Jennifer Rogers – DataScan Excellent insight into sales and sales processes. Will take many useful tools away and implement. Interaction on a one to one basis was very useful. Sion Titley – DataScan Well I have a lot to take in and it will all come to some use be it within my job or my business degree or life in general. I really enjoyed my 2 days. Simon explained everything very well! At times I felt very out of my comfort zone but all was explained, and my fears put at ease. Kelly Scott – Arrivista I thought the course was excellent and well presented. There is a lot of information I have learnt and will take forward. Simon came across very well. Matthew Harrison – BEKO Very structured - excellent content. Reinforced what is required. Easy to put into practice and develop further. Kevin Morris – BEKO Course good enjoyed the prizes. Learnt lots of interesting things about sales and stuff Dave Perryman – Agility Having spent best part of 20 years as a Purchaser good to see the other side’s point of view. All course content good and relevant but some outstanding. Will definitely take pipeline and Scotsman back into business backed up by 10 x 10 plans. Use of DISC analysis will be useful in sorting some of our personality challenges within the team Keith Townsend – Agility Probably “one” if not the most enjoyable coursed I have attended. Simon kept everyone’s attention well throughout the 2 days. Load of extremely useful tools and techniques to take back to the business – will definitely be implementing systems. Use of role play will be used for staff to understand customers in more detail – PAIN! Pipeline – I worked most of last night following up on loads with staff that seemed to have fallen by the wayside!! – That was after 1st day training – result is potential “huge” lead for Agility H&S! Very worthwhile Jayne Day – Agility Good reminder and new skills for varied group. Well balanced, presented with reasonable handouts. Friendly coach Simon does it again! Nick Fowler – Agility Thank you for an interesting two days, although I have over the years attended many sales/management courses it was refreshing, however for me it was the chance to break down barriers. Change is one of the hardest things to implement on whatever scale, especially in a long established family owned/run business where emotions are involved, it needs to be lead as well as bought into by employees. With this in mind I saw a glimmer of this in our Directors during the course I hope it continues and we can evolve. Truly exhilarating. Anton Bailey The course was excellent, the tools taught were extremely useful. Matthew Watkiss A very positive course. All participants were enthused by it. Ron Griffiths I thought the course was very good. It had the intended action of getting people to believe in themselves and improve on their skill sets. Marcus Bowen Course excellent – made ideas may have heard before fresh and exciting. The feedback from everyone was excellent…I know I spent the rest of the weekend with my brain absolutely on overdrive, thinking over the ideas and principles that had been put forward. Liz Smith - Managing Director - LGD Solutions Limited. Course was well-placed and Simon’s presentation skills and easy-going manner dovetail well with what is clearly a well-refined and practical presentation. I have definitely learned some new sales skills as a result of this and I look forward to trying them out on some unsuspecting clients in the future. Michael Cutter - Centurai Excellent food Julie Mason - DataScan Systems Good content well delivered. Highly recommended for sales junior – sales director John Wood - DataScan Systems I found the course very useful both for sales knowledge and motivational purposes. All the sections were approached in a common sense, no-nonsense way that made me think from a different perspective. Leighton Mitchell - DataScan Systems Great 2 days – lots to take in. Looking forward to the meeting on the 9th May. My only worry is not implementing everything. My PAIN is how do I implement everything! I can’t do it all alone but I am sure the team around will help me – in fact I am sure they will drive me to do it! Paul Mason - DataScan Systems Course – very valuable, a lot of information to take in over the two days. A lot of the points seemed obvious but when formatted and structured extremely useful. Daniel Chiwara - DataScan Systems The course was fantastic, as a new person to sales, I found it very, very informative and practical. I am looking forward to putting the things learned into practice. Thanks John Charlesworth - DataScan The course and content were extremely valuable and well presented. Simon makes selling look simple if you follow his guidelines and implement his procedure Gerry Morton - DataScan Systems I found SalesRICH very, very good. It has opened my eyes on how much time you need to make things happen in the world of sales. Barry Briscoe - BEKO Technologies Ltd SalesRICH – This training is fantastic and a real eye opener to methods of selling. Content was well executed with supporting material. The serious nature of the training was made fun and time flew by. Thank you in advance Simon for developing my sales technique. Chris Norris - BEKO Technologies Ltd SALES RICH – APRIL 2008 Sam Wheller - LGD Growth Club testimonial Simon I thoroughly enjoyed this morning. I learnt more in one morning from Action Coach than I have learnt from any other business club. Thank you! Katy Bellamy A great morning packed with tried and tested ideas that really hit the spot. A very worthwhile investment in personal time which I am certain will prove productive for both me and our business. To everyone in the team – Many thanks. Peter Roper FPSA – Positive Ground I found the way Rob Turner has analysed and delivered tangible results in changing his business to be rather inspirational. The focus on designing the business around the customer was impressive. Martyn Griffiths – Hazelton Mobbs & Mountford Mad about speaking hit a cord!!! I understand it, but does my team? Turner construction was the best presentation. A clear example of coaching working in a “Real Business” Ian Mosley – The Green Bike Company I will close the gap between intention and accountability. Robert’s presentation – very inspiring but enjoyed all. Elizabeth Payne – Positive Changes Within Once again a thoroughly provoking session- listening to other people’s stories inspires me to want to achieve more. Well done to all the speakers. Rob has transformed not only his business but his personality – he exudes confidence now. Liz Smith – LGD Really enjoyed the presentations by the other business owners. Helpful to find they have faced same problems and inspiring how they have practically implemented. Anne Tasker – Zenzero Simon your session was great! Keen to work with you in the future. Matt Lloyd – Ninety Five Creative I found the GrowthCLUB meeting both entertaining and inspiring. I will go away with lots of new ideas and some valuable business contacts. Colin Blundel – The Planning Company Interesting Hot spots! Very good tips. Ed Nixey – Kall Kwik I was particularly interested & impressed with Rob @ Turner Construction’s success story & experience. Jennifer Roger – Boxer Enterprises Simon, Vel & Kelly Thanks for a fantastic 90 day planning session – I now have my focus back to work “on” our business! Julie Barker – Positive Accounting Ltd 3rd GrowthCLUB, still lot’s to learn still learning, but definitely has helped improve my focus. Richard Minton – Total Weed Control I learned a great deal and gained tips from Mr Turner. In fact I couldn’t write things down quick enough! Nichola Yeowart-Dean – Smartie Pants Children’s Wear Excellent, excellent session! Tara Shelton – I-COG Succinct, Pacey, Stimulating Arthur Amos – Arthur Amos Associates Excellent environment, positive and relaxed, easy to talk. David Saker – Balloon.com Great session maybe an extra hour would have helped. Keith Townsend – Agility
Liz Smith – LGDavis
Julie Mason – DataScan Systems
Andrew Downie – Tromans Family EyeCare
Adrian Goodaker
Mukesh Patel – Moat Stores
Simon Streeton - ActionCoach
Clare O’Neill – O’Neill Kitchens Corporate Workshop testimonials Precise, informative, new techniques A comprehensive, thought provoking session Found the 7 touches strategy very useful. Part of it we are doing already, but just need to improve and make few changes. Informative, pro-activity, useful feedback. Very constructive and highlighted areas, I need to enforce upon Brilliant as always and makes me feel guilty for not following your advice ! Confident and nice to have some actual tips to work on Very good refresher on meeting process – from preparation through to sale Well done top geezer, it was bang on. Great! Motivational Authorative and well delivered Good, very engaging.
Thought provoking, kick up the backside to do something more/better Thank you Very useful, liked the fast pace of the afternoon Mark Cadwallader – Lloyds TSB Many thanks really good thought provoking Tony Riley – Bancasurance Well structured & logical sequence Pity we ran out of time – but a testament to the appropriateness of the session to my business. Richard King – Key Markets Really enjoyed the session Refreshing some old thinking & stimulating NEW!!
Simon Stuart Bailey - Thomas Guise Great inspirational talk at Circle Networking in Worcester. Changed my thinking! Thank you Simon Heather Patterson – Forever Living That was a brilliant taster of what we should be thinking before we embark on any marketing plan Sophie Bullock – B Connections Good talk, well done Jane Price Excellent content, very well presented Thank you. Nicholas Lee – Eureka Financial Solutions Very informative presentation. Certainly motivational and inspirational Many thanks Maria Magro – Aviva Designs
Just a quick note to thank you and the team for yesterday. I found the combination of Growth Club and Profit Club both stimulating and challenging. Time with you is already helping me to focus on the key opportunities for my business. It's also great to be able to contribute towards helping others with their business challenges. Mark Lindley – Mark Lindley Business Development
I arranged a 1-2-1 meeting with Simon in January 2008 and it was quite evident through this meeting how very positive Simon is towards business and helping others to succeed in business. Although I was unable to take immediate advantage of his services on a 1-2-1 basis, he very kindly invited me to a ‘Profit Club’ meeting in February, which is a meeting of 12-15 business people. This was the second meeting of the group and I felt privileged to have been invited. I subsequently joined the group for a 12 month period. I have no hesitation in recommending Simon to others who want to grow their businesses. Roger Wilson - Quality Time Travel Besides 1-2-1 meetings, I have been involved in Action Club and Profit Club. Within Action Club there was a tremendous amount of positive energy from both Simon and the other members. At its conclusion Profit Club was discussed. I know that I am not alone in wondering how much more I would benefit from further coaching. How wrong I was to be sceptical!! Profit Club has exceeded my expectations. It is a group of positive, enthusiastic, energetic and open-minded people who appear to have a common goal - to ultimately work "on" their business rather than "in" them. If the energy and vibrancy of the group compounds for the remainder of this year, who knows what will be achieved. My personal and heartfelt thanks to Vel and yourself for all your efforts. Tim Adams - Utility Warehouse Profit Club is a significant opportunity for me to stop thinking about everyone else’s business and concentrate on my own. It is hard to discipline myself to spend time working on my business when I have so many competing demands for my time. Having this regular few hours timetabled in, really helps me to focus and make sure it happens. The energy and spark there is in these group sessions is incredible. I can go in feeling low and uninspired and come out firing on all cylinders, enthused and re-invigorated for the next challenge. There is always something new to learn when you learn to listen to other people with an open mind and an open heart. The moment that you stop learning is the moment when you fail. The difference between success and failure is often very small. We often call it luck but the truth is that you make your own luck by being one small step ahead of those around you. Profit Club is a great opportunity to work on that edge that makes all the difference. Richard Ashmore - Altus Business Consulting
So you think you know everything about business do you? The Action Coach system provides easy-to-implement strategies which if followed correctly will provide the same level of success achieved by myself and many others. Working with this globally-proven system, complimented by his own real-world experiences, Simon is transforming my business and taking it to places I never imagined reaching. His approach is logical and sensibly paced, but he’s never afraid push me along when I’m slow to move – a major point for me. The face-to-face and phone-based sessions are hugely thought-provoking, and will challenge you to take action to make change happen. It’s elevating my business into new market places, bringing in more and better customers and driving me ward the lifestyle I deserve. If you’re looking for guidance on how to go forward and take your business to new levels, I can unquestionably recommend Simon and the ActionCOACH system. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain from this. You might surprise yourself with what you can achieve – I did! Michael Cutter Managing Director, Centurai Limited 6 things we like about Simon Williams, our business coach, and the Action Coach approach:
As the Director of Stuart HR I have received firsthand the benefit of Simon William’s knowledge and expertise. Like many others I was very sceptical of a Business Coach because I didn’t really understand their value – now I can tell you, he listens to where I want to be and where I want my business to be and helps create a solution to get me there! Simon genuinely puts you at ease whilst keeping you focused on what it is you are trying to achieve. Yes, he makes you answer questions about your business that you really should have thought of but have not. In taking me out of my comfort zone Simon has always been professional and never critical and I have always felt in control as to the direction my business will take from his great advice. My old adage as a HR professional is; if you haven’t got the skills recruit them! If you are not a sales or marketing expert, financial director or strategist within your business – then I suggest you hire in Simon Williams of Action Coach. Kirstie Stuart Director Testimonial from Stuart HR Consultancy Ltd
Simon uses his skills to great effect in helping business people set goals to aspire to and then, with his advice and setting of monitored milestones, achieve those goals. He always looks for opportunities to forge working relationships with SMEs who can help his clients achieve their goals sooner. With his business knowledge and experience, enlist Simon as your business coach to empower you to take your business to the next level. Andy Noble WSI Internet Business Consultant A couple of months’ ago, we seemed to have hit a brick wall in our pub business. By coincidence, we received a phone call from Simon Williams, Action Coach. He listened to our problems, visited us for a more in-depth discussion and with his experience, professionalism and positive attitude we realised that he was the person to help us. We are now working with Simon on our mission to own a profitable, smooth-running, commercial operation. At the same time, we are having fun! Simon is the guy everyone in business should work with to help them achieve their goals…………...and more! Ros and Richard The Red Lion I have worked my business successfully for over 15 years. Whilst the business was doing well, I had come to the point where I was getting very frustrated that we were not driving the business up to the next level, quickly enough for me. My plan is to be able to exit out of the business having achieved my goals within the next 5 years. Having acknowledged what I needed to do to achieve my goals I decided on an approach and a number of changes. One of my changes was to add a business Coach to my new business strategy. Gerd Kimber Independent Financial Advisor and Business Consultant. Robert Rainbow Supporting Services Limited I was also very impressed by the Action offering. Not only that, I have in reality met many coaches who have left me with differing levels in terms of being impressed. I am enormously impressed by Simon, with or without the ‘Action’ banner. If I can get started I think we can do business. Nick Hannant, Managing Director, SAMOS.
...................... Overall a great success due in no small part to your help advice and input. Colin Hornsby Bromsgrove & Redditch Pages I would like to say thank you for the time you have given the club recently and that it was a real pleasure to meet you both. We look forward to being in touch as we could learn more from you. I think my production of marketing material has improved because of your comments. Vel has been an inspiration too and such a lovely lady, I really enjoyed her company. Lynn Gardner,Worcester City Football Club Dear Simon and Vel I think it was back in October that Alan and I attended the event at the Jade Gardens, Redditch where you gave such an excellent presentation. Our guests were Nigel and Liz. You asked us all to write down something we intended to achieve. Liz and I met for the first time that night, but discovered that we both wanted to do the ‘Playtex Moonwalk’ – a 26 mile walk around London, at night, in aid of breast cancer. So, we wrote it down. So IT IS ALL YOUR FAULT that I am currently packing spare socks, track suit bottoms, sports drink, jelly babies and pink feather boa (to decorate the bra) in a rucksack and getting ready to meet Liz and travel to London for the 2009 Playtex Moonwalk. In the early hours of tomorrow morning I shall be blaming my sore legs and tired, aching feet on YOU! Seriously, thank you so much for spurring us on to do this. It has meant finding a great friend in Liz, getting fitter, losing weight, discovering a love of walking that I will never lose, finding some stunningly beautiful Cotswolds walks for our training and looking forward with some nerves, but mainly excitement, to a great day and night. I will let you know how we get on and send you the photos. Warm regards and thanks Sue Matthewman Seminar Testimonials
Time management and prioritisation was a great reminder to also work ON the business. Review of key attributes of my proposition how to arm advocates with reasons people should contact me. Remember to give propositions gravitas by using testimonials, case studies etc. A great whistle stop tour of business basics. Mark Lindley - Mark Lindley Business Development. 6 Steps structure – supports our current Eat the Frog – Everyday management style. Tell me more – don’t just dismiss based on experience. John Currill – Prosser Knowels Associates Limited. Presented with very clear simply understanding on improving the effectiveness of myself in the company to improve the effectiveness of the company. Zane Theodosiou – Trainee Accountant. Very good value for money, Generated a lot of ideas for my business strategy. Kim Lawley – Lawley Risk Management Services Ltd. Good professionally run session with a lot crammed in. Enough pointers to help and which can be implemented for benefit. Mike Dyer – Your Worcester pages/.com A morning well spent; plenty of ideas to take away. When will I find time to read all those books recommended?? Deirdre Myers – Myers Harrison Ltd. I have a job – or should I say “I had a job”. I am leaving here with a business – Going to talk to someone! Helen Yarnold – Strawberry Sofa Ltd. Always a good investment time spent with Simon. Stef Theodosiou – Yamazaki Mazak. 4th time through this, always good to reinforce the message, always another Action. Richard Ashmore – Altus. Extremely enlightening. Will fill you with new ideas. Richard Dain – Global Security Group. Breaks down and simplifies elements required to successfully run and develop a business. Dan Powell – JDP Procurement Services Ltd. Extremely professional, many valuable takeaway tips that can be easily be incorporated into your everyday life. Mark Bellew – ISCA PMS. Simon’s passion & enthusiasm for driving successful businesses is infectious, I’m looking forward to implementing the things learnt in the charity sector. Richard Brown – The Joanna Brown Trust. Very informative! Tony Archer – Omerod Rutter. Insightful, even though I’m not a business owner. Dan Baker – Rather Inventive. The overall presentation – very good and informative. Nick Aston - Prosser Knowles Associates Ltd. Excellent presentation / content. Anton Bailey, LGD Business Solutions Some great ideas and concepts delivered in an engaging way, (Some great visual aids). Mark Pawson, Lloyds Bank. Very logical and well presented. Action Coach is very slick. Rick Johns, Kingsway Language School. Great learning experience. Andy Noble, WSI Netwise. Great seminar, informative an invaluable to successful businesses or those who want to be successful. Heard a lot of the information before, presented differently – but not bought together like with Action Coach. Mark Lees, Collective Legal Solutions. All very interesting. Sarah Preece, Professional Call Minders Excellent detailed punchy presentation, to business owners and employees. Julie Powell, Nat West Yes, it helped to reinforce a lot of knowledge already gained. Richard Sizer, The Red Lion Pub. Good and clear. Celia Adams, Celia Adams Associates Positive, practical advice, not only from a business perspective but personally too. Stuart Forrest, Nat West All of it seems obvious. Andy Maynard, Instant Water Company. Thought provoking. Jan Winter, Elegant Images Useful evening, well present, lots of useful ideas and tips. Gareth Brown, Blacks of Inkberrow Very structured and clear. Jennifer Brinton, CT Agencies Good Presentation. Very useful in re-iterating the rules of having a successful business. Ros Griffiths, The Red Lion Pub. Very much outlined day to day situations that arise Mike Bridges – MJC Clear and logical approach, the time flew, very enjoyable. Chris Richards - Chardent Ltd Fantastic morning, I’ve made a long “to-do” list that will make Northwick Events more successful. Simon Emms - Northwick Events A thought provoking seminar. Steve Bellerby - Smith Bellerby Ltd This was a well presented entertaining and valuable seminar in an excellent venue. Neil Phillips - Phillips Ltd Well paced. John Booth - Oak County Financial Services Excellent morning thank you – very informative lots to think about.
Rupert Harris - Lloyds TSB 1st seminar – but not my last.
Enjoyable, interactive session, illustrates we are all a mine of great ideas. Dave Winter - Corporate Finance Associates Starting a business it is important to get the help to drive the vision. Andrew Collins - Linwood Training & Consultancy Excellent presentation! Looking forward to my business coaching session. Joanne Hill - St James Place
Chris Hutchinson - Aardvark Consulting The presentation is so intense and informative that to sit through it for a third time was far from boring. Tim Adams - Utility Warehouse
Andy Maynard - Instant Water Good length of seminar. Held everyone’s attention in which the interaction helped. Andrew Downie - Tromans EyeCare
Andrew Cooper| Brokerage Development Manager| Business Link West Midlands. Anton LGD.
Kirstie Stuart - Stuart HR Consultancy Ltd.
Phil Brown - Phil Brown Consultancy.
Adrian Goodaker - Global Security.
Richard Wilde - Wildesoft. Net
Julie Mason - Datascan.
All points explained very clearly. Very entertaining and good fun. Sue Matthewman - Inspire success Group/ Forever Living Products.
Richard Moir - Agility UK.
John Mc Keating - Silva Fitted Furniture.
Neil Pittaway - Lloyds TSB.
Gerd Kimber - Positive Solution.
Nick Fowler - Agility Fleet.
Roger Wilson - Quality Time Travel.
Insightful, enjoyable and thought provoking that reinforces past learning’s but also incorporated many new aspects that were well appreciated. Great job as always Vel, Simon & Kelly Jim Barratt - Sunrise Medical
We have made a gainful insight into business practice in the company of likeminded people in this beautiful setting. The whole experience has been so much fun and we look forward to repeating it again in the future. David Tyas - Ikon AVS & Margret Tyas – Nebula Audio
Granville Orange – Orange Properties
To spend time with likeminded business leaders led to passionate and innovative discussions on ways to improve performances. It wasn’t all hard work. Though the fun, team work, surroundings and of course the sun made the whole break an unforgettable experience. Liz Smith - LGD Solutions Having attended many sales courses over the last 20 years I am delighted to have been introduced to the ActionCOACH solution. Providing your mind and soul have room to move forward, Simon Williams has the ability to create self belief and inspire confidence to plug and play into any business. Well done Jez Smith LG Comfort Cooling Ltd
The agenda promoted team work and provided valuable learning and reinforced in a fantastic relaxed environment. We had the chance to interact with many likeminded business people and leave as good friends. Paul and Julie Mason - DSMS
International Sunrise RICH 04/09 The ActionCOACH training was very good. A lot of learning and tough days but they went very fast! Johan Brodd
Ignacio Paredes
Teambuilding components Appropriate mixture of issues (sales, marketing & presentation) Simon, a convicting and motivating style!! Go on! Christian Weyhofen Consistent, related to the business health, easy to understand to implement, nice spirit and working spirit. Goods teacher! Nicolas Jean-Baptiste
An epiphany by the end of the second Theo Bogerd
Vladimiro Marini Paul Summerton – Lloyds TSB We covered a lot of ground. Thought provoking Some really useful practical tips to improve my effectiveness. Thank you. Rupert Harris – Lloyds TSB Really valuable session – great to have a mix of Video, tell, activity/tasks etc & also to have external facilitator/coach – offered a different dynamic. Sîan Bagci – Lloyds TSB Very insightful & food for thought. Even though I’m not currently in sales or responsible to a sales team I found a lot of the actions can be replicated for myself & the team Highlights, keeping it simple. Diane Sheldon – Lloyds TSB Good provocation to take charge action In our team/ Area Champion roles Roger Scott – Lloyds TSB Enjoyable session – much food for thought Good interaction Particularly enjoyed session before coffee – 5WAYS and last session – personally a clip on emails/ meetings Gareth Jones – Lloyds TSB Great opportunity to getting clear thought as moving my business forward. Thank you Simon Simon Davies – Lloyds TSB Very enjoyable, great session! PAIN, Impact, Vision, NEATS & Diary management/ Time mastery stood out for me Gary Saxon – Lloyds TSB
Brings thinking together in a structured way to operate effective business Jakki Kirkland Clear communicator Demystifies business processes Encourages and gives courage to move business forward Jo Awcock Fast paces, involving and some great “light bulb” moments ActionCOACH has been empowering and I wish the company had been involved many years ago Challenges you to realistically access your current and business practices Promotes change in a positive way There are no obstacles to success through this programme Kevin Bailey I found Simon Williams very knowledgeable, informative and thought-provoking. He is able to challenge people constructively. Style is great, keeps you interested through entire session Alison Lester Dynamic, common sense and innovative approach to business management development - very empowering – would love more please Debbie Smith ActionCOACH is active, it takes you out the comfort zone – gets you thinking – enjoyed the sporting examples John Platt Motivating, empowering and simple Keith Stopher Fun, motivating, empowering, fast paces, never, slow, simply told Tim Clayton Action Club testimonials Keith Townsend Managing Director, Agility UK Ltd. When it was first suggested that the assistance of a business coach may be just what our business needed, our immediate thoughts were twofold: firstly, how on earth would be able to afford a business coach? Secondly, how on earth would we find time to put into action any additional work, recommendations and proposals that would clearly arise from the appointment of a business coach? We were in the traditional mindset that there were not enough hours in the day to devote to what we already have to do, very little personal time not troubled by thoughts of work issues, and so how would we possibly extend that and have any chance of a modicum of life outside of work? Therefore we began with a certain amount of trepidation... soon to be soothed by the calm but confident approach of Simon Williams! Simon seemed to be able to sense our fears and hesitancy and help us to cross the bridge between just coping in our original ‘pre-Action’ existence into now dealing full on with the range of business issues ahead of us. The level of involvement in itself has paid dividends for our business, the knowledge that someone with a high degree of business acumen and a genuine interest in our market and the position we hold within in, is taking an active part in our world, is incredibly supportive. We have grown the business over 14 years from a very small partnership, a two person sales agency, using very measured steps, gaining momentum and now running two inter-related limited companies. Our situation is rather unusual and completely dependent upon the personal and continued involvement of the two of us, in order to fulfil the demands of the agency agreements we hold. Finding a way through this to forge a solid business foundation for the onward growth and development of the company, to an eventual position of our being able to sell it, retire from it or whatever, has for a long time been a troubling question for us. With the guidance and education we are now undertaking, we are beginning to see opportunities and solutions to the problems, which just seemed to be a recurring nightmare for us. It has also brought into sharp focus that we have only to date succeeded in creating jobs for ourselves and for our employees … we don’t own two companies and work on them, we work ‘for’ two companies that we happen to own. We know that we have to continue to develop and change this focus and are happy to be doing so with the invaluable guidance that Simon and Action Coach has offered to us. We are only at the beginning of our journey, but we like the picture we see on the horizon.
I would highly recommend Arrivista to any business owner to help provide a structured idea tank of business solutions. Jim Barratt VP Commercial Op’s UK & Australia Sunrise Medical I’ve been working with Simon for over a year now, and I believe this has been a significant factor in both the success of BEKO UK and of my own development. Initially Simon helped me to get focussed on the needs of the business, and to clarify in my own mind what the priorities should be. Simon has helped me to create a leaner, more effective and happier business than we had before, guided by strong and clear principles. Working with me and my team, he has introduced subtle changes to our approach which have, when taken together, resulted in a much more coherent and profitable concern. A key requirement of any business coach is the ability to challenge the status quo (Apologies to Francis Rossi and co!) and to develop a rapport with the client- Simon does both things with humour and good grace- he is an extremely effective communicator. I still meet regularly with Simon, and these meetings always give me a fresh insight into my business and drive to continue to evolve the way we interact with our customers. Simon has a vast experience of business which he is able to deliver to his clients in small, easily digestible morsels of information. If you are looking to be challenged, motivated or even if you simply want to see your business with new eyes, I heartily recommend Simon Williams to you. He may be Welsh but he’s not all bad. Richard Spires Dip CAM Northern Europe Area Manager, BEKO Technologies. Testimonial for Arrivista Limited 2008 BEKO develops manufactures and sells components and systems worldwide for an optimised compressed air quality. We have been working with Business Coach Simon Williams since November 2007 and have built a strong relationship; we have experienced benefits on a number of different levels. Although already successful, we are now a better organised, more focused business, using our time effectively. Specifically within the sales team we now manage our opportunities better and the group generally is more motivated and able to prioritise actions. On a personal level I now work more ON the business rather than being involved with the day to day mechanics. Coaching has clarified my view on what needs to be done. Much of what I have learnt I have cascaded down the organisation and as a result we are all beginning to realise our full potential. Simon also helps by critiquing specific initiatives we are putting in place. He recently helped to re-work an advert we were placing where we traditionally received in the region of 5 responses. In this instance we had 22 replies. In terms of results, we have just enjoyed a record month, with profitability up by almost 20% and revenues having increased by a third on this time last year. Importantly, I find that I actually enjoy my work more, and have created a set of personal objectives which have given a clearer focus to my activity outside of my business. I recommend Action coaching highly. Richard Spires Dip CAM General Manager, BEKO Technologies Ltd
1:1 Case Studies Better Sales and Bigger Business: Hiring a Business Coach helped a mobility company win back market share The challenge of growing the stature of a company involves many obstacles and defining the most direct and productive plan is the key factor. There are many viable companies providing goods and services, either directly to the consumer or through a mediator, who deliver an excellent commodity and yet fail to maximise the market potential. How should every business arrive at the optimum sales effort ? One can look at the areas of recruitment, organisational structure, marketing plan, improving levels of customer service and so on. Lack lustre efforts in any of these areas can impede business development, but obtaining an objective view on the business, and then implementing change, is fraught with challenges. The UK division of Sunrise Medical provides UK dealers, the National Health Service (NHS) and private customers with high quality wheelchairs and mobility devices. The company both manufactures homecare products, and supplies popular brands like ‘Quickie’, to help improve the quality of living for those with disabilities. Despite the demand for products supplied by Sunrise Medical, being an integral part of the healthcare sector, the company still aspired to achieve greater market presence. Jim Barratt, VP of Commercial Operations for Sunrise Medical UK and Australia, reviewed the performance of the business and established that in order to move forward successfully one principal factor must be addressed: a lack of organised sales planning which was holding back the momentum required to maximise the potential. Barratt made a great move – he contacted ActionCoach and soon hired Simon Williams back in 2008. After evaluating the existing processes, Williams identified various areas that immediately could be changed to improve outcome. · Lead generation – they worked together to develop strategies to improve this, Barratt was delighted – “Williams brought in tools that both external dealers and the NHS could use to their advantage” · SalesRich Seminar – Williams encouraged Sunrise to send the sales team on the trusted ActionCoach sales course, where over a period of two and a half days, he demonstrated to the team how they could prioritise time management, improve their sales conversion rates, apply powerful negotiation techniques and greatly improve team motivation · Revenue projections – Williams helped to guide Sunrise in re-evaluating their revenue projections, setting realistic targets that were achievable. The previous concept of setting over-ambitious targets had actually had a negative effect on the morale of the sales team. · Incentive programme – together a programme was devised to encourage the sales team to meet goals. This programme is available to the customer support team also, who now proactively look for add-on and up-grade sales. This brings a new revenue stream to the business that requires limited investment for this additional profit Results have been derived from day one, and the transformation of what was a stagnating sales situation has been exciting to both oversee and take part in. Williams reported – “Sales people lacked a view of where the company was going, how it could best meet the needs of key dealers and hence properly differentiate itself” Once the ActionCoach skills were implemented into the team, the level of confidence grew significantly. This in turn led to the sales team being able to coach dealers on how to promote their products to the best effect – it was a self-perpetuating situation. Williams provided guidance for the design of the company’s new Growth Guide for dealers, which helps them to create on-going marketing campaigns for products, focuses on improving average value of each sale and maximising profit. This in turn gave more sales for Sunrise products – in the eyes of their dealers, Sunrise now offers a truly unique service with a complete package. The fast developing sales professionalism at Sunrise has been reflected in the securing of a major agreement with a leading UK retail chain. This provides an exciting new channel to market for standard range products. Simon Williams works with Jim Barratt and his team at Sunrise Medical for four hours a month, with Barratt receiving one-to-one coaching to support him as he drives the business to the next level. To date, a 70% increase in net margin has been achieved at Sunrise Medical UK – monthly numbers are consistently being exceeded and the company undoubtedly will continue to see growth this year. Making a Small Business Bigger : Technology company achieves success working with a business coach ‘Time away from work’ can seem an utter fantasy for many owners and managing directors of small companies, and so it is not surprising that they often benefit the most from hiring a business coach to improve company functions. DataScan Management Services Ltd is a fast growing business, they are a UK company that provide high quality bar code systems and RFID tag systems to companies including those with multi-national operations. Managing Director, Paul Mason, was facing certain marketing challenges after admitting he often went on a ‘gut feeling’ when it came to marketing the company’s products. With a small team, Mason didn’t feel comfortable leaving the business even for a week to take a break. With nothing systemised in this area, there was a lingering fear that the business would effectively go on-hold in his absence. Hiring ActionCOACH, Simon Williams, helped Mason put a process in place whereby company growth could be achieved: · Firstly, it was evident that a significant improvement was needed in generating profitable revenues. · Williams recommended that Key Performance Indicators were set for the 5 prime business areas. · The coach helped to put systems in place ie. When new employees join the team they can quickly learn the tasks within their remit. · Williams helped to overhaul the administrative tasks and define roles. · To improve time management of staff they were empowered with knowledge of techniques that would help them work more effectively. · Cash flow projections were assessed and Williams determined that, for example, cash could actually be easily freed up by reducing stock the company had on hand. · New strategic marketing efforts have recently been put into place so that investment is targeted on the right industry sectors. From implementing these strategies the company immediately began to grow in strength. One of the most revelatory results is to find that email marketing and testimonial gathering now ensure a steady stream of leads resulting in an increased customer base, which has put DataScan on track to achieving this year’s targets. Hiring a coach allowed Mason to test and measure his current audience and determine where each customer was coming from. Looking to the future, when Mason and Williams then worked together to identify where new opportunities existed, a vision of company growth quickly came to view. Fired with these initial results DataScan then took the opportunity to become involved with Group Coaching, which complements the 1:1 coaching sessions by offering a supportive community to share ideas, thoughts and challenges with other like-minded business leaders. ActionCOACH Williams works directly with the team for four hours a month and provides support mechanisms tailored to the company’s needs as appropriate, and so continues to support DataScan’s development as a flourishing business. … and the great news is that Managing Director, Paul Mason, now even has time to enjoy a life away from work, as well as take pleasure in watching his company grow. Common “workshop for all” basis Key for our specific business, initiating better group discussions. Need to learn structured approach, how to communicate, how to prevent negative attitude. Describing tools & what they mean: Introduction / F- words Below or above the line (Laminated and issued to all) (including group exercises, presentations, awards, „Whoooosh“…) This is the start Fun factor. Communicated main Tools: • 5 Ways • USP • Pain / Sales Process • Scotsman / Salespipeline • Videoclip „Death Crawl“ • DISC - role plays • Workshop-Procedure Communicated Tools • 13 Steps • Secret of marketing 10 x 10 • Objection handling • Negotiation skills • Presentation skills Competition part worked really well. Great fun offering the ‘prizes’: Bath salts, candles, wellness beauty products, cups for Christmas, sweets, tools for handyman. We played Hot chocolate’s “everyone’s a winner” when we gave out the awards. NEATS to USP’s worked well. Good interaction “so what” – highly motivated, they did it by themselves Video – “death crawl” cause for interesting discussion Wheel chair Olympian McDonald’s philosophy – what is the product IKEA example Really great – which models to transfer to which part of the business? Initiative over next year Coached by Simon in a brilliant way. Big fun in a convincing way Highly motivated Thank you for helping bring this on the road. Immediate Actions: Friday sales call – Realise the key dealer strategy. How will you use the tools SCOTSMAN & Pipeline Etc? Sales Pipeline: monthly report by each ASM together with monthly highlight report èCurrent development review: Scotsman: introduced by exercises in the workshop • Order to all ASMs: • strategic dealers with high potential in terms of revenue and growth in your area (in addidtion to the existing Key Dealers) • analyse the current situation with the help of Scotsman, • make a roadmap together with your regional manager • Weigh the pros and cons of effort and revenue change, make a decision and turn this Meyra / Invacare / Bock dealer to Sunrise! èCurrent development review: 5 Ways: actual Figures per area need to be analysed until the end of februrary DISC: Follow Up with more details planned, „identify the nature of your dealer“ General benefits Several successfull negotiations and changes (Streifeneder Group add. rev. CY 2010 > K€ 350, TOP> K€ 100) • GER / AUT Dealer Priority • Group1: Current Key Dealer, defined by ASMs. Current revenue /per year > K€ 50-100 Group2: Dealer with still strong competitor relationship and high potential revenue perspective (> K€ 100 p.y.) 2 strategic dealer projects per area in CY2010! GER / AUT Dealer Priority • Group3: B-Dealer defined by ASMs All others: No priority, create a CS-Support / Outbound Call structure (first steps FY2010/ QII) Focussing and announcing eSales, eKanban, eSpares, USP issue in GER/AUT!
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