My Personal Journey: Why Small Business Coaching Changed My Business Forever
As a former founder and CEO of a small business in the UK, I’ve been in the trenches, navigating the daily grind of keeping operations afloat, chasing growth (and invoices!), and trying to maintain a sense of balance amidst the chaos. If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly putting out fires, juggling endless responsibilities, and wondering if you’re even making progress, I understand. That was me too—until I discovered the transformative effect of having a small business coach.
In this post, I’ll share my personal journey, the challenges I faced as a business founder, and how small business coaching helped me regain some clarity, get back to growing, and develop a different mindset to lead my business more effectively.
The Challenge: Feeling Stuck and Overwhelmed
I ran my last business – a research technology company - for 15 years, with little prior experience and no corporate background or network to fall back on. After several years of running it, I reached a crossroads. On paper, everything looked fine—we had steady clients and a pipeline of new ones, a small but capable team, and a product that was pioneering and that people genuinely loved. But behind the scenes, I was overwhelmed, afraid and unsure of how to make the big decisions that would really propel the business to another level.
Like many founders, I felt trapped by the daily grind, and working in my business rather than on it. My to-do list was endless, my team relied on me for every decision, and I felt like I was one misstep away from dripping the ball and losing the thing that I’d worked so hard to build.
I needed help, but I didn’t know what kind. I thought coaching was something for big corporations or high-level executives—not for someone like me, running a small business from the UK. And adding more cost worried me because having not done it before I was unsure of how it would go and what the results would be.
The Turning Point: Taking a Leap with Small Business Coaching UK
One evening, after a particularly stressful day, I read an article about small business coaching in the UK. It spoke directly to the challenges I was facing—unclear priorities, reactive decision-making, and a lack of long-term focus. What stood out to me was the idea of having a coach: someone who could guide me, hold me accountable, and challenge my inflexible way of thinking. It highlighted the fact that my thinking was stuck.
I hesitated at first. Would investing in a coach be worth it? Could I afford it? But deep down, I knew I needed to do something different and find someone outside my business to offer a fresh perspective. I took the plunge and signed up for my first coaching session. That decision was the best investment I’ve ever made.
How Small Business Coaching Transformed My Business
From my first session, I realised small business coaching isn’t just about solving business problems—it’s about transforming the way you think, lead, and grow. Here’s how coaching helped me and how it can help you too:
1. Clarity Amidst the Chaos
Before coaching, my days were a whirlwind of tasks with no clear priorities. My coach helped me step back and focus on what truly mattered for both me and the business:
Defining my business’s core purpose and long-term vision.
Being honest about what I wanted from the business and over what time period
Identifying which activities added the most value to my growth.
Learning to delegate tasks and trust my team.
Developing a capable leadership team to help move the business forward
Importantly, this newfound clarity allowed me to work smarter, not harder.
2. Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
One of the biggest barriers to my growth wasn’t external—it was internal. I struggled with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the fear of failure. My coach challenged these beliefs, helping me:
Reframe failures as learning opportunities.
Develop the confidence to take calculated risks.
Build a mindset focused on solutions rather than problems.
This shift in perspective not only improved my leadership but also inspired my team to adopt a growth-oriented mindset. I remained curious and asked them more questions than ever before, seeking answers from them and removing the expectation I put on myself to have all the answers.
3. Creating Structure and Accountability
Running a small business means wearing many hats, which can lead to disorganised systems and inefficiencies. My coach introduced me to practical tools and strategies:
Setting measurable goals and tracking progress.
Creating structured routines to manage time effectively.
Holding myself accountable for commitments and deadlines.
With these systems in place, my business started running more smoothly, and I found more time to focus on strategic growth.
4. Driving Sustainable Growth
Before coaching, I thought growth meant working harder and taking on more. My coach helped me see that sustainable growth comes from focusing on the right opportunities and aligning them with my vision. Together, we:
Refined our target audience and messaging to attract ideal clients (and learn to say no to those that would be a drain on our resources).
Implemented scalable processes to handle growth without burnout.
Developed a roadmap for long-term success, balancing ambition with realism.
The Mindset Shift: Why Coaching Is an Ongoing Journey
One of the most valuable lessons I learned is that coaching isn’t a one-time fix—it’s an ongoing process of self-improvement and learning. Through regular sessions, I continued to:
Gain new perspectives on challenges as my business evolves.
Stay accountable to my goals and adapt to changing circumstances.
Build a resilient mindset to navigate uncertainty with confidence.
Coaching became a cornerstone of my growth, not just as a business owner but as a leader and individual. So much so that having successfully exited my own business, I’m now coaching others and helping them achieve these very same goals using my first-hand experience.
Why Small Business Coaching in the UK Is Uniquely Valuable
The UK’s small business landscape is both challenging and full of opportunity. With unique factors like fluctuating economic conditions, Brexit implications, and regional market nuances, having a coach who understands the UK business environment is crucial.
Here’s why small business coaching in the UK stands out:
Tailored Support: UK-based coaches understand the specific challenges and opportunities small businesses face here, from local regulations to consumer behaviour.
Networking Opportunities: Many coaches have strong local networks, connecting you with potential partners, clients, or resources.
Localised Insights: Coaches offer strategies that align with UK-specific trends and market conditions, ensuring your business stays relevant and competitive.
How to Find the Right Small Business Coach
If you’re considering small business coaching, here are a few tips to find the right fit:
Assess Their Expertise: Look for a coach with experience working with small businesses in the UK and a track record of success.
Check Alignment: Choose someone whose values and coaching style resonate with your goals and personality.
Start with a Consultation: Many coaches offer free initial consultations to understand your needs and determine if you’re a good match.
Final Thoughts: Is Small Business Coaching Right for You?
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next steps, small business coaching could be the game-changer you need. It’s not just about fixing problems—it’s about unlocking your potential, building resilience, and creating a roadmap for growth that aligns with your vision.
For me, coaching was the turning point that transformed my own business and got me to where I am now with a more positive and open mindset. It gave me the tools to lead with clarity, the confidence to embrace challenges, and the structure to achieve sustainable growth.
Are you ready to take the next step? Start your journey with small business coaching UK today and discover what’s possible when you have the right support.
The Good Growth Advisory is where I specialise in helping small business founders like you regain focus, build structure, and create healthy mindsets. Book a free consultation today and let’s unlock your business’s real potential.