Proofreader and Copywriter
[I am a] proofreader, copy-editor and copywriter.
Before joining the Mastermind Programme, for the first two years in building my business, I knew that I needed some guidance and "hand-holding". I felt I was aimlessly wandering in my business, wasting money on software or schemes that I couldn't stick with for long. I even came close to giving up and getting a nine-to-five job.
I had no previous experience of running a business, and I missed the office environment where there was always someone close by you could ask for help, even if they were not experts - often we would be able to support each other, but suddenly, you are on your own.
I had tried getting involved with a Virtual Assistant training company, also I had a mentor for a short while with a local small-business start-up scheme.
I never found quite the right mentor relationship or the right group of VAs who shared my particular set of skills or challenges. The mentoring calls often were cancelled or rescheduled and the lack of continuity was disappointing.
The mastermind helped and continues to help me because of the accountability and consistency that are built in, together with the evident skill and experience that Clive has. Confidence-building is part and parcel of the masterminds, together with being able to brainstorm with other business owners who are at a similar stage in developing their business. Each of us at some time seems to have similar issues or questions which another member of the group may have managed to tackle for themselves and is able to share that experience to the benefit of everyone.
I was particularly pleased to be introduced to the concept of a "stalk list," as this keeps at the front of your mind those prospects who might become clients if you build a friendly relationship with them, over however long a period of time. I was able to weave some "good habits" into my daily pattern: an early morning walk in the summer brushes the sleep from my eyes and helps to crystalise my intended actions for the day while getting some extra oxygen to my system and some exercise to my desk-bound muscles!
I think I would feel totally lost in my business if I didn't have the Mastermind to harness myself to. It would feel literally like being in a boat, cast adrift.
This programme has set a spotlight on actions that were getting me nowhere, showing up where my priorities were back to front. That's not to say that I follow everything to the letter - there is always the voice telling me I can choose my own actions and times as a self-employed business owner, but at the end of the day, I am still in the process of "earning" the right to choose how and when I work - it's a continuous journey that cannot stand still, and I believe I will continue in a positive direction, as long as I take action on the things I learn.
Don't hesitate [in making the decision to join the programme] - Clive has an infinite amount of wisdom which he freely shares with the Mastermind members, and is very generous with his time, particularly with the 121 coaching sessions if you join that scheme. And importantly, in my opinion, he never cancels or reschedules. He is consistent, reliable and full of nuggets of wisdom and insights that have helped take my business forward in a way I could not have done on my own.
Janice Gilbert -
Business owner