THE 'YES' COACH BLOG

Leadership lessons from big business

On a daily basis, I talk to those at the top of their game, but how did they get there? And, more importantly, how can you get there too?
Let me let you in on a not-very-well-kept business secret. Great leaders are made, not born.
As the leader of your business, it's up to your business culture to manufacture such leaders — you have to give those following you the faith that they can…

Create systems that are outside the square

'My way or the highway' — rightly or wrongly, this is the slogan of many small business owners.

And sure, this mentality may prove the downfall of many businesses as business owners hell bent on their 'way' refuse to listen to new ideas or heed innovations.

But if you're a savvy business operator, your 'way' may prove the point of difference that…

Why now is the time to invest in your business

When you're running your own show, it's all too easy to get caught up in the day-to-day trivia. Sometimes you neglect to stop — even if it's just for a few minutes — and take a look around to see the bigger picture, to understand the forces shaping your business's bottom line.

So, what challenges are Australian businesses — yours included — up against?

Recently,…

How to thrive through turbulent times

The tough times, it seems, are far from over. Many once-good businesses — and brands — have fallen by the wayside of last year's crunch. As you pick yourself up, dust yourself off and prepare to face the next challenge, how should you go about it? And how can you brace yourself against another upset? To find out, let's look to a business that has been there, done that, and is still…

Staff - Peter Switzer shows you how to find the right person for the job

With talk of a skills shortage and as unemployment steers clear of the double-digit figures predicted by the many merchants of doom and gloom, now is the time to look out for your star players.
Of late, labour market experts have warned that this is the time for employers to ensure they have a sophisticated recruitment and retention plan for their workforce.
How is your plan looking? If…

Where are they now? Catch up with Sarah Hillier

The 'yes' Coach awards night feels as though it was only days, not months ago, but as I catch up with the series winner Sarah Hillier, she's fresh off the plane from a relaxing 10 days in Bali, courtesy of the good folk at Optus.

She assures me that it was her "best holiday ever" and now she's back — rested and ready — to get back to business!

So, what…

Where are they now? Catch up with Jason Crump of O'Toole Plumbing

'yes' Coach has worked many miracles — but did the program manage to turn a pair of tradies into savvy businessmen?

Those who have followed the rise and rise of Anthony O'Toole and Jason Crump of O'Toole Plumbing on BizThinkTank will know they've put in the hard yakka to make their business better.

So, are these plumbers all they're cracked up to be?

To…

Where are they now? Catch up with Paul Jowsey

Anyone who followed 'yes' Coach contestant Paul Jowsey's progress and blogs will agree that he is a bigger than life character. So now the season is done and dusted, and his coaching sessions are under his belt, how is ol' Jowsey coping with life post 'yes' Coach?

First, though, let's recap.

Before coaching, Jowsey had — literally — no idea what he…

Photo Finish

As the filming of the final episode looms, with the award-winning business to be announced on Wednesday November 26, I bet Jowsey, Sarah and the boys from O'Toole Plumbing are sweating it out.
I have to say, picking the winner was like using a magnifying glass to work out who has won in a three-way photo finish at the Melbourne Cup.
All three businesses and their business owners have…

Leadership growth

We've just trekked our way to Yeppoon (near Rockhampton in Queensland) to visit the 'mythical' Jowsey.
When I rocked up to his business on a beautiful Queensland morning he and Mel welcomed me and came clean with their experience of coaching.
Remember, Jowsey's goal was to retire in five years, but there seems to be a 'redefinition' of the word retire. He gave…

Introducing our Coach

Our three Yes Coach contestants were told the good news on Friday and I'm excited for them as they begin a journey that will change their business and their life forever. I should know, I've been through the program and have been coached by the same coach that will guide these three business owners through the next 12 weeks.

When I first met Lesley Ann Grimoldby – I call her LA – I…

Cash flow is key

It was marvelous to meet Sarah and her three 'boys'. She really has a well-organized business and a great team around her. It's now time to identify and work on what she needs to improve. In business, just as in life, you need to confront the brutal facts, and try to change the things that are holding back success, better relationships and outcomes.

Sarah has a great business…