From amateur to professional

From amateur to professional.

“I was emotionally distressed. I was completely out of my depth. I felt very alone, and I was scared.”

This was Sonia last year. She decided to build up the human resources side of her business. She knew she was competent in this field, but needed to take a step into the unknown. She had to set up a professional arrangement with one of her clients, who was also a friend.

“I needed a sounding board. I wanted an independent person to give me perspective, and to take the emotion out of my initial negotiations. This is when I approached Julianne for help.”

“She immediately gave me affirmation in what I was doing. But she also taught me to manage difficult situations in a different way. She gave me clarity. She provided me with the tools I needed to cope.”

Together, Sonia and I sat down to discuss how the conversation with this client might go. We identified Sonia’s needs. What did Sonia want from this business relationship? I advised her not to commit to anything on the spot. Take time to think things through, before signing up to a binding commitment.

I proposed the tools she needed to control the interview, and to steer and guide the conversation. Crucially, I took out the emotion from the situation, and this made Sonia less defensive.

As we talked, I picked up from Sonia that she was not taking care of her core needs. She was in danger of becoming a work-acholic. She was losing her sense of perspective.

“Julianne spoke to me about relinquishing the attitude I had. Your business life should not be what you are. It is important to maintain a separation of personal and professional interests – especially when you have your own business.”

“Although I got some great responses to my business initiative I still felt scattered. I needed to put my house in order. Julianne showed me I had the confidence to refocus, and gather my energies back into ‘housekeeping’”.

At our regular meetings, I made Sonia accountable for her actions. I knew she could deliver the processes and systems to support the business, and I suggested targets and goals to be achieved before our next meeting. In this way she was able to move the business forward.

“I enjoy what I do. Julianne reminds me to celebrate my achievements. Although it is still a bit scary, I feel really proud of what I have done. The way forward is very exciting!”

By Julianne Kuhlmann Personal & Leadership Coach Kool Results "Putting You First"

Personal & Business Coaching, Leadership Development, Individual Training Programs,Work/life balance, Mentoring & Induction, Organisational performance Email: info@koolresults.com.au Web: www.koolresults.com.au



From amateur to professional - To learn more about this author, visit Julianne Kuhlmann's Website.

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