How business coaching brings real value to your business

Posted by Ben Whittacker-Cook on 1/09/2020 12:00:00 PM

Every industry, every sector and at every stage in the business growth cycle – whatever you want your business to be, business coaching can help take care of some of the major issues and challenges you’re facing.

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Engaging with a business coach can help you refine your strategy, keep you on track and achieve your business goals now and for the short and long-term.

Whether it’s planning an exit strategy, understanding how to sell more effectively, developing ideas around brand and marketing, or pivoting your business during times of crisis, The Icehouse’s business coaches bring value to your business in countless ways.

| Coaching common goals  

Our advisory services also include facilitated programmes that can also be tailored to your business, in-house training for multiple employees and other customised workshops.

Many of The Icehouse coaches have been owners and founders themselves, starting up successful businesses from scratch, and have held senior management and board positions for many of New Zealand’s most prestigious companies.

‘We’re all part of a team, and that’s why I love working with the Icehouse as well. We’re all whanau, and the only driver is ‘what is best for the client?’, explains Icehouse coach Kim Hill.

‘And we all share that philosophy. I’ve been working with a number of Icehouse businesses recently, and I talk about our shared passion. We're about empowerment and capacity building I know that my ethos aligns with The Icehouse and that's why I love working with them,’ she says.  

| Develop confidence and strategy

Maybe you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, trying to figure out how to solve a problem, or looking for a sounding board to bounce around strategy – we all need reassurance that we’re doing the right thing. 21% of owners rate themselves as the biggest obstacle to success, while 26% lack the confidence to grow their business successfully.

Good coaches understand what it takes to make a business grow – and how difficult it can be. ‘When it's your own company, it's your house that's on the line, your family’s wellbeing and so on. So I like to think I bring both sides to any challenge – knowing how to grow a business, how to do it well and fast,’ says Icehouse coach, Kevin D’Ambros-Smith.

Business owners have struggled in the past to get coaching assistance that comes with real value. The advice is too generic and doesn’t focus on the key areas where they need support, there’s a lack of expertise in a specific sector, or maybe the personalities just don’t ‘click’.

| Covering every location

This is where current trends in digital communication help. With the increased adoption of technologies like Zoom, the geographical obstacles and costs of the past can be overcome easily. Business owners can work with their chosen coach virtually, regardless if they’re in Invercargill or Kerikeri, enabling our coaches to work with businesses anywhere in New Zealand.  

This also means we can connect business owners with the best coaching fit, especially when it comes to experience in unique industries. Owners can drill down to very niche challenges or situations that require highly specialised assistance – often from Icehouse coaches who have been in exactly the same business situations from their time as owner managers. 

Business owners like Blair James from James Group, who works with coach Ken Leeming, have found a completely new approach and increased success in their business due to the advice and objectivity an Icehouse business coach provided.

| ‘Been there, done that’ empathy

‘Ken has been superb thus far, and he constantly challenges me. He brings a new outlook to every aspect of the business and can articulate it in a way I can understand and apply. Ken has taught me, “you are where your feet are”, helping me to control the controllables and he has prevented me on numerous occasions from grazing my knees, having already been through so many challenges I am facing.’ - Blair James.

View the full case study here.

The overwhelming response we’ve had from business owners is that they really value advice from an objective, experienced expert who understands what they’re going through. They’re keen to have access to people who have ‘been there, done that’ and can help them avoid the pitfalls.

‘Our Business Coaches are passionate about helping business owners to succeed. They bring all their experience to bear on your business and help you make the right decisions,’ says Darilyn Kane, Coaching and Advisory Lead at The Icehouse.

‘Our team will match you with an Icehouse coach who will get to know you and your business. They’ll guide you through the tough times – we have helped over a hundred business owners deal with the current disruption. Whether virtual or in person, they’ll bring knowledge, experience and an objective view. They’re focused on getting you moving in the right direction.’

Meet some of our business coaches.

For more advice and information around how business coaching can help you and your business, head to our dedicated resource

For more coaching profiles, business ownership and leadership advice, check out more of our blogs.

 

Topics: Business Succession, Business Strategy & Planning, HR & Employment, Growth, Governance, Kim Hill, Kevin D'Ambros-Smith, Coaching