1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
A. I am the founder of Acorn Consulting, a personal development coaching business.
My business specialises in working with adults and teens who want to improve their lives and take active steps towards self-development. I call myself a “crossroads coach” as many of my clients come to me with a specific big decision to make regarding their career, finances, relationships or another area of their life. They are usually looking for inspiration and guidance.
2. When, how and why did you start your business?
A. I started my business in January 2022 after studying in 2021 to become a qualified and certified life coach through UCT.
I had been dreaming of becoming a coach for over a decade, and the stars aligned so the timing was just right for me to finally follow my dream.
3. What is your role in the business?
A. I am currently the only member of my business, although I hope to grow my consultancy in future, to include a variety of specialist coaches. I am the founder, coach, marketer, financier, accountant and more!
4. Where did you study and what did you study?
A. I studied Executive & Management Coaching at UCT.
5. How did you finance your business?
A. I used my own savings to fund my start-up costs. Luckily the barrier to entry and start-up costs for this type of business are relatively low and the only equipment I needed was my computer, printer, cell phone and myself!
6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.
A. I wake up at 5am and sort out my 2 kids and their school arrangements. When I return home around 7.30am, I finish getting ready for the day (I take special care of my appearance as I am on camera all day) and I’m usually at my desk from around 8am so start with my first client.
I usually see between 4 and 6 clients in a day. Each appointment is 45 minutes long. I spend about 15 minutes before each appointment to prepare for the meeting, and another 15 minutes or so after the meeting to make notes and summaries to refer to next time.
I work primarily over Zoom, although I have had clients who prefer to come and see me face-to-face in my home office.
I spend a fair amount of time also chatting to clients over Whatsapp in between meetings – either sharing articles/ relevant links or answering specific questions they might have.
Scheduling of appointments and invoicing my clients and reconciling their payments monthly is also quite time consuming so I make time for admin each day as well.
My work-life is quite sedentary and I am mostly at my desk, so I like to jump up and walk around my house or go into my beloved garden if I get the chance, to have a change of scenery and stretch my legs.
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
A. I work from my home, so I have to be quite careful to not let the boundaries blur too much… I have an office so I can luckily close the door when I’m working but I also like to close the door when I am “done for the day” so I can try and be present with my husband and kids.
I am mindful of my cellphone being a distraction as I often have clients reaching out to me. I prefer to keep my phone on silent when I am with my family and only go and check it once an hour or so in case of anything urgent.
I also never book client meetings on Fridays so can enjoy some personal time over a 3 day weekend each week, which is amazing.
8. What drives you and inspires you?
A. My clients inspire me. I am so lucky to work everyday with interesting, dynamic people. By its very nature, life coaching is favoured by people who are determined to make a success of themselves, so they are usually people who are energetic and optimistic about life.
The feeling of satisfaction I have when working with somebody who has experienced genuine transformation while under my care, is indescribable.
I always ask my clients for feedback and I receive the most heart-warming and encouraging testimonials, which help me know I am on the right track.
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
A. I have my best ideas when something in life inspires me. For example, an article I read online or a conversation I am part of with a friend or coaching colleague. That gets the wheels turning and I start thinking and researching. Before you know it, I am writing a blog or publishing an online marketing piece. I am an extrovert and I get my energy from connecting with others, so that is usually what prompts my best ideas.
10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?
A. I market online using Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. I occasionally pay for advertising through Facebook, but I haven’t found their targeting techniques very effective, so usually I rely on my own creativity of my daily posts to be shared and to gain followers and likes.
I recently was inspired to write an article about my journey of parenting an autistic child, which actually went viral (the last time I checked it had over 30k unique views, 2500 likes/loves etc and about 500 comments – a first for me!). I gained a lot of followers and even new clients from that piece, so you never know where inspiration might strike and benefit my business directly.
I am also always open to opportunities to speak to the public and expose my brand, Acorn Consulting, for example:
- I participated in a television interview about relationships on the Expresso morning show on SABC,
- I was approached by a journalist to take part in a magazine article regarding redefining yourself and starting a new career after 50,
- I sat on a panel as a keynote speaker for a women’s empowerment group, where we looked at effective mentorship.
11. What is next for your business?
A. I am in a growth phase and I still have capacity for more clients, so my aim is to continue growing my client base. Also, coaching is usually limited to around 8 – 12 sessions with a particular client, so I constantly need a new source of business. There is no sitting back and resting on my laurels!
I would like to diversify into some corporate work. I work with an amazing woman (Ann Baret) and her company (Team Dynamics) doing business and team coaching (operating under their brand) so I would like to continue to grow that aspect of my skills set.
12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
A. Do it. Be brave and take the plunge.
Create a simple business plan for yourself using a basic method, like 5W + H (Who, What, When, Where, Why + How) to help you finetune your thinking.
I encourage my clients to look at their lives in 3 broad areas:
- Career Performance,
- Mental & Physical Wellness,
- Relationships,
so try and set yourself little mini-goals and milestones covering each of these 3 areas to ensure that you have a balanced approach to your life and your new business.
Finally, be patient with yourself. These things take time. It will come!
About me
Having worked in corporate management for over 15 years, I have recently reverted back to my roots of education and psychology, to culminate in coaching. The communication skills I’ve developed over my career help me to navigate my calling to listen, guide and coach those who choose to partner with me – adults and teens alike. As a cancer survivor and mother of two, I am no stranger to adversity, and have developed the gift of grit as a result. One of my children has special needs, so I know first-hand the potential heartache and challenges of parenting, particularly if you have a child who has not yet found their way.
CONTACT
PHONE:
+27 (0) 833 573 473
WEBSITE:
www.capetowncoaching.co.za
EMAIL:
linda@capetowncoaching.co.za
SOCIALS
Facebook:
@acornconsulting2022
Instagram:
@acornconsulting2022
LinkedIn:
linda-jean-acorn-consulting2022
