I started a business from scratch as a single mum in debt and have made over £2.5m in revenue in 5 years AMA

[Whitecup24]

Hello

I was asked to do a AMA on another thread and have a day off today so thought it would be a good time to do it.

I’ve started various businesses some worked some didn’t but then I started teaching what had worked for me (using LinkedIn to get clients) and it just took off in 2017/18.

I’m now a business coach and help other people to start and grow businesses online very often mums especially those who don’t want to return to work (why I started my business) or want to make additional money usually from what they already know and without spending lots of money on retraining or expensive set up costs.

if I can answer any questions or help anyone with their businesses I’m around all day

Hello - congratulations 🍾

May I ask what your business is in?

Do you run a pyramid scheme?

Hi not sure if it’s best to quote or reply so will try both and see which is best.

Yes of course so the big business is a training programme where people join and get lifetime access to training, a Facebook community and live calls it’s mainly about how to get leads from LinkedIn but we talk about all aspects of business and online marketing.

Hi absolutely not in fact although I do have clients who do MLM I don’t advise people do it I prefer to help people start their own businesses and make their own money.

How successful have your clients been? And how have they benefitted from your coaching?

I don't mean that in a goady way more in a what kinds of business have been successful and what businesses have benefitted most from your training?

This sounds very much like this thread is going to be a pitch for your consulting services OP.

im looking to set up a local business providing healthcare at home (not medical aesthetics but more like private home physio). What’s the best way to advertise these services? I’ve got a business name, website, indemnity and medical negligence insurance etc etc but don’t know how to advertise myself!

It really does.

My question is how does your experience of setting up one business help others? If I set up a business for example selling crochet items and it was successful I'm not sure I'd be in a position to help advise someone else who wanted to set up in a different sector. Surely they need advice from people who have done similar to what they are doing?

A definite mix. I’d say of everyone who joins 20% absolutely smash it, they get amazing results, they do all the work, they change their lives beyond recognition. I’m talking £100K+++ coming in from direct results of their actions, following what I teach and utilising our support.

20% do nothing, buy it and don’t take action, or go round in circles thinking about things but not doing the things. These are the 20% that stop me sleeping at night and we spend a lot of time trying to help and get them to move forward. 10% do, 10% just don’t. Really frustrating.

The middle are a mix - they change their model over and over or take action inconsistently and get inconsistent results but overall they make good money from doing what we teach - I’d say most £2-3k a month up to £5-10k depending on what they sell and how consistent they are in showing up.

I charge £1500 to join and make it my mission to make sure they get a return on that investment or we’ve failed them massively.

Or it could be me helping a lot of people who want to start businesses or can’t see how they can make money. With respect, I don’t need to get clients from mumsnet

What do you mean "leads from linked in" - leads for what? Some sort of sales I presume?

possibly the most blatant sales pitch I’ve ever seen on mn.

What would be your main ‘top tips’ to someone wanting to start their own business?

Thanks OP - is the LjnkedIn focus around social selling ?

But what do the businesses making 100k plus do? Are they also selling services (if so what type?) Or are they selling products (if so what type?)

Do you refund them if they don't make their money back?

Are you still running the original business that took off?

Do you give people business ideas or do they come to the table with an existing business and you help them expand?

Presumably “pay me £1500”.

and yes, before you accuse me of cynicism, yes I do run a successful business.

I’m also a self made millionaire OP and I’ve done this thread before. I’m surprised you only got one MLM accusation so far.

My thread descended into accusations of lying and someone even called me a Walter Mitty type.

Congratulations and good luck with this thread.

Well obviously I’m going to recommend LinkedIn because it’s free and easy to use and full of people with jobs and therefore money coming in (although we don’t know how much going out) but you can start by setting up your profile to show how you help people and then grow your audience there by asking to connect with people in your home town then posting about your business (don’t send DMs though)

I’ve seen people use local Facebook groups really effectively (and I’ve seen it done really badly) I got my masseuse from mine and she’s great. She gets all her work from there. So it definitely can work just be consistent in showing up in the group and supporting other people rather than only posting when you want business.

My first business was a maternity reflexology practice and I got loads of great clients by going to the local mum and baby groups and doing mini massages etc and leaving leaflets it pays to get to know all the local group leaders and see if you can go along. There’s something about getting ‘hands on’ with people and lots of people who have money to invest in their health are on Mat leave.

Another way is going to local businesses to do lunchtime talks or events again these can be found on LinkedIn and if you’re feeling brave just walk into say co-working offices and chat to the receptionist about how you’re a local business. I used to take in a small box of chocolates and come leaflets and ask if I could leave them with her (or him but usually a her).

How much profit have you made from £2.5m revenue?

It wasn't an accusation. It was a question as the OP said her main clientele is moms and she's made a lot of money.

I call bullshit

What is it that people are selling?

The people you coach - what are they doing?

My experience is of starting and growing multiple businesses and I would say the principles are always the same - know your ideal client, create an offer that explains the outcomes, price it right and get visible so people can buy it.

I teach how to use LinkedIn to grow and engage with your audience whatever you’re selling and the principles of that work no matter what the business.

Of course there are nuances to specific sectors and products but I do think the basics stay the same

I mean get enquiries on LinkedIn - so I show people how to set up and use LinkedIn to get clients, or customers, or sales etc.

Whatever their business