From Precious | January, 2009
Leanne Lindsey | General
LL Coaching Ltd
www.llcoaching.co.uk
Leanne Lindsey is the founder of LL Coaching, a personal life coaching service that works with people to discover what it is they truly want out of life by inspiring and motivating them to achieve their dreams and reach their full potential, creating a life that is full of balance and fulfillment.
Precious: Did you always want to be a Business Woman?
Yes, I've always known that I did not want to work for another company. I always wanted to be in control of my time and the work I do. It just wasn't clear exactly how I was going achieve it.
Precious: How and when did you come up with your business idea?
I came up with my business idea whilst at home on long term sick with RSI. I
realised that my full time job in IT was damaging my health severely at
just 27 years old and I decided that it was time to think of an alternative
and take control of my life.
Precious: Tell us about the business planning stage
Initially I researched the market and drafted my ideas in a draft plan.
I then contacted Business Link and had a meeting with one of their advisors.
I also worked with an advisor at Enterprise Enfield and attended a number
of their workshops. As my business is still developing I am currently in
the process of writing a proper structured business plan.
Precious: Did you have any formal business training?
No formal business training other than the workshops I attended. I did however undertake formal training specific to my business area.
Precious: What funding sources have worked for you?
To date I have not sought any funding other than using my own personal finance.
Precious: How do you work o making your business grow?
Mainly through networking and working with other organisations/people who are in the same field and share the same common interests.
Precious: Has your business developed in the way that you thought it would?
No, the direction I want to go in has changed quite a bit in just under a year.
My initial focus has now changed so for 2009 I am working to develop the
areas I am now focused on – mainly developing empowerment programmes rather
than pure 121 coaching.
Precious: What's been the most exciting event to happen in your business life so far?
Actually the most exciting thing for me was actually setting up my limited company and getting a registered company number, because that made it official for me.
Precious: How do you see your business progressing over the next five years?
I can see my business growing to offer a number of programmes and projects focusing on specific groups in the community and making a significant positive contribution to local communities.
Precious: Apart from Precious, do you belong to any networking groups?
A number of online network groups - Sistatalk, Ecademy, Facebook, Healthypages,
Chisuk, just to mention a few!.
Precious: How do you achieve the work life balance?
I keep Sundays free and have dinner with my immediate family. I also make sure I leave one day free a month to meet up with close friends and always make time to go to the gym as for me good health is fundamental.
Precious: How has family/friends support affected your business efforts?
My family and friends have been very supportive. At first some members of my immediate family were worried and urged me to be “careful” and “realistic” but now everyone is very supportive, even helping to design my website and leaflets. And now everyone informs me of any networking, business or personal development events they hear about.
Precious: What's your advice to potential female entrepreneurs?
If you really believe in your idea, give it 100%, research it and initially only share your idea with people you trust implicitly and that you can honestly have your best interests at heart. Do not let other people’s insecurities stop you from achieving your dreams and goals in life. Also, make sure your write your goals down and put dates against them and work with a coach to ensure sure you stick to them. Make sure you are organised, punctual and professional at all times. Finally always reserve something for yourself. Regularly take time for you and your own personal development and well being.!