Meet the Great Podcast - Kyle Wakefield and Kian Foster

It was a real pleasure to meet Kyle Wakefield and Kian Foster during my recent interview on the Meet the Great Podcast. Here's a summary of our conversation...

Starting a business can often be a mix of intentional planning and happy accidents. Robin Waite's journey into the world of business coaching is a testament to this blend. From a summer job that turned into a career to founding a successful coaching business, Robin's story is both inspiring and educational. In this article, we delve into his journey, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he learned along the way. Enjoy the read and gather some valuable insights for your entrepreneurial journey.

Key Takeaways

• Accidental Beginnings: Sometimes, the path to success is not linear and can start from unexpected places.
• Importance of Adaptability: Being able to pivot and adapt to new opportunities is crucial.
• Value of Mentorship: Having a mentor can provide invaluable guidance and support.
• Balancing Life and Work: Finding a balance between professional and personal life is essential for long-term success.
• Pricing Strategy: Proper pricing can significantly impact business growth and sustainability.

The Accidental Entrepreneur

Robin Waite's journey into entrepreneurship began somewhat accidentally. After leaving school, he took on a summer job as a systems analyst, where he built an advanced database system that replaced a manual CAD process. This job, initially meant to be temporary, turned into a part-time role while he pursued a business management degree. However, a twist of fate led him to start his own business instead of completing his dissertation. This decision marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey.

Early Ventures and Side Hustles

Even as a teenager, Robin knew he wanted to start a business. His first side hustle involved buying and selling graded laptops, which he managed to sell at a significant profit. This venture, although short-lived, provided him with valuable business experience. It was during this time that he reconnected with a former colleague, leading to the start of his first official business.

Transition to Coaching

Robin's transition to business coaching was not entirely intentional. After running a web design agency for 12 years, he found himself unfulfilled despite the business's financial success. The long hours and stress took a toll, especially with a growing family. An opportunity to sell his agency's client base allowed him to pivot towards coaching. Initially, he offered informal mentoring, which gradually evolved into a formal coaching business.

Building a Coaching Business

In 2016, Robin officially launched his coaching business, Fearless Business. The first year was marked by intense activity, including networking events, consultations, and speaking engagements. This hustle paid off, as he quickly built a reputation and a client base. His focus on helping coaches, consultants, and freelancers package their services and articulate their value proved to be a winning formula.

The Power of Pricing

One of Robin's key areas of expertise is pricing strategy. He believes that proper pricing is the fastest way to grow a business. By helping clients understand their value and set appropriate prices, he enables them to avoid the pitfalls of underpricing and overworking. His book, Take Your Shot, encapsulates these principles and offers practical advice for entrepreneurs.

Writing and Sharing Knowledge

Robin's journey also includes authoring several books, including Take Your Shot and Online Business Startup. These books serve as valuable resources for entrepreneurs, offering insights into business growth, pricing, and online marketing. Robin's commitment to sharing knowledge extends to giving away copies of his books, making business advice accessible to those who need it most.

Balancing Business and Family

Balancing a successful business with family life is one of Robin's ongoing challenges. As a father of two, he emphasises the importance of setting boundaries and prioritising family time. By taking Fridays off and dedicating time to self-care, he manages to maintain a balance that allows him to be present for his family while continuing to grow his business.

Conclusion

Robin Waite's journey from an accidental entrepreneur to a successful business coach is a story of adaptability, perseverance, and continuous learning. His experiences highlight the importance of seizing opportunities, valuing mentorship, and finding a balance between work and personal life. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Robin's story offers valuable lessons and inspiration to navigate their own paths to success.