Playing Big Faster: Overcoming Fear and Building a Successful Business

In a recent episode of the Play Big Faster podcast, hosted by Scherrie Prince, business coach and entrepreneur Robin Waite shared his remarkable journey—from running a modest local agency to becoming a renowned business coach and author. In this comprehensive article, we explore Robin’s experiences, insights on overcoming fear, the importance of coaching, and his innovative approach to building partnerships and growing a business.

Scherrie is a seasoned General Counsel with over twelve years of experience managing and resolving complex litigation for both private and public sector clients. She serves government and corporate entities, offering expert advice on business planning, contract negotiations, and regulatory compliance while optimising legal resources and achieving cost-effective outcomes. With an MBA and a dedicated focus on asset protection, Scherrie also works as a business strategist, guiding entrepreneurs on scaling their businesses and safeguarding their financial futures. Her extensive litigation expertise spans general and commercial liability, employment disputes, administrative and professional liability, among other areas, and she has a proven track record from pre-litigation assessments through to trials and appeals. Beyond her legal prowess, Scherrie is a passionate public speaker and mentor, frequently appearing at live and virtual events to empower others to make informed decisions and achieve success.

What We Discussed on the Play Big Faster Podcast

1. Embrace Fearless Decision-Making: Overcoming fear through bold yet calculated actions can lead to breakthrough business growth.
2. Leverage Business Coaching: Coaching provides invaluable mindset shifts, personalised strategies, and practical guidance for overcoming business challenges.
3. Adopt a Strategic Partnership Approach: Building relationships with influential figures through intentional networking and value-driven engagement can unlock significant opportunities.
4. Develop a Learning Mindset: Investing in books, podcasts, and events equips entrepreneurs with fresh ideas and strategies for sustained growth.
5. Build a Supportive Community: Surrounding yourself with like-minded entrepreneurs fosters mentorship, accountability, and collaborative success.
6. Focus on Value-Based Pricing: Prioritising value and results rather than volume can increase profitability while serving fewer clients.
7. Act with Intention: Strategic actions like offering support, nurturing connections, and providing value can lead to high-profile opportunities and increased revenue.

The Journey of a Fearless Entrepreneur

Robin Waite’s career is a testament to the transformative power of realisation and decisive action. His early days were marked by excitement and passion, but as his local marketing agency grew from a modest start in 2004 to a business generating over £235,000 in revenue, he began to feel unfulfilled. This realisation led him to a pivotal moment—a breakdown during a routine bike ride—which spurred him to close his agency and pivot towards coaching.

From Agency to Coaching

• The Turning Point:
  After experiencing burnout and recognising that the agency model no longer fulfilled him, Robin chose to close his business despite the initial financial stability it provided. This decisive action allowed him to take time off, spend paternity leave with his family, and rethink his approach to business.
• Embracing Mentorship:
  Following the closure, Robin started informal mentoring sessions. His ability to share his hard-won lessons resonated with other business owners who were eager to avoid the same pitfalls.
• Birth of Fearless Business:
  The term “Fearless Business” was coined during one of Robin’s talks when a friend described him as “the fearless business coach.” The mantra soon became a cornerstone of his approach: reducing fear—just ever so slightly—to help entrepreneurs make better decisions and grow their businesses

The Importance of Business Coaching

Robin’s transition into business coaching was driven by his desire to empower others. He noted that many business owners often fall into one of two extremes: being overly cautious or recklessly aggressive with their investments and growth strategies. His coaching focuses on the small adjustments that can make a significant difference.

Key Aspects of Effective Coaching

• Mindset Shifts:
  Coaching isn’t only about tactical advice; it’s about overcoming mental blocks and indecision. Robin observed that many business owners struggle with the mindset issues that hinder progress, and coaching provides a framework to address these challenges.
• Tailored Approaches:
  Recognising that one size does not fit all, Robin’s coaching practise offers both group programmes and one-to-one sessions. This flexibility ensures that clients can choose the format that best suits their needs:
  
  • Group Coaching:
    
    • Lifetime access to resources and a supportive community
    • Regular weekly calls and an online portal for continuous learning
    • Access to a network of associate coaches specialising in areas such as mindset and motivation
  • One-to-One Coaching:
    
    • More personalised, intimate sessions for those who prefer not to engage in a group setting
    • Focus on specific, individual challenges and bespoke strategies
• Community Focus:
  A strong sense of community is integral to Robin’s philosophy. Clients who complete the programme often become mentors themselves, contributing to a mastermind effect that benefits everyone involved.

Leveraging Partnerships for Business Growth

One of the most intriguing aspects of Robin’s discussion was his innovative approach to using podcast appearances and networking to drive business growth. His experience on Ali Abdal’s podcast, Deep Dive, is a case study in how intentional partnerships can yield substantial leads and revenue.

The Five-Step Process to Building Strategic Partnerships

Robin outlined a clear, actionable strategy for entrepreneurs looking to form valuable connections. Here are the five steps he recommends:

• Step 1: Be Intentional
  
  • Create a list of 10 influential people whose audiences you admire
  • Focus on those with larger followings than your own to maximise the potential reach
• Step 2: Meet in Person
  
  • Attend events where these influencers are speaking
  • Take a proactive role by positioning yourself in the front row and engaging directly after their talks
• Step 3: Add Value
  
  • Offer assistance at events, whether it’s guiding attendees or providing free coaching sessions
  • Help promote their events even if you aren’t officially asked to do so
• Step 4: Build Relationships with the Team
  
  • Get to know the influential person’s team members
  • Be the friendly, helpful face that they remember, so when opportunities arise, you are top of mind
• Step 5: Present a Silver Platter
  
  • Sometimes, the best way to speed up the process is to offer financial or logistical support
  • Sponsor events or assist in ways that elevate the influencer’s brand, thereby cementing the relationship

This strategy not only led Robin to secure a spot on a high-profile podcast appearance but also generated approximately 3,000 leads and an estimated $300,000 in new business opportunities over time.

Books and Resources: Sharing Knowledge Through the Written Word

Robin Waite’s journey into business coaching is complemented by his prolific output as an author. He has penned five books, each addressing different facets of entrepreneurship:

• Online Business Startup:
  A guide for launching an online business, which became a bestseller in the UK startup and entrepreneurship category on Amazon.
• Take Your Shot:
  Focused on transforming a traditional service (like golf coaching) into a more profitable, results-driven business model.
• Marketing Machine:
  Robin’s unique take on marketing, drawing inspiration from classic advertising strategies and modern techniques.
  Kickstart:
  A behind-the-scenes look at his book writing process, designed to help other business owners share their expertise.
• Get Coached:
  A compilation of client testimonials and real-life stories from people who have benefited from his coaching programmes.

Additionally, Robin is working on a new book centred on pricing strategies, aiming to help business owners double their income or profit with fewer clients by focusing on value and results rather than volume.

Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs

Robin Waite’s conversation on the Play Big Faster podcast provides a wealth of insights. Here are some of the essential lessons:

• Overcome Fear:
  Whether it’s delivering a 60-second pitch or raising your prices, the key is to act despite fear. There are crucial moments in every entrepreneur’s career where bold action can lead to massive success.
• Embrace Coaching:
  A business coach can help identify and overcome bottlenecks. Even if you believe you do not need one, engaging with a coach can accelerate your growth.
• Build Strong Partnerships:
  Strategic networking through intentional, value-driven interactions can open doors that would otherwise remain closed.
• Invest in Continuous Learning:
  Reading books, listening to podcasts, and attending events are all invaluable ways to acquire new skills and perspectives.
• Leverage Community:
  A supportive network not only offers advice but can also become a resource for future mentorship and collaboration.

Conclusion

Robin Waite’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of taking calculated risks. From overcoming the challenges of running an agency to building a thriving coaching practise, his journey highlights the importance of being fearless in the face of uncertainty. Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned entrepreneur, the lessons shared by Robin—coupled with the strategic approaches to networking and community building—offer a roadmap to playing big and achieving lasting success.

For more insights and to access Robin’s range of books and resources, visit his website or subscribe to his YouTube channel for high-quality business advice. Remember, in the world of entrepreneurship, it’s those sliding door moments that can make all the difference—so don’t hesitate to take that leap.