Previously Learnt Podcast - James Shaw and Michael McLaughlin

In a recent episode  of the Previously Learnt Podcast, hosts James Shaw and Michael McLaughlin are joined by business coach Robin Waite. 

Robin, also known as "The Fearless Business Coach," brings a refreshing perspective. His approach to business coaching goes beyond the typical metrics, focusing on self-worth, the value of one's work, and the broader impact on future generations. In a recent podcast discussion, Robin shared valuable insights that every entrepreneur can learn from. This article delves into the key takeaways from that conversation.

What We Discussed on the Previously Learnt Podcast

1. Valuing Yourself and Your Work: Pricing reflects more than monetary worth; it signifies the value you provide. Understanding and communicating this value is essential for business success and fulfilment.
2. A Timeless Resource on Pricing: Robin’s forthcoming book will serve as a comprehensive guide to pricing, helping entrepreneurs grasp its deeper meaning and apply it effectively in their businesses.
3. Shifting Perspective on Pricing: Viewing pricing beyond transactions enables entrepreneurs to align their self-worth with their business value, leading to greater financial freedom and personal satisfaction.
4. Aligning Pricing with Business Success: Proper pricing not only covers costs but also highlights the true value provided, fostering a more sustainable and satisfying business model.
5. Creating a Legacy Through Knowledge: Robin’s goal is to leave a lasting impact through his content, aiming to inspire and empower future generations of entrepreneurs with practical and philosophical insights.
6. Empowering Through Self-Worth: Content should encourage readers to recognize their intrinsic value, translating this self-worth into business practices like pricing and client relations.
7. The Power of Resilience and Self-Belief: Effective coaching blends resilience with supportive encouragement, helping individuals overcome challenges while fostering growth and self-belief.

Valuing Yourself and Your Work

One of the central themes Robin emphasises is the importance of valuing oneself and one's work. He discusses how pricing is not just about the money, but about understanding and communicating the value of what you offer. Robin’s upcoming book, solely focused on pricing, aims to provide a timeless resource that helps business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs grasp the deeper meaning behind pricing strategies.

A Timeless Resource on Pricing

Robin’s forthcoming book, solely dedicated to pricing, seeks to be a timeless guide that delves into these nuances, offering business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs a deeper understanding of the philosophy behind pricing. He envisions this book as a tool that not only helps readers set appropriate prices but also encourages them to explore their own self-worth and the worth of their work.

Shifting Perspective on Pricing

This perspective pushes individuals to look beyond the immediate transactional nature of pricing. It challenges them to consider how their self-perception influences their business decisions and ultimately their success. By setting prices that accurately reflect the true value of their offerings, entrepreneurs can cultivate a sense of fulfilment and financial freedom. This empowerment allows them to live the life they envision, whether it's having the freedom to spend time with family, travel, or simply enjoy the rewards of their hard work.

Aligning Pricing with Business Success

Moreover, Robin’s approach to pricing aligns with his broader mission of helping business owners stop struggling and start thriving. He wants them to understand that their pricing should not just cover costs but also reflect the value they provide to their clients. This shift in mindset can lead to a more sustainable and satisfying business model, where entrepreneurs feel confident in charging what they are truly worth. Through this, they can achieve the fulfilment and freedom that they sought when they first embarked on their entrepreneurial journey.

Creating a Legacy Through Knowledge

Robin’s legacy is closely tied to the knowledge and wisdom he shares through his books. He hopes that his work will outlast him, continuing to influence and inspire future generations of business owners. This desire to leave a lasting impact is a powerful motivator, driving Robin to create content that not only teaches practical skills but also instils a sense of self-worth and purpose in his readers.

Timeless Content Creation:

• Develop resources that offer enduring value, focusing on principles and strategies that remain relevant regardless of changing trends.
• Ensure that content addresses fundamental aspects of business and personal development that are applicable across various industries and stages of entrepreneurship.

Empowering Through Self-Worth:

• Craft content that encourages readers to recognise and embrace their intrinsic value, helping them overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
• Include actionable advice on how to translate self-worth into business practices, such as pricing and client relationships.

Practical Skills and Real-World Applications:

• Provide practical tools and techniques that readers can implement immediately to improve their businesses and personal lives.
• Use real-life examples and case studies to illustrate how the concepts apply in different scenarios, making the content more relatable and actionable.

Inspiring Future Generations:

• Share personal anecdotes and experiences that resonate with readers and demonstrate how the principles can be applied in various contexts.
• Focus on creating content that not only teaches but also inspires readers to take bold steps in their own entrepreneurial journeys.

Building a Community:

• Foster a sense of community among readers by encouraging them to share their experiences, challenges, and successes related to the content.
• Provide platforms or forums where readers can connect, discuss ideas, and support each other, enhancing the impact of the knowledge shared.

Legacy of Thought Leadership:

• Position yourself as a thought leader by continually updating and expanding on your ideas, staying relevant to current industry developments and emerging trends.
• Contribute to broader conversations within the business community, offering insights and perspectives that challenge conventional thinking and drive innovation.

Multi-Generational Impact:

• Aim to create content that is not only relevant for today but also valuable for future generations, helping to shape the way business is approached and perceived.
• Consider how the principles and strategies shared can be passed down and adapted to suit evolving business environments and societal changes.

Robin’s approach to creating a lasting legacy through his work reflects his commitment to making a meaningful impact. By focusing on timeless principles, practical advice, and inspiring future generations, he aims to ensure that his contributions continue to benefit and empower entrepreneurs long after he is gone.

Empowering the Next Generation

The discussion also touched on the personal legacies Robin and the podcast hosts hope to leave for their children. Robin’s story about his daughter proudly calling him "The Fearless Business Coach" highlights the importance of setting a positive example for the next generation. Both Robin and the hosts express a strong desire to empower their children, especially their daughters, to pursue their dreams without limitations.

This focus on legacy extends beyond the immediate family. Robin wants to see business owners achieve their full potential, charging what they’re worth, and creating fulfilling lives for themselves and their families. By doing so, they can break free from the struggles that often come with entrepreneurship and enjoy the freedom that success can bring.

Lessons on Reading the Room

One of the practical pieces of advice Robin shares is the importance of reading the room in business meetings. This skill allows individuals to gauge the atmosphere and dynamics of a group, enabling them to adjust their approach and communication style accordingly. This ability to connect with others on a deeper level is a crucial aspect of effective leadership and business management.

The Power of Resilience and Self-Belief

Throughout the conversation, the themes of resilience and self-belief are evident. Robin's tough-love approach, coupled with a supportive and nurturing attitude, reflects his commitment to helping others overcome challenges. This balance between pushing people to their limits and offering encouragement is a hallmark of effective coaching, helping individuals grow while feeling supported.

Balancing Business and Personal Life

The discussion also underscores the importance of balancing business success with personal life. Robin and the hosts all share a desire to create opportunities for their children that they may not have had themselves. This focus on family and providing for future generations is a driving force behind their work, reminding us that business success is not just about financial gain but also about creating a better life for those we care about.

Conclusion: Building a Legacy that Lasts

Robin’s insights offer a powerful reminder that business is not just about numbers; it’s about people, values, and the legacies we leave behind. By valuing ourselves and our work, creating resources that outlive us, and empowering the next generation, we can build a lasting legacy that goes beyond the confines of our businesses. As Robin continues to influence and inspire, his message of self-worth and empowerment is one that resonates with entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey.