goingsolo.net

Welcome! My name is Julie Roberts – as a professional life and business coach, experienced in running my own business and helping others to do the same, I act as a guide, supporter, and sounding board for my clients, removing that feeling of ’being on your own’. I can help you to

Take action to unleash your potential, and attain your goals.
Gain clarity and focus, and make decisions.
Overcome lack of confidence, and other limiting beliefs
Find your own solutions to specific challenges.
Build a profitable business, according to your definition of success.
Enjoy a balance between business, family and other commitments.
Do something worthwhile, make a difference, and realise your dreams.

What is Coaching?

Life and business coaching has been described as “the most powerful process to unlock individual potential”. It is about focusing on what you want to achieve, determining the action that is required to create it, and making it happen.
Through building rapport, listening, and really understanding the client and their situation, the coach asks questions which challenge thinking, and raise awareness.
The coach is then able to assist the client in removing limiting beliefs, looking for possible ways to go forward, and enabling the client to find their own solution.
The coach is there as a guide and supporter, helping the client to empower themselves.
A coach is not a therapist, a counsellor, or an advisor , and is non judgemental – they use the tools and skills of coaching to assist people who want to make changes in their life, to get them from where they are, to where they want to be.

About Me

My formal education, a B.Sc. in Psychology and Statistics, and an M.Sc. in Social Statistics, reflects my interest in people and ability for clear logical thinking. From University I started my career in Local Government, in Research, Information and Development.
Having a young family, my first business venture was prompted by the desire to work from home and to enjoy more flexibility. In November 1984, with funding from the Enterprise Allowance Scheme, Togs for Tots was established. From starting selling a few baby clothes to friends, the business was expanded to delivering baby goods across Shropshire. By the early 1990’s the turnover had reached over Ł250,000, and the business included an equipment hire service and a nursery shop. Togs for Tots was sold as a going concern in 1999.
In 1996, I joined the network marketing division of an international publishing company, and within a year had qualified for membership of the Executive Club, which recognised the entrepreneurial skills of the top 20 business builders in the organisation. Following a takeover, the direct sales division, which included my business and sales team of 240 advisors, was closed down.
My interest in coaching is a natural progression from my experience in my previous businesses of both reaching my own goals, and assisting and encouraging others to meet theirs. Having decided to train to be a life coach, I launched my own consultancy - Professional Life & Business Coaching in November 2000. I am an accredited life and corporate coach, and have been a trainer, mentor, practical assessor and Regional Director with the UK College of Life Coaching. I have coached private individuals, and within the corporate environment, however coaching those who are just setting up, or running their own business has been my passion.

Why Coaching?

Flexibility, control over your own life, earning an income, creating a new future, and doing something worthwhile are some of the reasons for setting up your own business. There are plenty of agencies giving advice on what you should do, and how to do it, but they often fail to really understand the needs and challenges of the individual, and this is where coaching can really help.
Although you need information which is common to all businesses, the appeal of setting up and running your own business is that it fits your desired lifestyle, and can be developed to give you what you want. It may be based on a tried and tested model, but it is unique in that it is developed to satisfy personal requirements, whether that is reflected in an increased income, or in doing something you love.
Coaching over the telephone is a practical, cost effective, and time efficient way to overcome the unique and personal challenges in setting up and running your own business - balancing work and family, having confidence, dealing with specific relationships, developing new skills, finding innovative approaches, having an unbiased outsider to test ideas on - all vital for business success.
The value of coaching is immeasurable, as the benefits are reflected in personal satisfaction as well as increased income. Coaching programmes are designed to meet the needs of the individual, are totally flexible, and cost from £50 a month. .
Going Solo is about using coaching to realise the dream of running your own successful business as part of a truly balanced life which incorporates family, friends, health and every other aspect, that will enable you to look back with pride at what you have achieved.
For me, the greatest pleasure is knowing that as a life and business coach, I can make a difference, helping you to fulfil your ambitions and being able to share in your success.

Coaching in Action

Coaching has helped many individuals to develop their businesses, whether they were just starting out, or already had an established business. I have worked with those running traditional businesses, consultants, and network marketing businesses covering a variety of services and industries. For some, a single coaching session identified the solution to a specific challenge, many have found that a few sessions have provided the focus needed, and for others coaching is ongoing and keeps them on track.
Clients have told me that they have saved money, got additional business, kept going when they might have given up, and been able to sleep at night as a direct result of coaching. Below, some of my clients have kindly agreed to share their thoughts on how coaching has helped them.

"As a blunt outspoken Yorkshire man I never thought I would need let alone use the services of a life coach!! Two years ago with my business stagnating and a problem of differentiating between wood and trees I booked a session with Julie. My scepticism and cynicism (what else do you expect..see opening sentence) went within the first five minutes of the meeting starting.I had all the answers in my own head but they had to be found and put into a workable programme..this Julie helped me do".

Malcolm Banks - 2/8/04
Windscreen Repair Services - Weston Rhyn

"I have been privileged to have found Julie when I was searching for something that was missing in my life in November 2003. I had been feeling very dissatisfied with my life, almost depressed, but I could not identify why I felt this way and what I needed to do to feel better. I had strayed from my path and was unable to find my way, this is where Julie has helped me. In the dark that was, Julie helped me find the torch, turn it on and point it in the right direction".

Helen Walters - 07/08/04
Life Initiative Ltd - Shropshire

Sometimes life feels like trying to climb the down escalator - through working with Julie I have learnt skills that help me to process the challenges - freeing me up to enjoythe ride up the up escalator!"

Sue Ashton-Green - 22/08/04
Living Well, Naturally - Shrewsbury

“For several years I had been feeling trapped in a job I really disliked, and kept formulating ideas and escape plans, but without the courage and confidence to put them into action.

Through a work related course I heard about Julie and Life coaching, and knew that in all aspects of my life she could probably help but the most urgent was my job. Once I started sessions, I slowly began to feel more confident and was able to achieve small steps towards my ultimate goal.
I finally took the plunge at the beginning of this year, and now paint murals for a living!I feel liberated and more in control of my life. It is sometimes scary being solely responsible for my success (or failure), but that feeling is well
balanced by being able to earn a living doing something I am so passionate about.

I know I would not be able to write this without Julies support and encouragement and her help in enabling me to realise the courage of my convictions. Thank you Julie."

Lindsey Harris - 02/08/03
Wall Stories – Cambridgeshire

“After 10 years in the Civil Service I was stuck in a rut, frustrated and stressed. I was getting no job satisfaction and my family life was suffering as a consequence. I did not know what I wanted other than to become self- employed again and regain control of my own destiny. But how do I get there?

My wife, who already had several coaching sessions, said, “You need to see Julie”.

I duly booked in for my first coaching session. Over the next few weeks and with her help I focussed on my career path and decided in which field my skills could be fully utilised. Julie also helped me identify how to balance my working and family life and fine - tune some of the more important aspects of my new business.

Julie’s style is to guide you to the answers that you already have within you. Essentially you are doing it yourself…but with a help from her. It is a very subtle method backed up by a wealth of experience (life & business) that she imparts as and when is appropriate during the sessions.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Julie for helping me see the light. I have never been happier at work or with my family. I also look forward to further coaching sessions, with Julie, to discuss the ongoing development of my business”.

Rowly Hill -25/07/03
Hill’s Home & Garden Services – Newport, Shropshire

“I am a freelance trainer, and my lowest point was when I found myself in a hotel in York (some 100+ miles from home), pleading for a bed at midnight. This was because I couldn't remember which hotel I'd actually booked in at two weeks earlier! I was so late as I had to rush round (inconveniencing other people) to get the materials sorted for a training session the following morning. The whole debacle cost me a lot in stress, ££££ (The original hotel billed me for a no-show!!), and I also lost the confidence that I could hold down a part-time job, carry on doing free-lance work as well as being a wife and mother to two young girls. In short I was a mess, and it was having an adverse effect in many ways - my home, my family, my finances, my relationship with my husband.....etc

I took Julie up on her offer of the introductory session, and in that short time I could see a way starting to show through the tangled mess that was stopping me enjoying my work and costing me money. Over the early sessions, we tackled together the practical things that were causing problems and wasting time, and as those matters resolved themselves into new habits and workable systems, we were able to look at more long term goals, and eventually I flew solo!

My diary has become my most important tool, and even my daughters (at 9 and 10) are aware of its use and benefits. It suits my way of working, to now look on issues that come up as 'projects' and I project manage them well, very often imagining Julie's voice asking questions when I get stuck. And if I get a situation I don't feel comfortable handling, I know that I can always use Julie again to help me identify the way through it.

The coaching has had such a tremendous, and permanent, effect on my life - I would recommend coaching, and Julie (with her particular style of humour, gentleness and understanding) in particular, to anyone who feels dissatisfied with their life - things can get better”.

Wendy Stirling – 23/04/03
Wendy Stirling Training, Bridgnorth

"When I was 53 I was made redundant from a national food processing company, I was thoroughly depressed at the thought of continuing to work in the secretarial field. I had spent the last 20 years of working life in one or other senior secretarial positions, working at the hard edge, being on call 16 hours a day, stressed out and resentful at being over-looked every time when it came to the yearly bonus awards. In the back of my mind, having always been interested in sewing, I had an idea that I would like to start a small business in curtain making. In, reality, however I thought this was totally out of my reach. As part of my redundancy package I was to receive out-placement.
At the Shropshire Business Women’s Society meeting (See: www.sbws.org) I picked up one of Julie Roberts’s pamphlets. She sounded experienced and from her picture looked friendly and perhaps not too intimidating, therefore I decided to use her services. Julie was instrumental in changing my life. She brought a “why not” approach to the coaching sessions. Julie was also able to apply her own business experience to the sessions which served to provide a sense of conceivability to the equation. Looking back, I can hardly believe the changes that have been brought about in my life over the last 4 months. Had it not been for Julie’s innovative level-headed and detailed approach, I am convinced I would still be a secretary who had turned the light off in the back of her mind. Thank you Julie"

Susan Hancock - 13/08/02
Material Magic, Telford

"At the beginning of 2001, I joined my father in his printing and stationery business. I needed to help him to make a success of this new company, but having been out of the workplace for the last five years, did not know if I had the confidence to do what was necessary to make the business grow.
Julie was recommended to me by a friend - I took up the complimentary coaching session, and could see the value of speaking to someone who is completely independent. Over the last twenty months, in the fortnightly coaching sessions we have covered all sorts of business issues, from making contact with potential customers to dealing with relationships. During this time the business turnover has rocketed!
I have always referred to you as my “secret weapon”, but you are no longer a secret and I am delighted to share this with everyone else! Wishing you every success."

Sarah Stevenson-Olds – 30/08/02
www.lamtechstationery.co.uk

"Going it alone after 23 years working for a national organisation, can seem daunting, albeit exciting. Julie's coaching skills have enabled me, through self examination, to consider all the challenges and fears and to talk them through in a safe environment, before trying them out in my business. Julie helped me to focus on where I wanted to go .... and then to go for it. I recommend Julie's coaching to anyone who wants to challenge the status quo."

Maralyn Long - 01/09/02
MD Concept Catering Ltd

"Life Coaching with Julie is excellent, it helps you in both your business or personal life, whichever you want to work on. I would highly recommend this approach for anyone who really wants to change and improve any area of their life."

Beverley Densham - 01/09/02
Lifestyle Pilates, Hertfordshire

Free eguide

An eguide is simply a way of offering guidance using the internet - by collecting each issue you will find the questions to some of your answers!
Going Solo is a free, short, monthly eguide for those who may be thinking about, just setting up, or currently running their own business. Each eguide will use a coaching approach to address a specific challenge, and get you thinking!
To sign up, please return to goingsolo.net

Contact Me

To book your thirty minute complimentary telephone coaching session
simply ring 07977 215501 or email julie@goingsolo.net

Welcome! My name is Julie Roberts – as a professional life and business coach, experienced in running my own business and helping others to do the same, I act as a guide, supporter, and sounding board for my clients, removing that feeling of ’being on your own’. I can help you to Take action to unleash your potential, and attain your goals. Gain clarity and focus, and make decisions. Overcome lack of confidence, and other limiting beliefs Find your own solutions to specific challenges. Build a profitable business, according to your definition of success. Enjoy a balance between business, family and other commitments. Do something worthwhile, make a difference, and realise your dreams.
*What is Coaching?* Life and business coaching has been described as “the most powerful process to unlock individual potential”. It is about focusing on what you want to achieve, determining the action that is required to create it, and making it happen. Through building rapport, listening, and really understanding the client and their situation, the coach asks questions which challenge thinking, and raise awareness. The coach is then able to assist the client in removing limiting beliefs, looking for possible ways to go forward, and enabling the client to find their own solution. The coach is there as a guide and supporter, helping the client to empower themselves. A coach is not a therapist, a counsellor, or an advisor , and is non judgemental – they use the tools and skills of coaching to assist people who want to make changes in their life, to get them from where they are, to where they want to be. *About Me* My formal education, a B.Sc. in Psychology and Statistics, and an M.Sc. in Social Statistics, reflects my interest in people and ability for clear logical thinking. From University I started my career in Local Government, in Research, Information and Development. Having a young family, my first business venture was prompted by the desire to work from home and to enjoy more flexibility. In November 1984, with funding from the Enterprise Allowance Scheme, Togs for Tots was established. From starting selling a few baby clothes to friends, the business was expanded to delivering baby goods across Shropshire. By the early 1990’s the turnover had reached over Ł250,000, and the business included an equipment hire service and a nursery shop. Togs for Tots was sold as a going concern in 1999. In 1996, I joined the network marketing division of an international publishing company, and within a year had qualified for membership of the Executive Club, which recognised the entrepreneurial skills of the top 20 business builders in the organisation. Following a takeover, the direct sales division, which included my business and sales team of 240 advisors, was closed down. My interest in coaching is a natural progression from my experience in my previous businesses of both reaching my own goals, and assisting and encouraging others to meet theirs. Having decided to train to be a life coach, I launched my own consultancy - Professional Life & Business Coaching in November 2000. I am an accredited life and corporate coach, and have been a trainer, mentor, practical assessor and Regional Director with the UK College of Life Coaching. I have coached private individuals, and within the corporate environment, however coaching those who are just setting up, or running their own business has been my passion. *Why Coaching?* Flexibility, control over your own life, earning an income, creating a new future, and doing something worthwhile are some of the reasons for setting up your own business. There are plenty of agencies giving advice on what you should do, and how to do it, but they often fail to really understand the needs and challenges of the individual, and this is where coaching can really help. Although you need information which is common to all businesses, the appeal of setting up and running your own business is that it fits your desired lifestyle, and can be developed to give you what you want. It may be based on a tried and tested model, but it is unique in that it is developed to satisfy personal requirements, whether that is reflected in an increased income, or in doing something you love. Coaching over the telephone is a practical, cost effective, and time efficient way to overcome the unique and personal challenges in setting up and running your own business - balancing work and family, having confidence, dealing with specific relationships, developing new skills, finding innovative approaches, having an unbiased outsider to test ideas on - all vital for business success. The value of coaching is immeasurable, as the benefits are reflected in personal satisfaction as well as increased income. Coaching programmes are designed to meet the needs of the individual, are totally flexible, and cost from £50 a month. . Going Solo is about using coaching to realise the dream of running your own successful business as part of a truly balanced life which incorporates family, friends, health and every other aspect, that will enable you to look back with pride at what you have achieved. For me, the greatest pleasure is knowing that as a life and business coach, I can make a difference, helping you to fulfil your ambitions and being able to share in your success. *Coaching in Action* Coaching has helped many individuals to develop their businesses, whether they were just starting out, or already had an established business. I have worked with those running traditional businesses, consultants, and network marketing businesses covering a variety of services and industries. For some, a single coaching session identified the solution to a specific challenge, many have found that a few sessions have provided the focus needed, and for others coaching is ongoing and keeps them on track. Clients have told me that they have saved money, got additional business, kept going when they might have given up, and been able to sleep at night as a direct result of coaching. Below, some of my clients have kindly agreed to share their thoughts on how coaching has helped them.
	"As a blunt outspoken Yorkshire man I never thought I would need let alone use the services of a life coach!! Two years ago with my business stagnating and a problem of differentiating between wood and trees I booked a session with Julie. My scepticism and cynicism (what else do you expect..see opening sentence) went within the first five minutes of the meeting starting.I had all the answers in my own head but they had to be found and put into a workable programme..this Julie helped me do". Malcolm Banks - 2/8/04 Windscreen Repair Services - Weston Rhyn "I have been privileged to have found Julie when I was searching for something that was missing in my life in November 2003. I had been feeling very dissatisfied with my life, almost depressed, but I could not identify why I felt this way and what I needed to do to feel better. I had strayed from my path and was unable to find my way, this is where Julie has helped me. In the dark that was, Julie helped me find the torch, turn it on and point it in the right direction". Helen Walters - 07/08/04 Life Initiative Ltd - Shropshire Sometimes life feels like trying to climb the down escalator - through working with Julie I have learnt skills that help me to process the challenges - freeing me up to enjoythe ride up the up escalator!" Sue Ashton-Green - 22/08/04 Living Well, Naturally - Shrewsbury “For several years I had been feeling trapped in a job I really disliked, and kept formulating ideas and escape plans, but without the courage and confidence to put them into action. Through a work related course I heard about Julie and Life coaching, and knew that in all aspects of my life she could probably help but the most urgent was my job. Once I started sessions, I slowly began to feel more confident and was able to achieve small steps towards my ultimate goal. I finally took the plunge at the beginning of this year, and now paint murals for a living!I feel liberated and more in control of my life. It is sometimes scary being solely responsible for my success (or failure), but that feeling is well balanced by being able to earn a living doing something I am so passionate about. I know I would not be able to write this without Julies support and encouragement and her help in enabling me to realise the courage of my convictions. Thank you Julie." Lindsey Harris - 02/08/03 Wall Stories – Cambridgeshire “After 10 years in the Civil Service I was stuck in a rut, frustrated and stressed. I was getting no job satisfaction and my family life was suffering as a consequence. I did not know what I wanted other than to become self- employed again and regain control of my own destiny. But how do I get there? My wife, who already had several coaching sessions, said, “You need to see Julie”. I duly booked in for my first coaching session. Over the next few weeks and with her help I focussed on my career path and decided in which field my skills could be fully utilised. Julie also helped me identify how to balance my working and family life and fine - tune some of the more important aspects of my new business. Julie’s style is to guide you to the answers that you already have within you. Essentially you are doing it yourself…but with a help from her. It is a very subtle method backed up by a wealth of experience (life & business) that she imparts as and when is appropriate during the sessions. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Julie for helping me see the light. I have never been happier at work or with my family. I also look forward to further coaching sessions, with Julie, to discuss the ongoing development of my business”. Rowly Hill -25/07/03 Hill’s Home & Garden Services – Newport, Shropshire “I am a freelance trainer, and my lowest point was when I found myself in a hotel in York (some 100+ miles from home), pleading for a bed at midnight. This was because I couldn't remember which hotel I'd actually booked in at two weeks earlier! I was so late as I had to rush round (inconveniencing other people) to get the materials sorted for a training session the following morning. The whole debacle cost me a lot in stress, ££££ (The original hotel billed me for a no-show!!), and I also lost the confidence that I could hold down a part-time job, carry on doing free-lance work as well as being a wife and mother to two young girls. In short I was a mess, and it was having an adverse effect in many ways - my home, my family, my finances, my relationship with my husband.....etc I took Julie up on her offer of the introductory session, and in that short time I could see a way starting to show through the tangled mess that was stopping me enjoying my work and costing me money. Over the early sessions, we tackled together the practical things that were causing problems and wasting time, and as those matters resolved themselves into new habits and workable systems, we were able to look at more long term goals, and eventually I flew solo! My diary has become my most important tool, and even my daughters (at 9 and 10) are aware of its use and benefits. It suits my way of working, to now look on issues that come up as 'projects' and I project manage them well, very often imagining Julie's voice asking questions when I get stuck. And if I get a situation I don't feel comfortable handling, I know that I can always use Julie again to help me identify the way through it. The coaching has had such a tremendous, and permanent, effect on my life - I would recommend coaching, and Julie (with her particular style of humour, gentleness and understanding) in particular, to anyone who feels dissatisfied with their life - things can get better”. Wendy Stirling – 23/04/03 Wendy Stirling Training, Bridgnorth "When I was 53 I was made redundant from a national food processing company, I was thoroughly depressed at the thought of continuing to work in the secretarial field. I had spent the last 20 years of working life in one or other senior secretarial positions, working at the hard edge, being on call 16 hours a day, stressed out and resentful at being over-looked every time when it came to the yearly bonus awards. In the back of my mind, having always been interested in sewing, I had an idea that I would like to start a small business in curtain making. In, reality, however I thought this was totally out of my reach. As part of my redundancy package I was to receive out-placement. At the Shropshire Business Women’s Society meeting (See: www.sbws.org) I picked up one of Julie Roberts’s pamphlets. She sounded experienced and from her picture looked friendly and perhaps not too intimidating, therefore I decided to use her services. Julie was instrumental in changing my life. She brought a “why not” approach to the coaching sessions. Julie was also able to apply her own business experience to the sessions which served to provide a sense of conceivability to the equation. Looking back, I can hardly believe the changes that have been brought about in my life over the last 4 months. Had it not been for Julie’s innovative level-headed and detailed approach, I am convinced I would still be a secretary who had turned the light off in the back of her mind. Thank you Julie" Susan Hancock - 13/08/02 Material Magic, Telford "At the beginning of 2001, I joined my father in his printing and stationery business. I needed to help him to make a success of this new company, but having been out of the workplace for the last five years, did not know if I had the confidence to do what was necessary to make the business grow. Julie was recommended to me by a friend - I took up the complimentary coaching session, and could see the value of speaking to someone who is completely independent. Over the last twenty months, in the fortnightly coaching sessions we have covered all sorts of business issues, from making contact with potential customers to dealing with relationships. During this time the business turnover has rocketed! I have always referred to you as my “secret weapon”, but you are no longer a secret and I am delighted to share this with everyone else! Wishing you every success." Sarah Stevenson-Olds – 30/08/02 www.lamtechstationery.co.uk "Going it alone after 23 years working for a national organisation, can seem daunting, albeit exciting. Julie's coaching skills have enabled me, through self examination, to consider all the challenges and fears and to talk them through in a safe environment, before trying them out in my business. Julie helped me to focus on where I wanted to go .... and then to go for it. I recommend Julie's coaching to anyone who wants to challenge the status quo." Maralyn Long - 01/09/02 MD Concept Catering Ltd "Life Coaching with Julie is excellent, it helps you in both your business or personal life, whichever you want to work on. I would highly recommend this approach for anyone who really wants to change and improve any area of their life." Beverley Densham - 01/09/02 Lifestyle Pilates, Hertfordshire
*Free eguide* An eguide is simply a way of offering guidance using the internet - by collecting each issue you will find the questions to some of your answers! Going Solo is a free, short, monthly eguide for those who may be thinking about, just setting up, or currently running their own business. Each eguide will use a coaching approach to address a specific challenge, and get you thinking! To sign up, please return to goingsolo.net *Contact Me* To book your thirty minute complimentary telephone coaching session simply ring 07977 215501 or email julie@goingsolo.net