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Marco Soares went from top salesman to business owner with ActionCOACH
INVESTMENT LEVEL: £61,000
During his career he rose through the ranks to brand director and worked with major media brands such as the Independent, and EMAP Advertising – owners of several top entertainment magazines such as Q, Kerrang! and Mojo. Despite his success, the urge to run
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his own business was strong. In 2009 he started to look at the options. Like many great salespeople who have dreamt of being their own boss, Marco found that making it happen was easier said than done. It had to be the right business and, while sales skills would be valuable, there would be a lot to consider. While he was researching his options,
he came across franchising. Although franchising was not something Marco initially had on his radar – the more he found out, the more excited he became. Marco attended an exhibition and
scanned franchise magazines. Three franchise concepts caught his eye; a sales training business, an internet marketing service and ActionCOACH.
Why Marco chose ActionCOACH During his decision making, Marco was able to speak to actual businesses who were being coached by ActionCOACH and was really impressed by the results achieved. “It was important to me to fi nd something I believed in and, from speaking with these clients, I could see ActionCOACH offered this.” ActionCOACH’s awards and
international reputation impressed Marco. But it was the way the company dealt with him personally that clinched the deal. He explains: “I can obviously spot sales talk a mile off and they just didn’t have that approach. The ActionCOACH team were very upfront and straightforward. They didn’t sugar-coat the facts.
arco Soares joined ActionCOACH in 2010 having excelled for over seven years in the tough world of advertising sales.
to learn. “I had to master so much — I needed to put together a plan for a business I’d not run before and get it working pretty quickly.” He was impressed with the support
from ActionCOACH and the emphasis they place on continual training. Every coach is mentored and given help compiling a business plan. “There’s also a great international coaching community to draw on, a forum where best practice is shared, plus regional and global conferences and weekly webinars,” he says. “The great thing about ActionCOACH
is that many of the strategies you help your clients implement are completely applicable to your own company and vice versa.” This training and support paid off; in
six months he had his business where he wanted it. After 18 months he was able to employ his wife, Jane, who has a background in PR and helps with admin, lead management, accounts, appointment setting and some client contact, leaving Marco free to concentrate on coaching and business development. Marco sees his 10 clients weekly or
fortnightly, others attend workshops. His clients are wide-ranging and include a printer, a church supplier,a golf club, a logistics company, a pharmaceutical business and a building fi rm. “When working in the corporate world
Marco Soares
I’d seen consultants come in, give advice and walk away without seeing things through. ActionCOACH is not like that; you’re helping clients on a long-term basis, so you get to see the results of your work. You’re accountable, which is daunting, but ultimately much more rewarding.”
“I’m realising my dream. I’m running my own business and it’s growing fast”
“When you’re making such a life-
changing decision and planning to invest your money, you need a realistic idea of how it’s going to be. That’s exactly what ActionCOACH gave me.” Impressed, Marco bought his
ActionCOACH franchise in April 2010. He part-funded it through savings and fi nanced the remainder through a loan with the Enterprise Finance Guarantee scheme. Marco had some experience in
coaching, plus a sales background, but knew he would also have new things
Is Marco pleased he made the move from corporate life? “Absolutely! Finding ActionCOACH
has been one of the most rewarding, challenging and exciting decisions I’ve made. I’m realising my dream. I’m running my own business and although I set it up in the depths of recession, it’s growing fast. I’m doing work that excites me, I’m never bored and I’m learning all of the time. My wife now works with me in the business and I have some truly fantastic clients. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
ACTIONCOACH
WEBSITE:
www.actioncoach.eu EMAIL:
ukrecruitment@actioncoach.com
PHONE: 01284 701 648 CLASSIFICATION: Business coaching
June 2012 |
Businessfranchise.com | 107
Investment: £50k-£100k
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