James Dodd became an ActionCOACH in 2015 having founded and sold several businesses and working in the financial services sector and LIFEE floor for 20 years. He is fanatical about client results and was rated the best ActionCOACH in the London region by business owners in 2016 and Best Client Results coach in 2018.
“I get a buzz out of my clients winning…their success is my success. Seeing Owners, MDs and Managers getting more efficient teams, better profitability and getting rid of the chaos that so often consumes a business. I wish I had heard of Business Coaching when I owned my businesses.
For me, coaching is both a huge privilege and a huge responsibility. My clients let me into their lives & their businesses. It’s not always an easy process, but the benefits are unquestionable. Yes, better & stronger businesses with more profits, but also a much better work/life balance.
Some people think having a business coach means you don’t know what you’re doing, but they couldn’t be more wrong. How many top athletes do you know that don’t have a coach? Their performance is vastly improved by having one. It keeps them at the top of their game. If you do the same thing every day, you can’t expect your business/life to improve. Take action. Have a fresh look at your business.”
Every great performer, whether an elite athlete, business legend or performing superstar, is surrounded by coaching and mentoring advisors.
As the pace in the world of business increases and becomes more and more competitive, it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with changes in your industry, let alone the latest innovations in sales, marketing, and management strategies. Having a Business Coach is no longer a luxury …it has become a necessity. On top of all this, it´s difficult to get an objective answer from yourself.
Eric Schmidt the former CEO of Google put it simply, “without the help of a coach nobody can realise their full potential” … ActionCOACH business coaching and mentoring methods have worked for tens and thousands of SME business owners in over 50 countries – in fact I’m so confident that you’ll get a Return On Investment with one of my coaching programmes that I guarantee it.
Coaching Awards & Accolades:
Coach to the UK’s Fastest Growing Business (BEFA 2018)
Best Client Rated Business Coach, London, 2016 (Smith & Henderson Survey)
Best Clients Results, London 2018
RESULTS! You will see them almost instantly
For anyone considering a mentorship with James Dodd, I would thoroughly recommend you do so!
I was introduced to James via an associate who was a client of James, and when we finally met I was struck by his no-nonsense approach.
For some background, my business had evolved almost by accident. The quality of our product meant we had immense potential. The accidental nature of how it transpired meant that as a lifestyle business it could never grow to its potential unless some drastic changes were put in place.
The problem was we didn’t have the in-house expertise to make the transformation from a lifestyle business to a proper business.
It was an easy decision to engage James as my business coach, and I decided to include a couple of colleagues for the Gold package.
The no-nonsense approach from our meeting was exactly how the actual coaching proceeded with James, both in person and remote.Now for the value …
Within one meeting James had identified a serious problem area that I hadn’t actually articulated for him. This one thing ALONE – when fixed – was transformational in itself.
But that was just one thing. We were now creating proper business structures such as org charts, targets, and accountability throughout the company, winning the hearts and minds as we made these significant transitions.
Furthermore, I had to articulate my vision and mission for myself and the business … Thinking big and thinking real.
And lastly, reading … James’s recommendations for me were life-changing, and he insisted each recommended book was to be read within a week! The knowledge inhaled from these, and the debrief as to how they would affect my business have been long-term.
So, what can you expect when James coaches you?
First, your eyes will be opened wide! Luckily for me I was open-minded as I knew we were underperforming. Why were we underperforming? Because as an entrepreneur I wasn’t a natural manager, and if you aspire to grow beyond lifestyle business (and I truly recommend you do – lifestyle businesses can be a dangerous trap!) then you need to acquire management skills which will make you richer, happier and more successful!
Second, you will learn faster than you could ever imagine. James has a knack of steering you in the right direction for YOU. Speak to any of his other clients and you’ll discover he has tailored the approach for each one and their particular needs. And this intense learning is what will fuel you with energy and impetus to make the changes you need to make … which will work!
Third, you’ll improve as a person. This isn’t a ra-ra cheerleading service, but somehow your vision for your life and business will go through a transformation. People around you will notice the difference and the good ones will respond positively. The not-so-good ones will vacate your orbit … which is a huge benefit!
Fourth, you’ll see what a generous person James is … He goes well beyond what is promised. He clearly cares about his clients, and has the results to be able to choose who he serves, so make sure you’re one of them!
And lastly of course … RESULTS! You will see them almost instantly. Note, Rome was not built in a day, but at a bare minimum you will see the direction of your business change, and this will – sooner or later – translate into tangible rewards. Every business is different in that regard, but be assured, the ActionCOACH process with James will transform your business and your life.
Guy Cohen - MD, OVI Traders
"We saw results in the 1st Week"
James Dodd has been my coach for only around 2 years and in this time our staff level has gone from 8 to 14 and our turnover has gone up by over 900% The skills he has shown me have not only grown my business but also given me back more time for myself. He is invaluable to my business and a fantastic coach.
UK Connect has refocused its customers working with A and B clients this has increased revenues and saved a lot of time for our business.
Our culture and team have completely turned around and we now have a team who are focused on delivering the business vision.
Since joining action coach we have created 13 new jobs.
• What has been the most valuable thing you’ve got from coaching?
PJ Farr - MD, UK Connect
Re focus on what is important. Working smart not hard and having a clear vision, mission and goals.
• What has been the biggest impact from coaching?
A sounding board we can lean on who gives clear advice that in focused on getting the best from our people and business.
• What has been your biggest financial result?
More money that we can reinvest into business growth.
• What has been your biggest/most important result to you overall?
Turn over and GP has gone up but our work rate has remained stable meaning more time to focus on the other things in life such as family time.
How has having/running a more successful business affected your personal life?
I am now able to spend more time with my young family and this is also the case with other members of my team. We are also able to spend time away on holiday in the safe knowledge that the business is running smoothly.
"The real benefit for me of hiring James is the accountability"
As a busy MD of a small direct marketing agency, I’d been thinking about taking on a business coach for several months. Sometimes, when you’ve been running a business for a number of years, you do need an outside opinion and help from an expert. A good friend of mine referred me to James at Action Coach, as he was impressed with the help and guidance he’d been getting.
Phil Chantry - MD, Hilite
Although I’ve only been working with James for around four months now, I’ve seen a big difference in the way I conduct my business. Rather than telling me what to do, James is fantastic at getting me to ask myself the right questions before making important decisions.
The real benefit for me of hiring James is the accountability you don’t have when you run a small business. Anybody running their own business in South London, Kent or Surrey should consider contacting James, or failing that the Action Coach in their area. You’ll start to see positive results quicker than you imagine!”
"business grew instantly after I started working through all the elements of the coaching plan."
James has been my business coach for a few months now after my initial meeting with him over a year ago. I made as massive mistake waiting a year to start my coaching as the levels of business grew instantly after I started working through all the elements of the coaching plan. I would recommend James to every business owner as what he has done for me and my business is priceless. Thank you for all your help James
Allen Patrick - MD, CPHL Ltd
“James has literally helped me to transform my business.”
In the 3 years that I have been working with James as my Actioncoach, our business has grown considerably. We have more than quadrupled our client base and therefore our monthly income, (turnover up by 1303%). James helped us to develop sustainable systems to enable smoother day to day operation and to prepare us for growth. He holds me as the company Director to account each week and is able to encourage and challenge me in our day to day growth.
Antoinette Daniel - MD, Just Helpers
James’ affiliation to Actioncoach means that we benefit from a network of wisdom, experience and practices.
James knows his stuff across the board and has ably advised me on marketing strategies, finance, staffing, goal setting, sales and day to day operations, amongst other things.
If you are considering having a business coach (and I think every business owner should) then I would not hesitate to recommend James Dodd!
I would highly recommend James Dodd”
"even within my first month I am seeing a massive improvement in my team"
I have been considering coaching for a while, but wasn't sure if it was a suitable investment for my business. I finally gave it a go this year and can honestly say that even within my first month I am seeing a massive improvement in my team. I am excited about what can be achieved over the next few months and urge other small business owners to give it a try.
Daniella Goodman - MD, Little Linguists Nursery
"Every meeting I am learning new ways to create a better system for my business"
I waited nearly one year to find the right business coach, and in July 2017 I was graced with my new Business coach James Dodd. James was truly worth the wait. I am complex client and do things in my own way and James adapted straight away. James has a great understanding of others difficulties and can so easily simplify when I go into over whelm. Every meeting I am learning new ways to create a better system for my business and that’s all down to James. I believe in life it’s all about timing, James came at the exact time I needed him. Patience are a virtue and GREAT things come to those who wait. I would a million percent recommend James Dodd to any business owner. Much Gratitude Grace White
Grace White - MD Gracelounge Yoga
"Business Grew 24% in Just 8 Months"
With our Business growing by 24% this year, in just 8 months we have been delighted with the results that you have helped us achieve. The ActionCOACH formula is clearly very effective but we feel that you have delivered it in such a personal and focussed manner has made all the difference.
Chris & Ela Harrington - Ela's Cleaning Ltd
Now that our systems are more robust and effective we are looking forward to seeing how our business grows over the short to medium term and know that we have your support to help us through any challenges that all businesses face as they get bigger.
We would like to thank you for your fantastic support you have given to us and our business and wouldn't hesitate to recommend you and the ActionCOACH service to other people. It really has made all the difference to us, both from a business and personal perspective.
"the business has a more defined purpose and direction, with milestones and plans to help us get there"
James from Action Coach has been a huge help in focusing the time and effort that I devote to my business. In a very short space of time the business has a more defined purpose and direction, with milestones and plans to help us get there. I have been very impressed with the knowledge and resources Action Coach has brought. I would highly recommend James and Action coach.”
Tom Sackett - MD, KTD Ltd
"the growth of our business have grown dramatically since working with James"
Just over three years ago, after trying a number of financial avenues, I walked into a highstreet bank clutching a 52-page business plan with how my company, Shaking Hands, would set about redefining the future of 21st century networking and facilitate the best rooms for business in Croydon and South London.
Robert O'Sullivan - MD, Shaking Hands
I’m proud to share that this year, we hosted over 1100+ Business Owners and Decision Makers at our events across Croydon, London’s most populated borough; facilitating some of the most influential, educational and inspiring rooms for business owners, professionals and entrepreneurs in South London. None of which would have been possible without the ongoing support of our ActionCOACH, James Dodd.
James has not only improved the life of myself as a business owner, but that of hundreds of others too, through the hard work and time he’s invested in myself and our team. I’m pleased to share that in 2018, we were enlisted to support a total of 4 Council run, borough-wide boards. This led to us working on a piece of work currently being reviewed by The Deputy Mayor of London as a potential framework for all London boroughs to follow, and another leading to London Living Wage being implemented in over 58 organisations, employing thousands of employees across the borough. James not only helped us to manage & prioritise the workload in front of us this year, but create extra capacity to work on the parts of the business we enjoy most, freeing time by developing, trailing and implementing processes into our schedule to help save crucial time & money.
James passion for continual learning, personal development, and the power of communication has fueled our companies best year in sales and future growth potential through additional service development. James service provides me and my team the confidence to take calculated risks, stride to set new industry setting benchmarks and handle any unforeseen circumstances that may come our way in an ever evolving world of opportunity and business.
The numbers backing the growth of our business have grown dramatically since working with James. We ended our year with a 2.5x times increase in turnover. This included reviewing our pricing model, and putting our base membership cost up 78% - Our customers still love our service and value, and the extra revenue has allowed our business to fund expansion, leading to better service for all.
Our team has changed dramatically over the course of the year, onboarding our first PAYE team member after growing the business using freelancers. As we move into the new year, Shaking Hands Co-Director Laurence Grant, is leaving the company to commit to his longtime dream of earning a living whilst travelling the world. As we make the transition in leadership and company structure, it’s been fantastic to have the ongoing support of James. As we utilise ActionCOACH’s database of structures, templates and principles to continue to increase our time efficiency, freeing time for working on the business in a vital year of growth.
Since working with James, our company has grown and we’ve learnt to turn our ideas into reality. At times, this has tested our comfort zone, but through working with James, continually learning and development of core processes throughout, we’ve been able to reach record levels of sales, event attendance and turnover
"James has helped us to refine our processes, improve our reach, define our business and focus on working ON not IN."
A massive thank you to James Dodd for his help and advice this year. James has helped us to refine our processes, improve our reach, define our business and focus on working ON not IN.
Marc Dean - MD, Remarcable Design
His help has been absolutely invaluable! We recommend him to anyone who wants growth to be broken down into straightforward navigable planned steps.
We are looking forward to another year of celebrating our accomplishments, managing work/life balance, consistent improvement and learning. Thanks James
"all honesty at first I had my reservations, however within 5 minutes of my first session I quickly changed my mind."
‘I have worked with Action Coach for a number of years now. In all honesty at first I had my reservations, however within 5 minutes of my first session I quickly changed my mind. Not only did I learn a lot about how to work and run a business but I also learnt a lot about myself. Action coach gave me huge confidence and a clear tunnel vision in how to progress within my industry. I would strongly recommend Action Coach to anyone looking to grow their business or to someone who is looking for that extra support. I know a number of people who have been part of Action Coach in a number of industries and it has helped all!’
Emma Warburton, MD - Evoke Events
"James is one of those business coaches that you take on when you want to get things done"
James is one of those business coaches that you take on when you want to get things done. There is no Fluff with Jamse. He helps you get to the point and move your business forward. His knowledge of business is excellent and being part of ACTION Coach means that you get more than just one person in your coaching team.
Kevin Stansfield - ActionCOACH Solent
So if you want to regain control over your time, move your team to the next level or just make more profit, definitely James is the guy to help you do it
