An Interview with Lisa Parkes

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I am a life coach, child coach and sometimes called SmileyCoach. You could say that I’m a fascinated observer of people and life which would mean I have been doing this for nearly 30 years. As a job, only 2 years. My goal is to help others see the magic in their life and to show them that they have everything they need inside of them to make that magic happen. I’m also proud to be the founder of Coaching Club – workshops for kids that promote self-discovery, well-being, confidence and happiness. That was inspired by my terrible teens, I don’t ever want kids to feel alone or sad about who they are. There’s no need for that.

How did you get into your industry; did you have previous experience or work your way up?

I opted out of Uni and have worked my way up and out of the corporate world. I actually started out as an au pair in the south of France and before becoming a coach was a marketing manager at a well known utilities company. It’s hard work studying and working full time but worth the freedom and flexibility that working for yourself brings. (I do enjoy reading and learning so maybe not as tough as I make out!!)

What challenges have you found in the workplace?

Selling myself didn’t come that easily to me. I rely on testimonials from others to do the talking. I find bigging myself up is not who I am, although I am incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved in such a short space of time. I wasn’t so good either at picking up the phone and asking for business. It was uncomfortable and daunting.

I also find that coaching is wrongly defined as counselling or therapy. That means that some clients have not strictly been coaching clients and needed to go back and explore their past more before they could look at the now and the future.

How have you overcome those challenges?

When it comes to selling myself and asking for the business. That happened with practice. Not to mention a big dose of coaching myself through the fear of doing something new for the first time. I find it easier to coach other people!!! I’m better at spotting who is or isn’t ready for coaching. I don’t want to waste other people’s time and money. I feel that it’s unethical to coach people if that’s not what they need.

Who is your ideal customer?

Somebody who recognises that life is not serving up the goodies they were looking for. Somebody who wants to take responsibility for that and do some work on making it happen. Honest and open clients who are ready for change.

How do you find them? What marketing tips do you have?

I think this is a referrals game. In a coaching parternship where trust is a fundamental to rapport and success, word of mouth is the answer. It’s free, so a no-cost high ROI marketing strategy. I’m grateful for referrals and support that I get from others, so as a thank you, I offer a £20 M&S gift card to people who refer my work.

What advice would you give to women starting out in business right now?

Get out there and give it a go. Never give up. Keep trying. Perseverance is key – as is being open to feedback. Listening and learning as you go. Making a few unforgettable faux pas along the way – the very best lessons to learn! I would also say that you need a lot of faith in the world and of course yourself. You don’t need to be the best or have all the answers; you just need to know that if it’s what you really really really want to do, then it will be OK!

What comes next for you in 2012?

My mission is to launch 5 Coaching Clubs in Surrey this year; either privately or in schools. I want to reach as many teens / pre teens as I can to help them realise that they are not alone with their ‘hormonal self consciousness’ and give them a tool box of life skills that prepares them for the road ahead. I’m also collaborating with another coach to write a series of online ecoaching workshops that help teens / pre-teens and their parents deal with stress.

Lisa Parkes is a professional life & child coach who believes in squeezing every drop of happiness out of life! Being happy is contagious – it will touch other people around you too. Discovering new things about yourself and creating a different way of living is fun and inspiring. Discover life coaching with Lisa Parkes to help make happy changes to your life.

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