Feast and Famine—In Business and Beekeeping
Do you ever feel like your coaching business has a mind of its own—one moment you’re booked solid, the next you’re wondering if your emails are disappearing into the void?
You’re not alone.
I was on a call this week where we were talking about being a sole trader—the ebb and flow, the feast and famine, the different seasons of business. And it got me thinking how many other parts of life that is relevant to.
Last year, my bees were thriving—we harvested over 60kg of honey and still left them plenty for winter. This summer? I’ve had to feed them because the flowers just aren’t producing enough nectar. The heat, the conditions—things outside their control—have changed.
And it’s the same in business. When things are good, I try to set money aside for leaner months. It’s a habit that’s saved me more than once (especially when the vet handed me a $2,500 bill for a sick cat this week, which I suspect is only the beginning).
When I worked in sales—whether it was selling copiers for Canon or IT for Verizon—I noticed a three-year cycle: one fantastic year, followed by two leaner ones. Many of the coaches I work with experience the same lumpy revenue, unexpected costs, and the self-doubt that creeps in when things slow down.
The Truth About Being in Business for Yourself
Being a coach, consultant, or business owner isn’t for the faint-hearted. If you crave a steady, predictable salary, this might not be the best path. But if you’re here, it’s because you want more than just a paycheck—you want impact, make a difference ad help others.
You change lives.
We all have moments of doubt. But here’s the thing— you don’t have to do it alone. Which is why I believe every coach needs a coach and why we need to support each other. This is my why behind the Connect, Learn and Share community. We support each other through the seasons, learn together, share and support.
What I’m Loving This Week
Stacy Crawford shared a video on her socials from the Grammies this week that I couldn’t help thinking about in the context of amazing coaches out there. Something about Beautiful Things, something about standing out and shining (or maybe just because I said I was going to wear more sequins in 2025!)
I also got an email from my business mentor that struck me as a message many need to hear. I have cut and paste the text below. The title of the email ‘Stop Waiting To Be Chosen.’
Here’s the hard truth: No one is coming to tap you on the shoulder and say, “It’s your time.” No secret committee is deciding when you’re finally worthy of being seen.
You’ve spent years honing your craft, delivering results, and proving your brilliance. But if you’re still waiting for someone else to validate your expertise before you step up and own your space – you’re handing over your power.
The market doesn’t reward the best. It rewards the bold.
So, let’s cut through the noise:
✨If you feel invisible in your industry, it’s not because you’re not good enough. It’s because you’re not positioning yourself loudly enough.
✨If you’re overwhelmed, spinning your wheels but getting nowhere, it’s because you’re stuck in a cycle of busyness instead of strategic action.
✨And if leads and sales aren’t flowing, it’s not a lack of opportunity – it’s a lack of alignment between your brilliance and your audience.
The game-changer? Positioning. Clarity. Commercialisation.
What Am I Working On
Right now, I’m deep in the process of working towards my MCC (Master Certified Coach) credential. I’m back with the amazing Clare Norman as my mentor coach, its interesting and frustrating having to learn and then unlearn somethings. I’ve spent years refining my ability to sit with silence, to listen deeply, to give space for the other person to think. And I can hear the progress when I listen back to my coaching recordings. However now I’ve noticed something else… I say “Mmm” a lot. Hard to escape it when you see it on a transcript, so now, I’m working on breaking that habit!
I’m also stretching myself to ask deeper questions—not just action-oriented ones, which is a challenge for someone like me with Activator, Command, and Responsibility. BTW if you want some of the Deeper Conversations guides just download them for free here.
And, of course, we are busy planning for the Connect, Learn & Share event in Denver. The speaker submissions are rolling in, and let’s just say—it’s shaping up to be something special. Some of the speakers already announced are world class, and I can’t wait to see the full lineup come together.
So, plenty keeping me on my toes… which is just the way I like it #Arranger.
