Before partnering with Tim Hill at ActionCOACH Truro, Serene Hayes and Diane found themselves trapped in the classic "business owner's cage." Despite their hard work, they were caught in a cycle of constant activity with very little to show for it.
The "Busy Fool" Trap
"I was a busy fool," Serene admits. "I was working all the hours, doing all the cleaning, doing all the admin—and I wasn't really making any money."
At the time, the team was working seven days a week, falling behind on invoicing, and struggling to find any semblance of a home life. They knew they were working hard, but they weren't working on the right things. They didn't just have a business; they had a high-pressure job that they couldn't walk away from.
Shifting Focus to What Matters
With Tim’s guidance, Serene and Diane stopped reacting to the business and started leading it. The coaching focused on two critical pillars: Priority Management and Financial Clarity.
By clarifying which jobs were truly profitable and which were draining resources, they were able to redirect the team’s focus. Tim taught them how to respect their personal time by treating it as a non-negotiable asset, allowing them to stop "working in the business" and start "managing the business."
The Results: Growth by the Numbers
The shift in mindset led to a staggering transformation in their bottom line. By focusing on the right numbers and trusting their team, Squeaky Clean Cornwall achieved:
- 68% Increase in Revenue: Proving that you don't have to work more hours to make more money.
- Gross Profit Surge: An increase from 28% to 50%.
- Net Profit Doubled: Jumping from 9% to 18% (a 100% increase).
Life Beyond the Business
"I’ve got a team that I trust, and the business doesn’t rely on me being there 24/7."
While the financial growth is impressive, the real victory was reclaiming their lives. "For the first time ever, I’m actually having regular time off," says Serene. "I’ve got a team that I trust, and the business doesn’t rely on me being there 24/7."
For any business owner feeling like a "busy fool," Serene’s experience is proof that with the right coaching, you can build a business that works for you, rather than the other way around.
