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“All great relationships are built on clear expectations.”
That statement has formed part of my sales proposals since I began my business coaching and advisory career (with Shirlaws Group) back in April 2006. And yet the other end of a client engagement – how do we stay in relationship between, or after, coaching projects – hasn’t been clearly documented until now.
The purpose of this page is to make it clear to you – my alumni clients, to whom I remain grateful – how I intend to honour our relationship for the long term.
Once you have become a Jacob Aldridge client, you are my client for life.
Over 17+ years, I have handed over a few business cards.
I’ve worked in 25 different countries, was the youngest person ever offered global partnership in Shirlaws Group, and also spent 2 years as a partner of businessDEPOT back in Australia.
When my daughter was born in March 2019, I put family first and removed my commitments to those other businesses – focusing on the direct relationship between me and my clients.
This decision was largely based on your feedback – while you love the offices and some of the perks larger companies provide, ultimately you made the decision to invest in Jacob Aldridge … and you’re happy to leverage my network, but don’t want to be passed over to another coach or advisor.
With Josette starting school in 2024, business growth is underway once more. This time alongside my beautiful wife Harmony and under our own brand: Como.
Let’s get specific. When you invested in me, I made a commitment to help your business ambition. And my commitment didn’t stop when our projects or coaching ceased.
I would never charge you for these things, so feel good about reaching out for:
I’ve made this offer now to more than 1,000 alumni clients of my advisory and group training: it may surprise you that barely a handful reach out in any given month. So you’re not imposing on me – I am here to help, for the life of your business.
Email me jacob@jacobaldridge.com or shoot me a text message (or even risk a phone call!) on +61 427 151 181.
As of November 2023, my primary base is Brisbane, Australia. During 2024 I intend to spend time in the UK, Dubai, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Our paid advisory relationship ended for a reason: ongoing investment wasn’t going to deliver a return (either because you reached a sweet spot or because we didn’t get the engagement expectations right).
With 15+ years of experience now, I’ve fallen into a rhythm with many clients like you:
So if at any time you want to chat specifics about re-engaging me to help your business vision, reach out and let’s chat.
But let me be clear: my offers to meet with you or your team for free are in no way a disguised sales pitch. I will never put a proposal in front of you unless we are both clear that I can bring substantial value.
My best clients comes from referrals. If you know someone that might benefit, please do make the introduction – I am always happy to talk business, and help in any way I can (just a chat, making more introductions, or working with them directly).
My target client has changed over the years, especially as many business owners, CEOs, and salespeople have sought me out for performance coaching delivered remotely. These good fun, smaller commitment, high return clients now form half my coaching client base.
The clients I work with are mostly:
If you know someone who meets that description, the best next steps are:
I promise to close the loop and let you know how the conversations progress. I can’t help people who don’t want to change, and I will also make a further referral (with your OK) where I believe that is a better solution.
Expectations set? Then let me end by thanking you once again for the faith you put in me and my team.
Owning and growing your own business is among the most emotional and rewarding experiences in life. To invite someone in alongside you requires great trust, and it has been my privilege to be there with you.
You’ve made the investment. Keep making the return!
With love,
Jacob Aldridge
Update August 2010: Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, it’s off to London I go. This relocation – however permanent or temporary – has been in the planning for some time, and I look forward to connecting with my UK colleagues on arrival. Well, after a month in Spain.
Update January 2013: Look who’s back, back again… Last year my beautiful wife and I visited 25 countries, and I helped Shirlaws UK achieve new record revenue levels as we exit the GFC / Great Recession. For family reasons, the time is right to return to a land down under.
Update April 2016: After 10 years with Shirlaws Coaching, as a Licensee in the UK and Australia and also having held key roles in the NavitasIP Product Team, the Shirlaws Global Project to address the Great Recession, and as COO of Shirlaws UK … I have decided to return my license. There are many reasons for departing what has been my global family for many years, but the most significant was ultimately feeling the direction of my business no longer aligned with the focus Shirlaws wanted to take.
Update March 2019: We have a baby! Many of you know it has been a long slog for us, and your support has been most welcome. “Paternity Leave” for me is going to look like fewer client days per month, and also more remote coaching as we travel the world as a family. Follow along here.
Update March 2020: Are you subscribed to my YouTube channel “Don’t Waste a Good Recession“? Jump onboard for timely economic updates and business forecasts in Australia, the UK, and the USA.
Update January 2021: Paternity leave is over, and I remain ‘trapped in paradise’ here in Brisbane. If we haven’t caught up for a while, now’s the time – 0427 151 181; jacob@jacobaldridge.com
Update January 2023: With the pandemic restrictions behind us, and the looming ‘pay the piper’ economic downturn ahead of us, it’s an intriguing time to be in business. I’ve started the new year all guns blazing…so expect to see a new Brand, new Website, new Team, and possibly even a new Location by the end of this year.