PORTFOLIO ENTREPRENEUR + INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COACH
Since 2005, I have worked with more than 300 active growth businesses in Australia and the UK (where I have alternated my time), North America and Asia. My clients are private enterprises generating $1.5m-$17m in annual revenue, who average 30% revenue or profit growth working with me (depending on which is their focus).
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ADVISOR + RECESSION-ERA EXPERT
The Business you had at the start of 2020 is not the business you will have at the end of the COVID-19 Recession.
How you respond now will determine whether you Dive, Survive, or Thrive between today and the end of 2021. My theme right now: Don't Waste a Good Recession.
I remember my first recession as a business coach, working in London and across Europe and North America during the global financial crisis. While today may seem unprecedented, experience has given us a roadmap to the other side and continued success.
This experience makes me one of the youngest advisors working in Australia to have actually helped small and medium-sized businesses (from $750,000 - $20 million) grow through a Recession. Based in Brisbane, Australia, I continue to work with and learn from companies around the world.
If you want energy, solutions, and expertise on your side - Read my latest guidance here, or Let's Chat.
ABOUT ME
Business advisor, Professional speaker, published author, world-traveller, TV-show host, podcaster, Guinness World Record holder, amazing father and loving husband.
I live an outrageous life, by helping others to do the same.
Say G'Day
I'm the smart and quirky business guy
who wants to to improve your life.
HOW COACHING WORKS
Pure business coaching is a waste of money.
Today, the term "business coach" just means "generic, unqualified consultant". Would you prefer something different?
Discover
From Recession experience to a Comprehensive Business Methodology, I'm the different you need.
IN MY WORLD RELATIONSHIPS ARE FREE
Whether you want to Start-up, Scale-up, Step-up, or Sell-up, let's chat!
QUIRKY BUSINESS BLOG
Introducing Real Estate Grow
Long time readers will notice new Logo on my website: Introducing my new business, Real Estate Grow. CEO Coaching for Real Estate Business Owners Business ownership is a lonely path to walk. The road is constantly changing, and the road map is hidden from you. Commercial success and recognition is fleeting, at best. We understand…
Proud to Support generationYOU
On Friday April 8 I will be chairing the Brisbane hosting of generationYOU – a one day event designed to help Millennials as they launch their careers. The range of speakers I’ll be introducing is impressive, including Stephen Phillips from Mawson Robotics (ex Twitter) and Cat Matson from City of Brisbane, plus some great people I’ve…
One More Piece of Information
This could be the most powerful question you ask yourself, in business or for life in general… Would you like a single, simple rule that will improve your communication, business culture, and life? Consider this: assume there is always one more piece of information that you don’t have, which perfectly explains the other person’s choice….
Converting Vision to Strategy
Loyal readers will recognise the Shirlaws ‘Layers of Context‘ framework (below) and know the value of setting a 1 Word Context as part of your strategic planning. So when I sat down with my Board (aka my beautiful wife) at the beginning of 2016, the top agenda item was “What is my primary context right…
Re-Establishing my Business Vision
Reviewing my Strategy for 2016 and beyond, it became immediately apparent. I lacked a clear Vision for myself and my family. Here’s what I did about that. The fabulous Millie from I Am Lovable has been encouraging me for many years now to create a Vision Board. As an exercise, it never felt relevant to…
My Pond Theory Part II, or How Social Networks Avoid Failing [Archive]
Originally published on the Shirlaws Business Coaching Blog, 2007-2010. How to change So I think I have the answer to why, as they currently exist, social networks must ‘fail’. (You will have noted I put ‘fail’ in inverted commas. Many will succeed in their own way, by staying small and avoiding this issue. Most of those…
My Pond Theory, or Why Social Networks Must ‘Fail’ [Archive]
Originally published on the Shirlaws Business Coaching Blog, 2007-2010. If social groups are valued by their size and Google ranking, why does my favourite site work so hard to remain anonymous? I’ve noted before that the main Social Networks (like MySpace and Facebook) each had their own position in the market, but are now pursuing the seemingly…
SHAMELESS PRAISE
Some business people share "endorsements", "testimonials", or "what people are saying". Me? I'm shameless - I love being praised, and I love sharing the love.
“The value that Jacob added to our business is twofold. He lives the bigger game bringing a strong strategic perspective together with the ability to build process and structure to support the implementation of the strategy. Secondly his energy – he is always happy, always sees the positive and always happy to get his sleeves rolled up and get stuck in. He is a real asset to any business that has a passion to grow and make a difference.”
Juliet Turnbull,
2to3days.com
“Jacob’s energy is boundless and his coaching capability immense. He is also a man of many talents. He was instrumental in devising and introducing our new newsletter across the business which has now touched several hundred of my clients and enabled me to connect with new friends. I value Jacob for the positive difference he has made for my business.”
Jim Henderson, Management Consultant,
Harrison James Partnership
“Jacob’s business insights and experiences are world-class. Great facilitator and invaluable as a coach.”
Jenny Vandyke, Principal Consultant,
Zumbara Consulting
“His motivation and dedication are second to none and his personal and communication skills are really superb. I would recommend Jacob to anyone who wants to have absolute confidence that things – and the right things – will get done; and have a good time doing it.
Our only complaints remain his choice of jokes and ties.”
John Rosling, CEO,
Contexis