Paula Cohen (ActionCOACH)

With more than 1,000 offices in 32 countries, ActionCOACH delivers its proven business development systems to tens of thousands of business owners every week, owners who turn to business coaching to get the freedom and lifestyle they sought when they first went into business for themselves.

Since its inception, ActionCOACH has coached more clients, won more awards, gained more recognition and produced more profits than any other coaching company of its kind in the world.

Our simple and systemized approach to business has benefited business owners around the world with more time, better teams within their companies, and most importantly – more money.

I work with the owners of small to medium sized businesses to help them run the business better and make more money.

My clients are people who are fantastic at what they do but they just haven't worked out how to make the business as profitable as they know it really can be; or they've got a good steady business and they're ready to take it to the next level but they're not sure how to do that. I provide an outside, objective viewpoint to help them see the wood for the trees; help them focus on the real income generating activities; move towards consistent cashflow and an understanding of exactly when their business breaks even; and then help them understand how to identify, attract and retain their ideal clients and if necessary break into new markets. Most importantly, I help owners loosen the reins (gradually) so they're focussed on working on the business and not just in it.

I don't claim that what I do is rocket science - it isn't. It's actually pretty straightforward - and that's why it works in every size, shape & style of business.

I provide clients with advice, guidance, education, new ideas, a sounding board, reassurance, and in some cases the straight talking that everybody else is too polite to give them. I'm a friend, but not somebody who'll accept excuses.

All of my clients receive a written guarantee that I'll increase their profits but the money is only ever a means to an end. The real results are things like the physiotherapist who's just recruited his first full time employee so he can finally start running the business instead of having it run him. Or the couple who used to work 7 days a week and now take at least 1 day off together every week (and risk my wrath otherwise!). Or the business broker who's lost almost 4 stone because her confidence is transformed now that she can now see a better future for the business.

Those are the real reasons I love what I do.

From a personal perspective I have 2 weeks left of my 30s and am excited about the adventures my 40s will bring. I'm single with 2 mad cats. I love being in the great outdoors although don't make a habit of it as much as I should. In my heydey I used to run for Great Britain so was inspired by some truly amazing coaches in my teens and twenties.