Carol Dawson : Carol Dawson Training and Mediation Consultancy

Carol Dawson Training and Mediation Consultancy is about providing professional training, mediation, counselling, life-coaching and hypnotherapy services to corporate and individual clients in Coventry, Warwickshire and the West Midlands.

Learn how Carol used her mediation skills to start up her own business…

I have worked in social housing for 19 years and resigned as a manager of a meditation service at the end of August 2008 in order to set up my own consultancy.

For many years this has been my goal and in preparation I studied extensively and gained qualifications and experience, while caring for my family and working full time at a demanding job.

I viewed it as a long-term investment in myself in order to achieve my goal. Although I knew with absolute certainty it was what I wanted to do, it was still very scary to give up the security of a good wage and I knew I would miss my colleagues.

Barriers to overcome

I have a diversity of skills, knowledge and expertise in all areas of training, mediation, counselling, life coaching and management but absolutely no idea of the complexities involved in setting up my own business. At times the enormity of it all felt overwhelming.

But there was help along the way…

I knew nothing about setting up in business and knew it was going to be a steep learning curve for me taking me out of my comfort zone of knowing so much to knowing so little but I was enthusiastic and willing to learn and willing to take any advice guidance and support that was on offer.

Initially I enrolled on two workshops – “A Confident Start” and a “Marketing and Selling” workshop. The tutors Minal and Michelle were really inspiring and so knowledgeable, I came away enthused and brimming with new ideas. I was appointed a personal business advisor – Minal who has been a source of inspiration to me. I signed up to the WM Women’s Business Centre website and received regular updates via email.

Sheridan regularly sends updates and she is so knowledgeable on all aspects of setting up in business. I have also signed up to the forums, which are another source of valuable information where members can help one another with useful advice. I am going on an Inland Revenue course for Sole Traders next.

After working in a busy office it can feel lonely being on your own with on-one to bounce ideas off so it has been lovely to have the calm and confident support, help, advice and guidance of the ladies at WBDA. They have so much knowledge, which they readily share! It has also been so good to meet with all the ladies on the courses who are also starting off on their own.

I feel so excited as I can now see my business starting to unfold. It has been a journey of discovery for me! I just know that 2009 is going to be a good year and it feels great to know I can just pick up the phone or email Minal and the others if I need any help along the way.

My business

I provide professional training, mediation, counselling, life-coaching and hypnotherapy services to corporate and individual clients in Coventry, Warwickshire and the West Midlands. I also deliver the accredited National Open College Network Training Programme in Mediation Skills and design and deliver a wide range of other bespoke courses to meet the needs of the clients.

I provide a comprehensive workplace and community mediation service. I also have a small private practice offering counselling, life coaching and hypnotherapy.