Testimonials

Other clients

An individual contemplating business ownership

My original reason for seeking out business coaching was to finally get a business that I had tried to launch on my own, for 5 years, off the ground! I came into the coaching relationship with one goal in mind: to launch my business.

In a very short period of time, Pam was able to help me understand why I had not been successful, on my own, in trying to start my own business. And, in fact, it was coaching that helped me discover ….. I don’t really want to have my own business, at least not at the moment.

Pam worked with me, in a very positive way, and helped me shift my goals in a direction that would better suit my needs. She didn’t apply pressure and allowed me to work at my own pace, which is really important to me. During the coaching process, I was able to discover that playing a key role in someone else’s business suits my temperament, skill set and life style needs at the moment. Today, I am the general manager in someone else’s business … which is a win for me, my family and my employer.

An entrepreneur:

I wanted direction, support, and accountability as I tried out various entrepreneurial ideas.

Our coaching relationship began with a look at my goals, and their importance and urgency for me. Each of our sessions begins with a look at the issues that I have identified as most important. Our conversation leads to ways to tie these issues into my larger goals, and sometimes leads to identifying additional goals. Pam will often introduce ideas and directions that I had not thought of, but that tie in with my personal mission. She also provides templates and forms from a vast supply of resources to help me to either clarify goals, write proposals, take stock of personal values, etc. I ALWAYS feel invigorated, recharged and excited about moving forward by the end of our coaching sessions.

As a result of my work with Pam, I have discovered a business idea that fits beautifully with my experience and values, and quite simply fills me with joy! By identifying the characteristics of my ideal customer, I am finding that doors are opening and ideas are flowing. Pam opened my eyes to something that has proven extremely valuable in how I do business—to look through the eyes of my customer; to design my products and services in terms of the customer’s needs and wants. What a difference this shift in focus has made.

Pam sees that I address the entire spectrum of business success, from strategy to goal setting to marketing to financial operations to personal satisfaction. She supplements her vast knowledge in these areas with a wide network of experts in many areas. I am amazed that together we cover such a wide range of activities, while honoring a balanced lifestyle.

I am confident that my business is growing in a direction that fits beautifully with who I am at the core of my being, and I am deeply grateful to Pam for walking this path with me, and bringing me to this place.

From an entrepreneur, dad, and former partner in a professional services firm:

When 9/11 hit, I lost my job.  Then the recession hit, most opportunities disappeared, and things turned from bad to worse. After a year of fruitless job searching, I decided I needed help turning my career around.

The first thing I wanted to do was assess my strengths and interests to see if I could identify a career move that would challenge me, while providing work/family balance (I had a two-year-old daughter). I also wanted to rethink my job search process and execute it consistently. Up to that point, I alternated furious attacks on the market with periods of despondent inaction. Finally, I wanted to have someone in my corner to help me deal with the stresses of looking for a job. After coaching with Pam, I can definitely say I have achieved these objectives, and then some.

The biggest result from working with Pam? I have stopped looking for a traditional full-time job and gotten back into the entrepreneurial life. With Pam’s help, I realized that my desire to control my life and be a Dad ran contrary to most full-time opportunities in the job market today. Over the last year, I have been able to nurture one client relationship into work with seven clients, generating enough revenues to cover expenses and generate a small profit. I have been able to be the master of my time and have enjoyed the ability to pick my daughter up from school a day or two each week. Although I haven’t precluded the possibility of going back to work in a more traditional setting, I now know which opportunities will be consistent with my values. These last several years have been a rough road at times. But I believe I have emerged a better and stronger person, thanks in no small part to my coaching relationship with Pam Butterfield.

I can heartily recommend Pam to others who need help creating their futures. She certainly shined a light on mine!

A corporate manager to a new career:

In my 30-year business career, it’s been rare to find someone who took the time to give me honest feedback or guidance. It was Pam’s guidance as a coach that has helped me discover what I value in life and has allowed me to begin a new career as a teacher.

I began coaching with Pam in November of 2001. She put me through my paces and gave me the tools and structure I needed to re-discover things about my values that had become lost during my 30-year career.

Pam has a knack for gently probing, deeper and deeper, guiding me to the core of an issue. Characteristics that I perceived to be my weaknesses, Pam could look at from a different perspective, allowing me to see these characteristics as potential strengths. Relentless in her explorations, after our weekly sessions ended, I would frequently think “Wow! I never thought about it that way.”

As I settle into my new career in teaching, I continue to hear her voice in my mind, reminding me to take care of my needs, focus on my values and recognize and take advantage of my gifts.

Return to top