Melitta is a Business Coach and host of the Driven Female Entrepreneurs podcast.
Through her Dream Clients Blueprint program, she helps female entrepreneurs break free from a cycle of doubt and overwhelm, to become confident business owners with a clear blueprint to consistent clients, fulfillment and time freedom.
Melitta’s experience comes from 25 years working in communication, marketing and leadership.
While her expertise lies in business, having been her own boss for 12 years, Melitta understands that being successful takes a lot more than a perfect plan. You also need the skills and confidence to implement it. Therefore, Melitta’s coaching program features a personalised approach that helps clients build an entrepreneurial mindset while building a solid and profitable business.
Melitta lives in Switzerland with her husband and two daughters, while serving clients around the world. She is also the founder of the Swiss Entrepreneurs Club, Driven Female Entrepreneurs Club, and a TEDx Speaker Coach for both the Lausanne and Swansea events.
What is your Dream Clients Blueprint all about?
When I started my business 13-years ago, I started with what I knew best – communication strategy and visibility. I worked alongside Fortune500 and UN leaders to help them engage internal and external audiences in their message. It was fascinating work, but after 8-years, I realized that while my reputation had resulted in more high-paying clients than I could serve, I had moved away from my purpose. As a result, I wasn’t feeling energized or fulfilled. I was also conscious that I was no longer producing work I was proud of. I needed to refocus on my purpose, though initially I wasn’t sure what that purpose was!
Then it came to me while networking. I found myself surrounded by women who had started a business to help improve others people’s lives through their expertise and passion, and enjoy more flexibility for themselves. Only, because they lacked the business strategy, marketing and sales skills they needed, their businesses weren’t giving them a stable, livable wage. And often it wasn’t providing the balance they wanted either. The more I spoke with women in this situation, the more I saw that I was perfectly placed to help them building these skills, gain the confidence to communicate and sell their value, and serve more of their dream clients – and all without becoming overwhelmed.
I took some time out to develop a robust framework and step-by-step system to help women achieve these results. I called it the Dream Clients Blueprint. Three years ago, I launched this business coaching program. I’ve been consistently blown-away by just how quickly those following the program are able to turn their fortunes around. Once they have a clear framework for success, upgraded business skills and mindset, and personalized support, everything starts to come together quickly. It’s so exciting to see them take their business forward, just as they originally visualized it.
Tell us a little bit about your personal background – how you ended up in this career?
I graduated from university some 25-years ago with a degree in Design Management, and went on to build a career in marketing communications, and later internal communications; picking up a Masters degree in Marketing and Communications, and a few awards along the way. While I loved my corporate career and I had worked hard to build my position to a senior leadership level, when I had my first daughter, my priorities changed. I wanted more flexibility. I had no clue if I could succeed in my own business, but I knew I had to at least try. It’s been an extraordinary journey, which has been incredibly tough at times, but thirteen years on, I’m so pleased I took that leap of faith. I can’t ever see myself returning to a corporate environment now.
What was the biggest problem you encountered starting up and how did you overcome it?
My first business was relatively easy. While I worried about everything initially, I had a good network and a solid reputation within the communications community, so I found my first clients quickly and, through referrals, networking and public speaking, I was able to consistently attract a steady flow of interesting and well-paid work.
What I learned, however, is that not all clients are the right clients. As demand for my expertise grew, instead of using that opportunity to refine and elevate my offer for my best clients, I said ‘Yes’ to everyone. This caused me to fall out of love with my work, and I found myself close to burnout. Thankfully I caught myself in time and was able to make changes before the inevitable happened.
I took a step back and refocused on my strengths, purpose and what gave me the most joy – which was creating value, meaning and connection through authentic marketing and messaging. That’s also when I decided to use my skills, knowledge and experience to coach small businesses rather than continue consulting for large corporates.
Today that’s where I start with all my clients. Helping them identify their purpose, the biggest problems that their ideal clients have, that they are uniquely placed to solve, and then build a business where these two align.
What are some of the Dos and Don’ts of being a business Coach?
Business coaches usually have a specific method of coaching that has been born from their combination of education and experience. I think it’s important to get clear on what you really offer, and be open regarding your methods and areas of specialist knowledge so clients can confidently determine who is best placed to help them.
For example, my Dream Clients Blueprint brings together my years of marketing, communications and sales education, with my experience of supporting CEOs and building my own businesses around a family. So, it’s perfect for women who want to create clarity, confidence and balance, alongside profitable marketing and business systems, but perhaps less relevant for technical start-ups or those preparing to exit their venture.
I think it’s important, therefore, for us to coach potential clients through their decision to invest in business coaching, so they be sure they get the support they need to achieve their next level of growth and freedom.
Do you have any other projects or businesses you working on?
I have always been fascinated and passionate about communication and storytelling. When I was asked to write a speech for the Chairman of one of Europe’s largest banks 15-years ago, I jumped at the chance. Even though it was something I had never done before. There’s nothing like jumping in the deep end! It sparked an ongoing love for public speaking. Since then I’ve continued to study speech-writing and practice my own speaking skills. This has led me to co-found the Swiss Riviera Toastmasters Club, and to be invited to be a TEDx speaker coach for both TEDxLausanne and TEDxSwansea. I’m also the host of the Driven Female Entrepreneur podcast, helping me to refine my interviewing and facilitation skills, while also bringing valuable insights to the entrepreneurial community.
As an introvert, I’m often asked how I can speak, network and market myself and my business with such confidence. My answer is: it’s been a long journey! Seeing that there are many others who want to follow a similar path, I’m currently distilling my story and best-tips into a series of inspiring and practical books. The working title of this series is ‘Introverts Can! A shy girl’s guide to…’ The first book, which focuses on Networking, will be available in Spring 2021.
How do you stay driven and motivated to keep going in your business?
I’ve developed lots of ways to do this. But top of the list is to stay focused on my vision and goals, reminding myself of these daily via a vision board and a daily achievement planning system that I’ve developed. I also love to remind myself of my client success stories to remind me that what I’m doing is far bigger than my own personal goals.
What is the one thing you wish you knew before starting your career as a coach?
In my early days of business coaching, I tried out a few other business coaching systems. They were valuable, but none of them gave the results I wanted for my clients – namely to build balance and meaning, and not just profits and growth. So, while I wish I knew to trust in my own vision, instincts, and expertise from the beginning, I think it was the experience of exploring those other options that gave me the confidence in my own experiences and framework.
What has been your most effective marketing strategy to gain new clients?
Networking has brought in a disproportionate number of clients to my business, directly and indirectly. But behind this has been a philosophy and commitment to always share value and build relationships. I do this through my podcast, blog, social media, workshops, and email content. I see that people who I meet through networking or public speaking, often go and check me out online, and have a whole relationship with me through these sources before becoming a client. I’m not sure there is ever just one clear marketing strategy that works. It’s more important to make sure that all your marketing efforts are valuable, create meaning and connection, and work coherently together.
When is the ideal time for a new entrepreneur to hire a business coach?
Great question! The obvious answer is straight away. Seriously, the right business coach can save you so much time and money. They can provide you with a significant short-cut to the business growth, profitability, and lifestyle you desire. On the other hand, any investment in coaching will be wasted if you are not prepared to put your learning and suggestions into practice. Working with a business coach can be an intense experience. It’s 100% worthwhile, but you have to be ready to roll up your sleeves and put in the work.
What are some of the reason you would refuse or stop working with a client?
I interview all my clients before we start working together, so I rarely have to fire a client. I only take on those who are ready to invest in themselves, do the work, and who are open to moving out of their comfort zone. Not all those who want to work with me fulfill that criteria. Many are just looking for a quick fix or short-cut to success. But that’s not how sustainable businesses are built. Even if I were to hand you the perfect plan to build and grow your business, it wouldn’t guarantee your success; only you and your personal effort and willingness to grow can do that.
What is your definition of success?
Personally, it’s to have financial stability, plenty of quality time with my family and friends, a positive impact on others, and ongoing personal growth. I don’t believe in a single end goal, I think success is all about enjoying the journey and I’m certainly doing that.
What are three things most of your clients have in common?
What an interesting question. Looking back at my clients, the biggest things they have in common are:
A desire to use their personal passion, skills and experience to help others. They might not realize it, but this is all about living your purpose, and that’s the best way to achieve fulfilment in life. I love working with people on this path.
Another thing they all have in common is that they have an extraordinary amount of value to offer their clients. But not yet confident on how to profitably share this value within their market. Helping others reveal and appreciate their value is one of my favorite parts of my work. Often once my clients gain clarity on the value they offer, the way they communicate naturally changes and their dream clients start to gravitate towards them. It’s very exciting!
And finally, they are all committed to achieving success their own way. They understand that this requires personal growth and are willing to try new things and work alongside me as they up their game.
What’s your best piece of advice for people who are just starting their coaching business?
When most people start a business, they get all excited, create something and then start to tell the world what it is they’ve got. While this has some merit, there are some important things that this approach misses, which holds their business back further down the track. It’s a problem that is particularly pertinent amongst coaches. What they miss is a clear value proposition. In other words, they miss clarity around how they serve people in ways that are new or different, and why that is valuable to the client. To be able to answer this, you need to know who you are and what you stand for, and who your ideal clients are and what is meaningful to them. So, for anyone starting a business I recommend they start with their value proposition, better still, work with a business coach to help you get this crucial information right, because so much of your future success depends upon it.
What is your favorite quote?
It’s so hard to choose just one! I love quotes and how they can succinctly express an idea. But, if I were to pick just one it would have to be this one from Sir Richard Branson:
“If it’s no longer fun, stop doing it!”
– Sir Richard Branson
It’s the quote that prompted me to evolve my communication consultancy into a business coaching practice.
I think we often get caught up in the work we are doing and forget that it also has to be fun, otherwise what’s the point? You may as well have a job!
How can readers get in touch with you?
I’d love to connect with anyone who has resonated with my story or wants to know more about how business coaching could support them in achieving their goals faster. The beauty of my name is that I’m the only one, so you can type my name into anything online or visit Melittacampbell.com. The Driven Female Entrepreneur podcast can be found on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, and most other platforms, or direct from my website.
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