On the Blog: Straight Talk from an Entrepreneurship Coach
Practical wisdom and resources for ambitious founders.
Driving your business forward isn't just about strategy and tactics—it's about asking the right questions, challenging your assumptions, and constantly evolving as a leader.
That's what The Ask’s blog is all about.
Here, you'll find no-nonsense insights, practical advice, and thought-provoking questions to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. From hacking your psychology to maximise business results, to navigating pivotal decisions with confidence, we'll explore the intersection of personal growth and business success.
Expect real-world success stories, actionable frameworks, and deep dives into the power of coaching. Whether you're contemplating a major pivot, seeking to sharpen your decision-making skills, or simply looking to stay ahead of the pack, you'll find valuable resources to help you level up.
Lessons on work, love, life and belonging, from a 31 year old.
The Ask’s 3rd birthday, ten years since graduation and another trip around the sun calls for reflections and lessons from founder Ellen Donnelly. Thought-provoking and inspiring, no matter where you are in your own journey.
How to come up with great ideas to write about
Writing is a fundamental skill for any one person business owner. Why? Because writing is a low-lift and elegant channel to share your ideas and connect with your ideal clients. But what to write about? This post dives into three strategies to help you come up with great ideas every time.
How much confidence is too much confidence when building your new startup?
I believe that company building is personal development — you learn and grow so much in the process of creating a business that you change as a person in the process. The level of confidence (self belief, mental fortitude and decisiveness) can dictate the course of your company more than the right product, tool or strategy ever can.
Why does everyone suddenly want to be a coach?
What is it about coaching that makes it so appealing? Is it really the most popular career pivot or business idea for people to pursue? We’ll discover the reasons behind the booming coaching industry and how that might impact you, should you choose to start your business around coaching.
How to design a business around your beliefs and stand out in a competitive marketplace
Building a business is an incredible opportunity to bring your passions, interests and skills together in a service that solves a problem you care about. The best way to set your new business up for success is to ask yourself the following questions.
How to secure paying clients and sustain your income as a one-person business
Creating clients and getting them to say ‘yes’ to working with you, is a huge part of the business-building equation and so if you’re already there, a big congratulations. This post will walk you through how to monestise your offering, approach and secure clients and ultimately make your business financially viable.
How to design a one-person business around yourself
Do you want more freedom? More money? More time? Or simply to choose the projects and people you work with. Designing a one-person business around yourself is the key to achieving all this. But knowing how to leverage your unique contribution and build a profitable business around your skills, interests and talents is another hurdle all together.
What is your Unique Contribution?
If you are curious about the entrepreneurial leap, and want to create meaningful work, the answer is likely to go all in on building a one-person business around yourself.
What you must consider before making a big change in your life or career
Looking to make a big career decision or change in your life, but feel stuck and unable to move forward? Career coach Ellen Donnelly shares her top three insights into how you can move closer towards achieving your dream entrepreneurial career.
How to unlock your strengths and reach your professional potential
Having too many options for your career is overwhelming and leads to analysis paralysis. Then, stuck in your state of indecision, you can’t move forward or unlock your potential.
Use your strengths to find clarity! This article will help you understand what your strengths are and how to best use them to unlock your full potential!
What you need to know about working with a coach
There is a lot of misinformation surrounding coaching. How much is it? Who is it for? Do I need one? We’ll answer all these questions and more in this article, so you can make the best decision about whether coaching is right for you.
How to get comfortable with taking risks.
The evidence is clear: taking risks *is* your job as an entrepreneur if you want to be successful.
Whether you run a business or hope to do so one day, building your tolerance for risk is vital. Read on as in this post we explore what it looks like to truly take risks, how to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, and the inside scoop of some of my own risk taking this year.
How to commit and follow through on your career and business goals (continued - part 2 of 2)
Overcoming the focus and execution challenges that sit between you and your biggest goals. Part 2 of a 2-part series.