Newtown Business Spotlight: Tom French Mentor Coaching

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series we’ve kicked off at Patch — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: Tom French Mentor Coaching

Owner: Tom French

Website: tomfrenchcoaching.com

Address: 14 Valley View Road, Newtown, CT 06470

How did you come up with the name?

Since I am a solo practitioner it made sense to highlight my name – so it is clear who I am and what I do.

Why choose this location?

I work out of my home office. We moved here from Norwalk 10 years ago and we love Newtown.

What business are you in?

We offer mentor coaching for independent professionals, entrepreneurs, salespeople and others who want to improve their lives and are ready for change.

What is the most difficult challenge?

Finding clients. I have been a salesperson for many years and I coach salespeople. Yet the biggest challenge remains making contact with people in my target market, so I can engage them and offer them a free initial consultation.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision?

Nothing really. I love the independence and I love my work, I have a clear mission. I have experienced personally how life can be transformed through work and how as our results improve our life improves. My mission is to see people improve in whatever area is important to them. I know that as they feel better and see improved results at work, there is a carryover and their life gets better overall.

What is your favorite moment or proudest achievement?

Since I have just launched my business (I set it up 3 years ago but didn’t dedicate myself full to it) I would say that getting my web site going, and developing a clear message about the services that I offer is the achievement I’d highlight at this stage.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

Develop a web site that adjusts and shows up well on mobile – called a responsive web design. This is a HUGE trend and will be a must for any business that wants people to reach it over the web. Responsive web sites adjust the size and spacing for whatever device is used by the customer – PC, Laptop, Phone, iPad, etc. - so it always looks right. I am working on this now for my website.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

I teach salespeople about this very issue so I strive to practice what I preach, if you will. If it is a complaint or objection, first empathize and accept the issue for discussion (don’t get defensive), then clarify the issue (get under the surface because what is expressed first is not likely the real issue/or complaint), then respond appropriately. If the difficulty is unreasonable demands or changes or lack of clear instructions, etc., then not getting emotional or combative and being diligent about very clear and specific communication helps, plus managing expectations that are unrealistic, for example, is essential.

How does your business give back to the community?

I am open to ideas in this area. I care about Newtown and love it here.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.

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