Going Forward

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Introduction: People don't check their watches and phones when I've been given the podium. I do my homework to understand the goals of the event and know who the audience is. Because I get bored at least as easily as any audience, I rarely crib notes from earlier presentations, instead crafting my work from fresh research. That's important because in any field, for any business or organization, there is new data, new processes, new ideas and new designs. There are also challenges: some within sight, some over the horizon. I am fearless about hunting down sources that can illuminate whatever I am tasked with inspiring or informing. Still, there should be plenty of good laughter and maybe a few punches to the gut. Speakers should teach and entertain and challenge and inspire. It's a great challenge and I love it. But, more than anything, drawing a community forward toward your goals is my fortunate gift. If I don't think I'm the one for you, I'll tell you. I work with a limited number of clients on Life and Career Coaching. I take the same approach, but focused on that one client and founded more on listening than talking. I need to learn their mission, their goals and then help them plan and navigate a course to success. There's an amazing amount of sleuthing that goes into good presentations. Part is the discovery of the latest information about your system or business or mission. Another part is to know your audience. With social networks, it's a new world in raking together the leaves and entrails of what you do, and what you're trying to do. People are often surprised when I say something that the whole audience knows but doesn't say out loud. Not uncommon. Finding and presenting the pearls of research and discovery that captivate audiences is incredibly exciting. Watching an audience, or a client, lean forward and have that OMG look on their face is why I continue to speak. In my coaching of individuals, I work to help them discover what they really want, what is in their way and how to navigate a path to success.

Overview

Hired 1 time

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38 years in business

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Reviews

4.3

4 reviews

75%

25%

Shawn D.

Apr 11, 2016

Mike offered his coaching when I was going through a very challenging time in my life. Divorce. My life was entering new territory, I was a mess, and relations with my kids were not easy. Mike offered advice and thoughts that hit at many levels. From what good growth could come out of the mire to practical advice for being available to my kids. Mike did not sugar-coat things. He has a depth of experience and core of compassion that combine to make him an exceptional life or spiritual coach.

Jenny R.

Mar 14, 2016

Mike provided focused and honest feedback when I needed career direction. This would be a jump out of my comfort zone and he helped me navigate my way through the process from refining the tone and overall feel of my resume through assisting me with creating a website, building my business plan, and preparing for the panel interview. His years of experience as a business owner and leader are apparent in his communication style and organized thought process. He had some out of he box ideas that made it a fun, not so daunting process.

Lisa F.

Apr 11, 2016

Mike helped me with some work on a screenplay I am writing and, while the effort is ongoing, I can't imagine accomplishing it without his steady, motivational, and uber organizing voice. I unhesitatingly recommend him as a resource that you will soon find indispensable!

Tim B.

Aug 25, 2019

Hired on Thumbtack

It took Mr. Ashland several days to respond to the initial message, requesting a time to meet with him. When he finally did answer, he stated that we could meet at his showcase building, his house of straw. He mentioned that we could meet there after his "church" service. Because of the character of my current profession, I wasn't able to get back to him with a solid time until the day before Sunday. When I did get back with him, he mentioned that since it had taken so long to respond to him, that he took someone else on. I am assuming, due to his email, that the person(s) he took on was an initial meeting, as well. I could be wrong, though. The problem with this is that he initially gave such a wide time frame in which to meet, so I am assuming he had that entire amount of time to meet with people. It was an eight hour time frame. I thought that, surely, he could have worked me in during that time frame. As it is, I responded to him, letting him know that I could meet with him the following week (this week, 8/25/2019) on Sunday. I had the day set apart, specifically to meet with him. I took a vacation day. That email was over a week ago. He has, since, not responded at all. There was no email of any sort, even to mention that he thought we'd probably not be a good fit. I'm not upset with any of this, as I am going forward from this point.

Going Forward's reply

I am a minister and had a death in a congregation family and a daughter with a stroke. Tim was kind in seeking me out, but when I did not hear anything for a week to confirm our meeting nor receive any of the information that I requested, I went ahead and assisted the family in grief in-between trips to california for my daughter in hospital with stroke. There was no follow-up from Tim that I received, but it was a crazy time. I may have missed it. It did seem like a great fit and I am saddened that it didn't work out. But under no circumstances would I ever take one client over another! Also, I don't know what the "showcase house" is. We live in a relatively small home in a small town. We did smile when we saw we lived in a "showcase home." I wish Tim luck and can only suggest that timely follow-up communication and providing requested materials are critical business practices. It appears we both failed for whatever reasons.

Life Coaching

Credentials

Background Check

Michael Edward Ashland

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I take on a very limited number of individual clients, usually charging between $50 and $100 per hour. For presentations, workshops, team-building, and facilitation, I can only ballpark a quote until I understand not only the specific event and task, but what preparation in research and networking will be necessary to craft my work on your behalf. I often travel out of state for events. Any travel and lodging expenses can be expected to be covered by you.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Whether for a speech, facilitation, team-building or individual coaching, I always begin with a [free] personal meeting. I think relationship is probably the most important thing to determine first. Is this a good fit? Then it's on to understanding goals.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've been fortunate to have enjoyed fair success at many endeavors and businesses, and have often been an invited speaker and instructor for many undergraduate and graduate classes and events. I put enormous energy into research about whatever I take on. Over the years this has given me a prodigious load of knowledge and stories to undergird your project.