Business Coaching for Info-Entrepreneurs
"My passion is enabling people to create
really fun, profitable businesses."
--Mary Ellen Bates
Bates Information Services provides research training and coaching services for individuals who already operate an information services company and want to grow it to a new level, and those starting an information services company who want to hit the ground running, based on advice from a highly successful information entrepreneur—Mary Ellen Bates.
And Mary Ellen adds: "In addition to ongoing personalized coaching sessions, all my coaching clients may join in on a free monthly coaching call that I host."
Mary Ellen kicks off each coaching conference call by talking about some aspect of building an info business, and then participants discuss current issues or topics relevant to what they are working on or concerned about now. And if you can't make the live call, all calls are recorded and archived for coaching clients. So you can listen and learn at a time that's convenient for you.
And Mary Ellen adds: "In addition to ongoing personalized coaching sessions, all my coaching clients may join in on a free monthly coaching call that I host."
Mary Ellen kicks off each coaching conference call by talking about some aspect of building an info business, and then participants discuss current issues or topics relevant to what they are working on or concerned about now. And if you can't make the live call, all calls are recorded and archived for coaching clients. So you can listen and learn at a time that's convenient for you.
"After talking with you...I was feeling energized, motivated, and excited about approaching my business in a new way, something I've been trying to figure out for 5 years and you drew out of me in about 5 minutes. And I didn't even know you were doing it."
--Verna Wilder, Wilder and Associates
A How-To Book on Becoming a Successful Info-Entrepreneur
Mary Ellen Bates is the author of Building and Running A Successful Research Business: A Guide for the Independent Information Professional—widely considered the definitive, step-by-step guide to building a strong, thriving information services business. Many information professionals seeking coaching start by reading this book first, and then work with Mary Ellen for more advanced, customized coaching. This book can be purchased directly from us in our online store.
Mary Ellen Bates is the author of Building and Running A Successful Research Business: A Guide for the Independent Information Professional—widely considered the definitive, step-by-step guide to building a strong, thriving information services business. Many information professionals seeking coaching start by reading this book first, and then work with Mary Ellen for more advanced, customized coaching. This book can be purchased directly from us in our online store.
Rave Reviews From Clients
Mary Ellen Bates is known for her crisp, organized coaching, coupled with a genuine desire to help others succeed in the field of information services.
Here's what some of her Info-Entrepreneur clients have to say about her helpful coaching style:
"As a result of Mary Ellen's coaching, my presentation and speaking business has dramatically increased."
—Marcy Phelps, Phelps Research
"Thanks for being the best coach I could've hoped for, MEB! Man, I know how to pick 'em!"
—Regina Maxwell, Maxwell Research Services
—Marcy Phelps, Phelps Research
"Thanks for being the best coach I could've hoped for, MEB! Man, I know how to pick 'em!"
—Regina Maxwell, Maxwell Research Services
Want more Mary Ellen?
Hear a recent Interview!
Book a presentation!
Learn more about Mary Ellen's impressive credentials.
Do you feel that your business would benefit from a coach, but are stuck in figuring out exactly what or who you need? Here's a little help. Check out the two resources below to get a better idea of Mary Ellen and the Mary Ellen Coaching Experience. The first will help you with what to look for in a business coach. The second offers some proven techniques for kick-starting your business.
Stumped About What to Look For in a Research Business Coach?
Well, finding a business coach who is a good fit for info pros is a common roadblock for many people in our industry. In fact, the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA) posed just that question to Mary Ellen Bates.
Ready, Set, Help!
Listen to Mary Ellen's interview with QRCA or read the article she wrote for them—where she offers some great advice for info pros looking for a business coach.
Couldn't Make it to the AIIP Meeting This Year?
Watch Mary Ellen's Webinar
22 Ways to Kick-Start Your Marketing
Right Here, Right Now.
How to Increase Your Organizational Intelligence
Mary Ellen speaks to the
Dow Jones Information Professionals
about the
Ture Value of Information
Bates Information Services provides three business coaching packages, as well as a customized, pay-as-you-go plan. Mary Ellen Bates provides practical, how-to guidance for researchers wanting to start or invigorate their information services business. Coaching is the fastest, easiest way to build and grow a profitable, fun business.
Info-Entrepreneur Business Starter Package
Info-Entrepreneur Business Starter Package
$295
Jump start your Research Business with the most complete coaching starter package available. The Bates Info Entrepreneur Business Starter Package includes:
$600 total retail value of all products and services in the Bates Info Business Starter Package.
Price: $295.
- a copy of Building & Running a Successful Research Business ($34.95 value)
- a set of all four Coaching Moments Cards ($15 value)
- a certificate for a one-hour, one-on-one coaching session with Mary Ellen ($150 value)
- a 2-year subscription to Marginalia—a virtual graduate course that goes with Mary Ellen's book, Building and Running a Successful Research Business. This private, members-only area on the Bates Info web site is where all the info that didn't make it into the latest edition is furthered explored, examined, and explained. You'll have special access to Mary Ellen and a community of info entrepreneurs providing insights on how to build your business. Marginalia offers new Help Now! Professional Series downloadable e-Tools, a monthly Help Now! conference call with Mary Ellen and other info-entrepreneurs, audio & powerpoint presentations, $50 worth of Bates Bucks that you can use toward anything in the store, and a special "Hey Coach" area where Mary Ellen will answer questions posed by Marginalia members. ($400 value)
$600 total retail value of all products and services in the Bates Info Business Starter Package.
Price: $295.
Wanna Dive in Deeper? The Professionals Package
The Professionals Package
$600
If you are ready to dive in deeper and want more one-on-one coaching time with Mary Ellen...then my Professional Package is what you want. The Bates Info Entrepreneur Professional Package includes:
$950 total retail value of all products and services in the Bates Information Services Professionals Package.
Price: $600. A $350 savings!
- Four one-on-one business coaching sessions with Mary Ellen ($600 value)
- One year membership to the AIIP, the Association of Independent Information Professionals—the premier, global industry association for businesses providing research and consulting services across a wide variety of industries. (new or renewal, a $200 value)
- join in on a monthly coaching call with Mary Ellen and a community of other info-entrepreneurs. Mary Ellen kicks off each coaching conference call by talking about some aspect of building an info business, and then participants discuss current issues or topics relevant to what they are working on or concerned about now. And if you can't make the live call, all calls are recorded and archived for coaching clients. So you can listen and learn at a time that's convenient for you. ($150 value)
$950 total retail value of all products and services in the Bates Information Services Professionals Package.
Price: $600. A $350 savings!
The Turbo-Coaching Package
$1,800
Are you ready to take off on your own? Or finally serious about revving up your research business? If so, here's your chance to learn, one-on-one, with Mary Ellen Bates, along with a collection of tools that will spark your imagination and turbo-charge your business. The Bates Info Turbo-Coaching Package includes:
Over $2,450 total retail value of all products and services in the Bates Info Turbo-Coaching Package.
Price: $1,800. A $650 savings!!
- One-year of personalized Info-Pro business coaching with Mary Ellen Bates
- One-year AIIP (American Independent Information Professionals) membership (new or renewal) ($200 value)
- a 1-year subscription to Marginalia—a virtual graduate course that goes with Mary Ellen's book, Building and Running a Successful Research Business. This private, members-only area on the Bates Info web site is where all the info that didn't make it into the latest edition is furthered explored, examined, and explained. You'll have special access to Mary Ellen and a community of info entrepreneurs providing insights on how to build your business. Marginalia offers new Help Now! Professional Series downloadable e-Tools, a monthly Help Now! conference call with Mary Ellen and other info-entrepreneurs, audio & powerpoint presentations, $50 worth of Bates Bucks that you can use toward anything in the store, and a special "Hey Coach" area where Mary Ellen will answer questions posed by Marginalia members. ($195 value)
- a copy of the newly-released edition of Building & Running a Successful Research Business ($34.95 value)
- join in on a monthly coaching call with Mary Ellen and a community of other info-entrepreneurs. Mary Ellen kicks off each coaching conference call by talking about some aspect of building an info business, and then participants discuss current issues or topics relevant to what they are working on or concerned about now. And if you can't make the live call, all calls are recorded and archived for coaching clients. So you can listen and learn at a time that's convenient for you. ($150 value)
Over $2,450 total retail value of all products and services in the Bates Info Turbo-Coaching Package.
Price: $1,800. A $650 savings!!
Customized, Pay-As-You-Go Training and Coaching
Coaching services are customized to the very specific needs of each client, and are structured by the hour. There is no long-term commitment required; instead, these coaching services are designed to provide as much assistance as is needed, in the areas of interest targeted by each client. This "pay-as-you-go" approach is affordable, maneuverable, and flexible.
Wide Variety of Topics Covered
Mary Ellen Bates' coaching program provides an organized, step-by-step framework for how to launch an information services business, or how to take an existing information services business to new heights.
Examples of topics covered for new information services professionals include:
- How to get the first five clients
- How to develop and market specific research products
- How to structure relationships with sub-contractors, and more
Samples of topics covered for existing information services business owners include:
- How to highlight your capabilities in speeches without being a "walking commercial"
- How to implement a more effective marketing program
- How to network at industry conferences, and more
A Coaching Structure That Builds Accountability and True Progress
Although training and coaching are highly customized for specific needs, there are some common coaching structures that have proved particularly effective. The typical structure for coaching from Bates Information Services involves weekly goal setting, with a report back by phone the following week to talk about obstacles that were uncovered and how to handle them. Weekly feedback is not required but does help with accountability and moving your business forward. Discussions are usually conducted via emails and lively phone calls, which often result in on-the-spot brainstorming and solutions.
Ready? Call 303-772-7095.