About
Big-Company thinking works in a Small-Business reality.
Running a small business…
Running a small business…
Services
Activity
5K followers
-
Jon Cox shared thisWhat on earth has Heinz Alphabetti-Spaghetti got to do with business? Well it’s a good way to describe part of the misconception about setting up and running a business. Still confused? Read on and clarity will prevail (much like when we work together!) Contrary to popular belief when we set up a business and in its fledgling years success and growth is not an A-Z activity. It's more like a random aphabetti-spaghetti on your spoon each time you dip it into your bowl. BUT as it develops, and we get our strategic business plans in place, the letters start spelling words. Don’t get me wrong running a business is never as simple as a straight line and growing it hardly ever flows from A-Z, but you become the one in control of drawing the line (in all senses of the phrase) and placing the letters in the order you need them to be in to make sense. ⁉️If that makes you ‘hungry’ to get your plan built, DM me for a free discovery call⁉️ *Inspired by Zennor Robinson 🌸 ** Other brands of tinned spaghetti are available *** They're just not as much fun or as tasty as the Kraft Heinz ones!
-
Jon Cox shared this“Which big company habit can create the biggest change for founders once they embrace it?” Was a great question by the ever inquisitive Martijn Pothof the other day, and as part of my ongoing #RealConversation that I share on Wednesdays here’s how that question panned out… My reply… “That's an easy one my friend, building their Strategic 3 Year Business Plan. Having that as a guide, director and companion to run the business with Is the game changer, because everything is then being done with intent and in the right order. Big companies build a plan to create clarity and then deliver it to get results, and that is where a LOT of smaller companies are missing out.” And that is exactly why I specialise in bringing that sort of thinking and results to smaller companies because many don’t have a clue where to start, what to include or the order that they need to build it to get the best results. ⁉️How is you Strategic Plan looking, and 2/3 of the way through the year is it delivering the results you need⁉️
-
Jon Cox shared thisI get people tell me all their darkest secrets and then use that knowledge to make them do things. 🫨 👆🏻Sounds kinda shady and illegal when you put it like that doesn’t it? That couldn’t be further from the truth, let me explain Through the process of coaching we ‘positively interrogate’ the problems that you are facing in your business. It’s in a safe space with zero judgement where we keep on digging until we get to the real root cause(s). Often what we find is something that you’ve never actually verbalised or realised before and had been keeping buried deep down not wanting to face it. The beauty of finding and naming it is that we use that knowledge and then through further coaching (or mentoring if you need more direction) we plot out the right courses of action to take to remove the problems and catapult you forward again. In short we… Find the problem + Find solutions = get results. If that’s something you need a little help with right now DM me to see if I can help ⁉here's a fun challenge… Describe your job / business and make it sound shady or illegal 🤣⁉️ Thanks Harrison Cantel for the inspiration for this post! 🙌🏻
-
Jon Cox shared thisCoaching vs Mentoring (the simple version) Coaching = I help YOU find the answers that are already in your head. Mentoring = I hand you the answer I already used to fix this exact mess at a Fortune 500 company. Most clients get a cocktail of both (shaken, not stirred) when we bring the ‘Big Company Thinking to Small and Micro Companies’. Still confused? I wrote a short blog that explains it better than I’ve seen any flash in the pan LinkedIn ‘guru’ manage to. It’s not written with any AI support at all, it’s based on over 25 years' experience supporting both large and small companies at Board Level. I’ve dropped a link in the comments below 👇🏻 ⁉️If you’re ready for ‘Big Company Thinking’ for your small company book a discovery call today⁉️
-
Jon Cox shared thisWhat drew you to working with small businesses specifically (when large ones also want to employ me)⁉️ Great question form Em Stroud in a cheeky DM the other day, and as it’s time for another #RealConversation I thought I’d share the answer (compiled in no particular order)... “1️⃣There are so many that need top level support but don't know where or who to reach out to. 2️⃣Small businesses 'do' whilst large businesses 'debate' so change can be instant rather than slow 3️⃣Small companies need to adapt and change, large companies tend to play it safer 'because it's always worked that way' 4️⃣The big company thinking IS a game changer because people only 'know what they know' so the ideas, processes, tools, approach, thinking and challenge I bring genuinely step changes their small companies over night. 5️⃣I feel that I need to give back and help small companies, especially in this tough economic climate, support and direction to succeed. 6️⃣Oh and I got fed up with 'Boardroom 🐂💩' and all the politics and positioning. I've found small companies don't have the capacity to hold onto that because it would have already put them out of business. 7️⃣And finally it’s the move from authority to influence, I no longer do or deliver the results I help others to instead which is HUGELY rewarding To be fair there are loads more reasons but that coves most of the bases.” ⁉️Why did you choose who you help⁉️
-
Jon Cox shared thisThere are over 370,000 coaching professionals registered on LinkedIn in the UK 😱 If you go ‘full LinkedIn’ then that number runs into the millions 🤯 So why am I different and why do my clients trust me over and above the, literally, millions of others? With over 25 years’ experience of running and supporting companies at board level I now “Bring Big company Thinking to Small and Micro Companies” via 1-2-1 Coaching and Mentoring sessions. All the insights, tactics, strategy and knowledge are used to help you and your company to work at a completely different level. We get you asking questions, thinking and delivering at a level that you didn’t even know existed or was possible which gives you a tactical advantage against your competition that almost feels unfair (almost). Check out my LinkedIn profile for recommendations, and look out for my #RealConversations Wednesday posts to see and ‘feel’ what working with me is like. You see (modest brag, not so modest brag incoming…) I, quite literally, am the product that I sell so my only competition is me❗ ⁉️ If you’re serious about your business and are looking to create a 3-Year Strategic plan (that delivers!) or are looking for support with general commercial problem solving you’re in safe hands when we work together ⁉️
-
Jon Cox shared thisStop it, stop it right now, you are wasting your time‼️ Stop building your business plans And stop plotting out what to do and where you want to be in 3 years’ time, it’s pointless You are destined to fail Unless…… You’ve done a deep dive of your existing business FIRST. Honestly it is one of the biggest reasons that business plans fail, they’re built on dodgy foundations and are a wish, not a structured plan. The first thing you need to do it take a long hard look at your current business and ask yourself questions like… 1) Who am I selling to 2) Where are they based 3) What do THEY want 4) How can I help 5) What makes me different When you understand those questions look at what the competition are doing then ask… 6) Are my costs and pricing in shape 7) What other products / services can I offer 8) What are my Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) Trust me when you have answers to those questions the foundations for your plan are in place and you’ll finally be ready to start building it. ⁉️If you’d like a 15 Point 3 Year Strategic Plan (that actually finds answers over 80 questions, not just those 8) then DM me to make it happen⁉️
-
Jon Cox shared thisDo you think the real value of coaching is the advice itself, or the questions that help people think more clearly for themselves❓ Was a question from a talented Wellness Copywriter I know called Blessing Ekpe And as it’s Wednesday where I share #Realconversations I thought I’d share my answer… “💯the clarity that it creates, coaching isn't about telling, it's about asking. If we're giving advice we are leaning into mentoring territory because we are offering solutions to the problems. If that is what someone signed up for then that's great BUT if we are pure coaching the power comes from asking the right questions to unlock the answers from the client. There is a depth of excitement and relief that we get when our minds are picked (and if need be, pushed) to find many solutions and then decide which one we're going to take. And as you mention the clarity that it brings helps resolve the problem at hand and also create a mindset to approach future issues differently. Great question 🙌🏻” If your coach is telling you what to do, they are robbing you of the opportunity to find answers deep within you that help resolve many other issues at the same time rather than just focussing on the one at hand ⁉️Do you prefer to ask or tell when someone has a problem⁉️ *Side Note* I think I might have made up a new word with that typo in the image 'Flarity = A combination of Focus and Clarity!'
-
Jon Cox shared thisDoes it all feel a little overwhelming sometimes❓ When you're the one 'at the top' running the company the constant pressure, problems solving, miss steps and general chaos can be overwhelming and all consuming. I know as I’ve been there a few times myself. The good news is you don’t have to weather it alone because reaching out for a Coach / Mentor helps remove that confusion and creates clarity and direction (As well as well rested nights!) Honestly, I wish I’d had that sort of support, which is one of my main reasons why I help others so together we take a little time to objectively look at your problems / challenges and walk around them to find solutions that you probably already know are there but haven’t unpacked. And if you are facing those sorts of dilemmas or just need different thinking and approaches, I can also bring that via 25 years’ worth of knowledge, tools, processes, challenge running and supporting businesses at Board Level. And the beauty of it is I almost exclusively work with small companies or individuals now whilst bringing that ‘big company thinking’ so there really is no need to try and go it alone. ⁉️If that sounds like something that’s worth a 15 minute chat about DM me⁉️
Jon Cox replied to a comment
2d
John Dalgarno always got to make sure we’re adding value and solving problems 🤗
Jon Cox replied to a comment
2d
Vimalesh Ranil exactly, with a structured and stress tested plan you start getting traction and direction, rather than making random moves again and again
-
Jon Cox liked thisJon Cox liked this𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲? I’ve been thinking about this as I get ready to spend part of my working life in Auckland this September. I’ve spent years working with people and organisations across different countries and cultures, but I’m not about to assume that my understanding of leadership simply packs its bags and travels with me. Some aspects of leadership feel universal; others are unmistakably shaped by culture, history, age, identity, and lived experience. Maybe leadership is exactly that paradox: 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗼��𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁, 𝘆𝗲𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆. So I’m curious about what Auckland will teach me. What do you think is universal about leadership, and what isn’t? 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿, 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲. I’d love to continue the conversation in person. ⬇️ Last year, NZ offered me three days’ walk for a little solitude. South Island.
-
Jon Cox liked thisJon Cox liked thisLove to attract working parents to join Janikin Energy. So I thought I would make a couple of calls to Rec 2 REC companies. Mother where art thou !!!!!! #workingparents #workingfromhome #workingmum #janikinenergylove #sthreelove #workingmom #womenwhowork #familyfriendlyworkplaces #huxley #singleparents #singlefamilyhome
-
Jon Cox liked thisSharing for reach: Ben is brilliant at what he does, reach out to him quickly, he won't be in the market for long and would be a huge asset to any business.Jon Cox liked thisFollowing last week's news around Stagestruck entering liquidation, I too am now looking for my next opportunity. As someone who loves live experience and who has led projects around the globe for a range of brands, as well as managing the agency teams that design and deliver them, I'm hoping to find a new home alongside folks who are equally passionate about what they do - be that events, experiential or other related areas. If you'd value a conversation, or know someone who would, then please do let me know. A huge thank you to those of you who've already been in touch to check in - it's been great to reconnect.
-
Jon Cox liked thisJon Cox liked thisExciting news…. Our unofficial work mascot is expecting puppies 🐺 Today’s ultrasound confirmed the pregnancy, and we even managed to watch one of the little pups wriggling around during the ultrasound. Safe to say, excitement levels across the business are currently much higher than normal! Congratulations to Artemis, our wolfdog🐺. Looking forward to meeting your little ones 🐺 🐺 🐺 #officemascot #worklife #dogsintheoffice
-
Jon Cox liked thisHighly recommend connecting with Jonathan Daglish MA and the Operate to Scale team. Our experience working with them over the last 10 months has been transformational.Jon Cox liked this🚀 Excited to announce our first-ever Operate to Scale event: Scaling Smart | Sales, Growth, & Capital for Founders 📅 3rd November 2026 | Deloitte | 2 New Street Square Join us for an insightful evening where our expert panellists, spanning sales, sales intelligence tools, investment, and exited founders, will share their experiences and strategies for scaling businesses towards successful exits. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Deloitte Private, our Emerging Growth Companies team, and our incredible clients, including Curvo.ai and Talent Unlimited, alongside our valued industry partners Syrena. This is a unique opportunity to gain actionable insights, connect with industry leaders, and explore what it truly takes to scale smart. 💡 Interested in joining us? Reach out to me or a member of our team to register your early interest. #Deloitte #OperateToScale #ScalingSmart #Growth #Entrepreneurship Brandon Ware Max Regan Samuel Gottlieb Luke Rawlings Stephen Turner Kariel Parian
-
Jon Cox liked thisAdam Tobias Looks like a great topic.Jon Cox liked thisGrowth readiness is not only about having the right strategy or hiring more experienced leaders. It is about whether the leadership room can actually carry what the company is becoming. Can different perspectives shape the decision—or are they only represented in the room? Can leaders challenge one another when the pressure rises? Can authority, ownership and trust evolve as quickly as the business does? On Thursday 27 August, Adam Tobias and Marieke van Kreij will explore these questions in a 30-minute LinkedIn Live. Adam is Co-Founder of Inventum Group and brings more than 20 years of experience in hiring, inclusive leadership and the everyday people decisions that shape organisations. Marieke is Founder & CEO of Ilumae. Her work centres on helping leadership rooms recognise and move through what is shaping their capacity to lead the company’s next stage. Together, they will explore what it really takes for a leadership team to become growth-ready—not just on paper, but in the decisions, relationships and moments of pressure that determine whether the company can move. Growth Readiness: Can Your Leadership Team Carry the Company’s Next Stage? When? Thursday 27 August at 12:15–12:45 CEST Where? LinkedIn Live #GrowthReadiness #Leadership #Scaleups
-
Jon Cox liked thisA fantastic addition to our team, Josh is truly exceptional. I'm looking forward to drawing on his vast experience and insights as we grow mOm !Jon Cox liked thisWe are delighted to announce that Dr Joshua Boger has joined the Board of mOm Incubators. As we accelerate commercial growth, expand into new global markets, and broaden our impact in maternal and neonatal health, we are excited to be joined by Dr Boger, who's guidance will help shape the next chapter of mOm’s journey. With a comprehensive background in pharmaceuticals and healthcare, Dr Boger is the founder of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, retiring as their Chief Executive Officer in May 2009, after over 20-years with the company. Following his tenure as CEO, Dr. Boger continued to to serve on the Vertex Board and Cochaired its Science & Technology Committee, stepping off the board in June 2017, after more than 28 years. Dr. Boger developed an international reputation in the application of computer modeling to the chemistry of drug design and was a pioneer in the use of structure-based rational drug design as the basis for drug discovery programs. While at Vertex he began and championed drug discovery and development programs that brought forth one of the first HIV protease inhibitors, later using the same technology approach to develop the first widely-effective cure for hepatitis C infection, a leading cause of liver cancer and liver failure. A two-decade-long program at Vertex aimed at the fatal genetic disease, cystic fibrosis, has lead to oral combination therapies from Vertex that have been key to increasing the average projected lifespan of afflicted patients from 34 years when the program began to over 65 years today. Dr. Boger has served on numerous boards, including the Harvard Medical School Advisory Board, where he is Chair Emeritus, and he served for almost a decade on the advisory board of Harvard’s Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Dr Boger says, "Over the past several years I have watched the team develop mOm from a concept on paper to a fully regulated, life-saving product, medical device now in use across multiple countries. My deep commitment to advancing human health, combined with decades of leadership experience in biotechnology and innovation, will be invaluable as we scale. mOm has the potential to transform the lives of countless children and parents globally. I have dedicated my working life towards improvements in human health, and I am looking forward to doing it again, alongside mOm’s other board members and the impressive, capable team at mOm” Welcome to the team! #mOmIncubators #HealthCareInnovation #biotechnology #neonatalcare #boardmember
-
Jon Cox liked thisJon Cox liked thisOne for my Cape Town network! Sharing on behalf of a friend who is looking for an experienced Healthcare Recruiter to take ownership of an established nursing desk. This isn’t simply a booking role. They’re looking for someone who can: • Build stronger relationships with staff banks • Improve utilisation of the existing candidate base • Increase prescreens and bring new nurses onto the desk • Develop candidates and take a genuinely 360° approach If you’re a healthcare recruiter looking for more ownership and the opportunity to grow a desk, DM me and I’ll connect you. If you know someone who might be a good fit, please tag them below. #Hiring #HealthcareRecruitment #RecruitmentJobs #CapeTownJobs
Experience & Education
Recommendations received
8 people have recommended Jon
Join now to viewOther similar profiles
Explore collaborative articles
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
Explore More