Sarah Banks is the Founder of Sarah Banks Coaching and this weeks Woman in Business Feature Story
This is her interview:
Tell us about your business
My personal story is the opening chapter in the formation of my business and its ongoing success. I wanted to use my personal experience and expertise of fertility treatment to raise awareness of infertility and reassure others that support and a sympathetic ear was available.
I created The IVF Positivity Planner, a diary and journal that supports individuals through infertility and the IVF process. An international bestseller, it offers coping strategies, coaching questions, daily journaling, and exercises to help during the process.
In addition to creating the IVF Positivity Planner, I recognised the lack of support for people struggling with infertility and retrained as a life coach to support others going through the same difficulties I did. I set up the Yorkshire Fertility Support Group, which today offers free peer advice and support to over 1400 members and I also run national support group, TTC Support UK, with over 1,200 members.
I recently toasted the publication of my second planner, which launched in the UK and US paperback and extends my planner collection. The Menopause Positivity Planner is a unique coaching journal, designed to empower, support, and educate women to improve their menopause symptoms, as well as encouraging them to embrace the menopause with optimism.
The business operates in a number of marketplaces including women’s healthcare, and the IVF and menopause industries and communities – ultimately, a rewarding sector. I am passionate about making a real difference to people’s lives, and I’m proud of my role working within an industry that provides a clear positive goal – helping and supporting people through major stages of their life.
Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?
Becoming a business owner has been a profound and transformative journey for me. It means so much more than just running a venture. Being an entrepreneur means having the freedom to structure my work around my family, allowing me to be present for the moments that matter most. It means having the opportunity to build something from the ground up, a source of immense pride and accomplishment. Also, entrepreneurship grants me the opportunities to make a difference in a way that aligns with my values and vision. It’s about effecting positive change, not only within my business but also in the wider community. This sense of purpose and the ability to shape my own path is what drove me to embark on this entrepreneurial journey, and it continues to inspire me every day.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
My drive and passion to make a difference to the experience of those going through IVF drives everything I do in my business. It serves as the unwavering foundation upon which I build, pushing me to constantly seek innovative solutions and compassionate approaches to support the journey of all families navigating the challenges of fertility treatment.
What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
Embarking on the journey of launching my first planner and subsequently taking it international was an entirely new experience for me, one that I now look back on with a sense of immense pride for the effort and creativity I poured into its creation and launch. While there were moments of self-doubt in those early days, I was determined to persevere! And now, seeing its amazing sales performance and how many people I am supporting, I can’t help but feel such satisfaction and pride in overcoming those initial uncertainties.
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
The best advice I’ve received in business is to do it your way. Remember, it’s your business, and ultimately, you’re the one who knows it inside and out. Trust your instincts and intuition. Don’t feel pressured to conform to someone else’s approach just because it worked for them as there’s no one-size-fits-all formula for success in business. What works for one business might not necessarily work for yours, and that’s perfectly fine.
So, my advice to your readers is this: make it yours and own it. Embrace the journey, stay true to your vision, and remember that success in business is ultimately defined by your satisfaction and fulfilment in what you’ve built. This is your legacy, and it should reflect the best of what you have to offer.
What is your relationship with social media?
My relationship with social media is a bit of a love-hate dynamic! On one hand, I recognise its undeniable importance for my business. It’s a powerful tool for outreach, marketing, and staying connected with my audience. The reach and accessibility that social media platforms offer are unparalleled, and I appreciate the opportunities it provides to engage with a global community.
However, I have to admit that there’s a part of me that feels more at ease when I’m interacting with people face to face. There’s something enriching about in-person conversations – the subtle nuances of body language, the immediacy of feedback, and the depth of connection that can be established. It’s an element that’s sometimes missing in the digital world.
What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?
The most impactful marketing initiatives for my business has been a strategic combination of podcasts, online articles, and social media outreach. Engaging with my audience through these channels allows us to share in-depth insights, establishing credibility and trust and establishing our brand’s position in the market.
What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
To surround yourself with people you trust and like, who can support you – I outsource some tasks and roles to a small trusted group of women who I really like and trust to support my business as I would – PR/marketing, social media, planner designer and an accountant. I am also part of a mastermind group of other women who own their own small business, like a small support group.
How has your routine changed since covid?
I am doing a lot more online training that is face to face, and Covid has shown that we can be as effective online in certain situations, which has made my business more efficient. It has also highlighted the benefit of a passive income – I could carry on making money in my business even when I was having to home school my children.
What productivity tools do you use?
I’ve tried using a few scheduling tools, but found that they didn’t work for me or my business needs, so there isn’t anything I am using at the moment.
Are there any other resources/tools that have helped you run your business?
I’ve always been a bit old school when it comes to staying organised with my work. I rely on Excel documents to help me keep track of leads and projects; there’s something about the simplicity that just works for me. Additionally, I’ve got this trusty business planner that doubles up as my diary and goal-setting resource – always keeping me focused and helping me plan my time effectively.
When it comes to handling the numbers, I turn to Freeagent for my accounts. It’s like having a helpful assistant that keeps everything in check, making sure I’m on top of my financial game. So between my Excel sheets, trusty planner, and Freeagent, I’ve got a winning team to keep me on track!
Do you have any new projects coming up?
I have created and just launched an amazing online course, tailor-made for fertility patients. Called Empower Your IVF, this course is going to be a game-changer for my business, providing targeted support for those going through the IVF journey, and it beautifully complements the planners I’ve launched. It’s due to launch at the end of the year and I can’t wait to share this incredible resource with everyone.
How do you prepare for the next day?
I often find it helpful to take a moment in the evening to jot down a list of actions I want to achieve the next day. This simple practice really helps me stay focused and organised. Also, I make it a point to get all the kids’ bags and uniforms sorted and laid out for the next day, making sure that everything is ready for the morning rush. This small routine not only streamlines our mornings but also sets a positive tone for the day ahead.
What is the number one meeting you never miss (and why)?
I aim to never miss my mastermind call with 5 amazing ladies that also have their own businesses. We catch up once a month (it was once a week during covid) to talk through successes and challenges we have, to support each other and offer guidance on each of our issues. Its great to just catch up with others who understand what it is like to run your own small business, whilst also being a mum and trying to juggle.
What do you do for fun/relaxation?
I love dancing and go to 3 classes a week, as well as competing. It’s my way of taking my mind off everything and just focusing on what I’m doing. I also love to read crime thrillers, and I make sure I read a little each day (even if it’s just 5 mins before I go to sleep).
What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?
My main business goal is to reach a turnover of £100k. It’s a target that feels ambitious, but I firmly believe in pushing boundaries and challenging myself. By striving for this milestone, I not only aim to achieve financial success, but I also seek to prove to myself that with dedication and determination, even ambitious goals can be within reach. This aspiration serves as a driving force, motivating me to explore new avenues, innovate, and ultimately, build a flourishing business that not only meets but exceeds my expectations.
You want to write a book on ….
I’m thrilled that I’ve already published two books, a journey that has been incredibly rewarding. Each book has been a labour of love, a culmination of passion and dedication. I’m always on the lookout for my next project to expand my journal collection. The process of creating these journals has been a fulfilling creative journey, allowing me to weave together my experiences and insights. It’s a venture that brings me immense joy, and I can’t wait to see what the next addition will bring to this growing collection.
What is the number one book you recommend to our readers? And why?
I have read a lot of great business books that have helped in different ways. One that stands out is ‘The Comparison Cure’ by Lucy Sheridan – I struggle with comparing myself to others, so this book is really helpful. She writes in such an engaging way, which helps you think about how to work through your comparison issues.
I like that you can write in the book and use it as a support resource. I initially bought it on my kindle, but liked it so much I bought the paperback version so I could write on it and refer back to it as and when needed.
What’s the best way for the readers of WE Magazine for Women to connect with you?
www.positivityplanners.com
Insta @ivfpositivityplanner 5.6k followers
Insta @menopause.positivity.planner 488 followers
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-banks-97834846/
Tiktok.com@IVFpositivityPlanner