Feeling overwhelmed by challenges, sleepless nights, and the weight of business stress? We've all been there! But here's the good news: help is available . A seasoned Business Mentor can offer you expert guidance, real solutions, and a clear path to success. Running a business can be tough.  Even in the best of circumstances, building a business takes immense effort, and life’s inevitable challenges only add to the stress. Whether it's professional roadblocks, personal difficulties, or external factors like the recent pandemic and shifting social climate, obstacles can seem overwhelming, often standing in the way of your progress. You may have experienced the feeling that something is holding you down - a weight pressing on your shoulders, making it hard to breathe. It’s the kind of overwhelm that creeps into every aspect of your day and keeps you tossing and turning at night, riddled with anxiety and uncertainty about how to move forward. If you can relate to this, you're likely a small business owner yourself. You know firsthand that tough times come, and with them, the sleepless nights filled with worry about how you’ll navigate the challenges ahead. I get it - after 30 years in business, I still have these sleepless nights too. The feelings of pressure and anxiety are all too real. But here's the truth: you’re not alone. No matter how long you’ve been in business, it’s normal to feel stuck or unsure about the next step. The idea of asking for help, however, can be daunting. You might feel that asking for help is an admission of failure or a sign that you're not capable enough as a business owner. You might worry that your questions will be judged, or worse, seen as stupid. But I’m here to tell you—you need to get over that fear. It might sound harsh, but it's the truth. If you don’t move past the fear of seeking help, you’ll remain stuck in your current situation, repeating the same struggles and frustrations. And ask yourself—do you really want to be in the same position a year from now? Of course not. Why a Business Mentor is the Help You Need When you decide to ask for help, it’s essential to turn to someone who has been where you are now. It’s easy to find advice on social media, but not everyone handing out business tips on Instagram is equipped to guide you. Look for someone with real experience  - someone who understands the challenges you’re facing and knows how to help you achieve your goals. This is where a Business Mentor can make all the difference. A mentor brings invaluable insights and experience, often drawn from years of navigating the business world themselves. They have a deep understanding of the complexities and can help you identify growth opportunities, enhance productivity, and streamline processes. More than just offering advice, a business mentor helps transform your ideas into actionable plans. Think of a mentor as an on-call expert who understands your industry and specific challenges. Having someone like this in your corner can save you time, effort, and resources—providing you with practical solutions that will move your business forward. Meet Robert Durrant: Your Trusted Business Mentor If you're looking for a mentor who combines years of experience with a passion for helping others succeed, Robert Durrant  is your go-to resource. With over 30 years of experience owning and operating a diverse group of companies across Australia, New Zealand, and North America, Robert brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. His reputation as a dynamic force in the business community is well-earned, and his commitment to excellence has helped countless entrepreneurs achieve their potential. Robert’s hands-on approach and dedication to helping others succeed have solidified his place as a leading business strategist, mentor, and coach. Take the Next Step Don’t let fear or hesitation keep you from seeking the guidance you need. A mentor like Robert can provide you with the tools, strategies, and support necessary to overcome challenges and grow your business. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness - it’s a strategic move that will set you on the path to success. Reach out today and take the first step towards transforming your business with the help of an experienced mentor. Related Content: How to Embrace Change In Your Business Mentors Guide to Business Success For more insights and strategies to stay ahead, register your email  and join the conversation! Robert Durrant High-Performance Mentor and Coach #BusinessMentor #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessSupport #Mentorship #BusinessSuccess #Leadership #BusinessAdvice #BusinessMentorship #SmallBusinessHelp #EntrepreneurAdvice #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipMentor #OvercomingChallenges #BusinessSupport

In this high-pressure environment, the metaphorical "Black Dog" can appear, adding to the weight business owners carry. First coined by Winston Churchill to describe his struggles with depression, the "Black Dog" represents an overwhelming sense of sadness, mental exhaustion, and emotional withdrawal. For those dealing with depression, every business task feels monumental, and the joy of building something meaningful may seem out of reach. What Does “Black Dog” Really Mean? The term “Black Dog” has evolved to commonly refer to depression, particularly when it manifests as a cloud of fatigue, loss of interest, or mental fog. While there are various depressive disorders recognised by the medical community, "major depressive disorder" (or clinical depression) is often the condition most associated with persistent, debilitating sadness. Depression is a mood disorder that disrupts the brain and body’s ability to produce the essential “feel-good” chemicals that regulate sleep, appetite, and mood. Left unaddressed, this imbalance can create a cascade of emotional and physical symptoms: Under or oversleeping : Difficulty getting restful sleep or staying awake too long. Appetite changes : Either eating more or less than usual, depending on mood. Muscle weakness : Struggling with what would normally be easy physical tasks. Thoughts of suicide : Feelings of hopelessness and purposelessness. Despair : A seemingly bottomless sadness that’s tough to escape. Irritability : Short-tempered responses to minor issues. Stomach pain : Lingering digestive discomfort without clear cause. Headaches : Frequent, stress-related tension headaches. Profound sadness : Persistent sadness that lingers day after day. Loss of interest : No longer finding enjoyment in once-loved activities. Feeling "numb" or apathetic : A complete lack of emotion or enthusiasm. Difficulty performing self-care : Even basic routines feel too hard to maintain. No motivation : Apathy toward once-important goals and tasks. How Depression Affects Business Owners The life of a business owner is filled with countless tasks, decisions, and goals. Depression, however, can drain the energy needed to handle these day-to-day demands. It can make prioritising tasks difficult, managing customers stressful, and handling criticism painful. Plans that would normally be exciting, like launching a new product or strategising for growth, may feel daunting. When the Black Dog takes hold, even the simplest task, like responding to an email - can feel like climbing a mountain. Tips for Overcoming the "Black Dog" While dealing with depression is a deeply personal journey, here are strategies that can help reduce its impact and gradually lift the fog: Seek Professional Therapy Working with a mental health professional is often invaluable. Organisations like the Black Dog Institute or Beyond Blue offer resources, therapy, and support to help manage depressive symptoms. A therapist can help you develop coping mechanisms and provide tools to reframe negative thinking. Medication Sometimes, depression may require medication to rebalance the brain’s chemistry. Speaking to a healthcare provider about antidepressants or other medications can make a significant difference, especially for those experiencing severe or persistent symptoms. Take a Break Stepping away, even if only briefly, from the daily grind can provide much-needed relief. A short holiday, a weekend away, or even just a few hours for yourself can recharge your mind and restore a sense of calm and clarity. Reach Out to Your Network Regularly connecting with others, whether they’re friends, family, or business associates, can help break the isolation that often accompanies depression. This network of support can provide encouragement and new perspectives to help you move forward. Break the Routine with New Events Introducing something fresh into your daily or weekly routine can help lift your spirits. Attending a networking or industry event, learning a new skill, or simply changing your workspace can bring a shift in perspective and reduce feelings of stagnation. Set Small, Manageable Goals Rather than focusing on large tasks, break them into smaller, manageable steps. Completing even minor tasks can boost morale, helping you build momentum and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. Prioritise Self-Care Basic activities like exercise, meditation, or just getting outside for fresh air can improve mood and energy. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your day. Reframe Negative Thoughts Depression often fuels negative self-talk. Try reframing these thoughts by acknowledging your challenges but reminding yourself of your strengths. Focus on past successes or accomplishments to boost your confidence. Speak to a Mentor Reaching out to a trusted mentor like Robert Durrant who can help you navigate both business challenges and personal struggles. A mentor can assist in setting realistic goals and help break large projects into manageable steps. They offer an outside perspective, which can provide motivation and build resilience. Remember: You Are Not Alone If you’re struggling with the Black Dog, it’s essential to know that you are not alone. Many business owners, perhaps even people you admire, have faced similar battles. Depression can be managed, and with the right support and resources, you can regain your sense of purpose and passion. Reaching out to others, seeking professional help, and breaking down tasks into achievable steps can all help you take back control. Finding relief and regaining your motivation is possible. With patience and persistence, you can work through these feelings and reconnect with the drive that led you to start your business in the first place. Related Content: How to Embrace Change  In Your Business Mentors Guide to Business Success For more insights and strategies to stay ahead, register your email  and join the conversation! Robert Durrant High-Performance Mentor and Coach #MentalHealthAwareness #OvercomeTheBlackDog #BusinessOwnerStruggles #DepressionInBusiness #RobertDurrantMentoring #EntrepreneurSupport #YouAreNotAlone #MentalWellness #BusinessMindset #BusinessResilience #BlackDogInstitute #BeyondBlue #BusinessDepression #BusinessStruggles #BusinessSupport #SmallBusinessChallenges #EndOfYearDepression #DepressionatChristmas #CEOMentalHealth #ManagementDepression

Marketing a business has never been easy, but in today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s even more challenging. What worked last year may no longer be effective this year. Marketers spend countless hours analysing performance data, testing different approaches, and refining their messaging, all in an effort to stay relevant and competitive. The reality is that marketing is a never-ending cycle of trial and error. With the rise of digital platforms, social media, websites, Google Ads etc, businesses are competing harder than ever to capture attention. Cutting through the noise requires expertise, creativity, and strategic execution. But just when marketers think they’ve cracked the code, external factors shift the landscape yet again. The Growing Challenges of Digital Marketing One of the biggest hurdles in today’s marketing environment is trust. As cybercrime continues to rise, consumers have become increasingly wary of clicking on links, engaging with online ads, or sharing personal information. This makes it even harder for businesses to drive traffic, generate leads, and convert customers online. Additionally, traditional digital marketing methods are becoming oversaturated. More companies are pouring money into the same ad channels, driving up costs while making it harder to stand out. Businesses that rely solely on these platforms risk diminishing returns on their investment. A Shift Towards Smarter Strategies It’s time for businesses to rethink their marketing approach. The age of strategy-driven and tactical marketing is here, meaning brands must move beyond basic digital advertising and explore more diverse, targeted marketing channels. Instead of relying on broad, expensive campaigns, businesses should shift their focus to highly personalised, channel marketing programs designed to attract better-quality leads and drive stronger engagement. This means integrating a mix of digital , content , influencer , affiliates , search , and B2B direct marketing  tactics. Businesses that embrace this approach will not only improve their visibility but also build trust and credibility with their target audience. How a Marketing Coach Helps! Navigating this evolving marketing landscape alone can be overwhelming. Instead of spending valuable time trying to master every new trend and tool, why not invest in expert guidance? An on-demand marketing coach, like Robert Durrant, provides businesses with access to proven marketing expertise across social media, digital marketing, eCommerce, and channel marketing. By outsourcing marketing strategy and execution, business owners can: Save time and resources by leveraging expert knowledge. Stay ahead of competitors with cutting-edge marketing trends and automation. Avoid costly mistakes by implementing tested strategies and tactics. Focus on running their business while leaving marketing to the experts. If your marketing efforts need a refresh, or you’re struggling to generate results, it’s time to work with an experienced marketing coach. Robert Durrant Mentoring  offers strategic and tactical marketing solutions that will help elevate your brand, boost visibility on Google Search, and drive meaningful growth. Rob owns and runs a leading digital brand agency called rev™ Branding , with offices in Australia, New Zealand and North America. Take the Next Step Don’t let the complexities of modern marketing hold your business back. Invest in expert coaching and start seeing immediate improvements in your marketing strategy and execution. Explore how Robert Durrant’s Marketing Coach Service can help your business thrive!   Robert Durrant High-Performance Mentor and Coach #businessmarketingchallenges #marketingcampaigneffectiveness #digitalmarketingstrategies #overcomingmarketingobstacles #innovativemarketingsolutions #adaptingmarketingtactics #marketinginthedigitalage #buildingonlinetrust #targetedmarketingcampaigns #benefitsofmarketingcoaching #outsourcedmarketing #marketingcoach #marketingmentor #marketingcoachingservice

In the pursuit of growing a professional career, many individuals find themselves held back by hidden barriers and skill gaps that prevent them from reaching their full potential. The MY Development Program by Robert Durrant Mentoring is specifically designed to uncover these obstacles and equip you with the advice, tools and coaching that is needed to overcome them, setting you on a clear path to achieving your career objectives. Understanding the Hidden Barriers that’s holding your career Back Most professionals encounter invisible hurdles that impede their career progression. These barriers can be anything from unrecognised weaknesses through to unidentified strengths that are not being fully leveraged. The MY Development Program is a comprehensive initiative that aims to identify these hidden factors, allowing you to address them head-on. By bringing these issues to light, you can better understand what has been holding you back and take proactive steps to overcome them. Stop running around in circles, put a plan into place now. A Structured Path to Success The MY Development Program offers a structured framework that guides you through the process of self-discovery, goal setting, and skill development. Here's how it works... Identification of Barriers : The program starts by identifying the specific characteristics that are hindering your progress. This involves a thorough analysis of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as any work challenges you may be facing. Goal Setting : With a clear understanding of your current position, the next step is to set achievable and realistic goals. These goals are tailored to your unique needs and career aspirations, ensuring that you have a clear direction to work towards. Essential Tools and Support : To help you overcome your professional development barriers, the program provides a variety of tools and templates. These resources are designed to enhance your skills, improve your leadership abilities, and foster greater engagement and motivation in your work. Support Services : Develop and grow your professional development through a range of training, mentoring and coaching services. A Personalised ‘MY Plan’ Approach Every participant in the MY Development Program receives a personalised and tailored MY Development Plan. Robert Durrant works one-on-one with each client to develop this plan, ensuring that it is customised to suit your specific needs and professional objectives. The program spans two months and includes... Face-to-Face Consultation Sessions : The one-on-one forums provide an opportunity to define your objectives, discuss your progress, address any challenges, and refine your development plan. Meet-Ups : Regular check-ins help ensure that you stay on track and continue making progress towards your goals. Tools and Templates : It’s not just lip-service. Rob provides a range of tools and templates that are used to analyse, document and manage your MY Plan on an ongoing process. Comprehensive Ongoing Mentoring Support Rob’s Professional Development Mentoring services provide the guidance and expertise that turn the MY Plan framework into career progression. Fuel your professional growth, open new channels, network with industry leaders by benefiting from: Meet-Ups : Regular face-to-face meetings that allow you to address any challenges and highlight opportunities. Use these sessions to brainstorm great ideas. Management Reports : These detailed progress reports provide detailed insights into your development, helping you to measure your progress and identify areas for improvement. On-Demand Support : Whether you need advice on a specific issue or general guidance, Rob is available via phone or email to provide continuous assistance. Key Benefits of the MY Plan Program The MY Development Program is designed to help you achieve a range of professional goals, including: Identifying and Resolving Career Development Barriers : By pinpointing your weaknesses and strengths, you can take targeted actions to overcome obstacles. Building Leadership Skills : The program enhances your knowledge, skills, and abilities, making you a more effective leader. Fostering Engagement and Motivation : By addressing internal issues and creating a clear plan, you can foster higher levels of engagement and enthusiasm in your work. Staying Focused and On Track : The structured approach of the program ensures that you remain focused on your goals and continue making progress. Start Growing your Professional Development If you find yourself struggling to achieve your professional career goals , it may be time to consider the MY Development Program and Professional Mentoring by Robert Durrant Mentoring. By identifying the hidden factors that are holding you back and providing the tools and support needed to overcome them, this program can help you unlock your full potential and achieve the success you deserve. Be proactive and start working with Rob to tailor a program to meet your specific and unique needs so that you can embark on a journey of professional growth and career development today. MY Development Program Learn more about the MY Development Program and how to begin designing your very own 'MY Plan'. Professional Development Mentoring Understand how Robert’s Professional Development Mentoring can help to develop your skills and grow your career progression. 3 Minute Professional Development Benchmarking Scorecard your professional development using our 3-minute Benchmarking Tool.  It’s a secure and confidential way of measuring your personal and professional performance. Robert Durrant High-Performance Mentor & Coach ( with 30 years business experience) #ProfessionalDevelopmentProgram #CareerDevelopmentPlan #MentoringforBusiness #ExecutivesLeadershipDevelopmentProgram #OvercomingCareerBarriers #ProfessionalGrowthandDevelopment #CareerMentoringServices #IdentifyingCareerStrengthsandWeaknesses #PersonalisedCareerDevelopment #ExecutiveCoachingandMentoring #SkillGapAnalysis #AchievingProfessionalGoals #CareerProgressionSupport #BusinessLeadershipTraining #CustomisedDevelopmentPlan #MYDevelopmentPlan #MYPlan #RobertDurrantMentoring #CareerDevelopment

All across today’s highly-competitive industry sectors, every dollar counts. Businesses need marketing services that don’t just make noise but create tangible value and drive real results. As a leading business mentor and coach, providing services across buisness strategy, marketing and sales development, here is some key tips to help you deliver on business goals while maximising value. Here’s how our services stand out: 1. Tailored Strategies for Unique Needs Every business is different, and so are its marketing needs. We take the time to understand your specific goals, target audience, and industry landscape. 2. Data-Driven Decision Making Informed decisions lead to better outcomes. We leverage cutting-edge tools to track performance, analyse trends, and make data-driven adjustments to maximise ROI. 3. Multi-Channel Expertise From social media and content marketing to SEO and PPC, work with experts who are proficient across all digital sales channels and platforms. 4. Creative Excellence Creativity is at the heart of successful marketing and sales development — work with a team of talented creatives brings fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the table. 5. Proven Track Record With a portfolio of successful and satisfied mentoring clients, and with 5 Star Reviews, Robert Durrant Mentoring has a proven track record of delivering results. 6. Transparent Reporting Transparency and accountability — make sure you have access to project plans and reports that detail the design and performance of your marketing campaigns. 7. Cost-Effective Solutions Maximising value doesn’t mean cutting corners. Use solutions that are tailored to YOUR needs so you pay for what you need and designed to deliver maximum impact within your budget. 8. Continuous Improvement The marketing landscape is ever evolving, and so are we. Work with people who stay ahead of industry trends and continuously refine their strategies to keep your brand and marketing relevant and competitive. Achieve Your Business Goals with Confidence Choosing the right business development consultant can make all the difference. You need to be confident that you’re getting better value for money business advice and services that truly deliver on your business goals. If yu have concerns about your current business growth strategy, why not book a call with me to speak through your concerns. It costs nothing to provide a bit of free advice…. Related Content: MY Development Plan My structured program to identify your characteristics, set goals, and provide tools that transition your professional development. Learn More >>> For more insights and strategies to stay ahead, register your email  and join the conversation! Robert Durrant High-Performance Mentor and Coach #BusinessGrowth #BusinessGrowthPrograms #BusinessConsultant #BusinessMentor #BusinessGrowthConsultant #BusinessAdvisor #SmallBusinessConsultant #BusinessDevelopmentAgency #SmallBusinessCoach #BusinessMentorMelbourne #SalesCoach #BusinessStrategy #BusinessGrowthStrategy

Module 1 & 2: How to create a kick-arse LinkedIn profile using our LinkedIn Profile Makeover and Professional Brand Development service. 50% of buyers avoid sales professionals with incomplete LinkedIn profiles. Let us perform a personalised  LinkedIn Profile Makeover  that will build your brand, attract recruiters, and also grow your business network. With a database of over 600 million professional users around the world,  LinkedIn  is one of the most important social networks for sales professionals and entrepreneurs. Did you know that LinkedIn has been around longer than Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram? The size of the LinkedIn network means that most of your prospects are most likely already using the platform?  You can quickly and easily start a dialogue, rather than having to make cold calls or attend conferences and industry events. However, before you can begin to use LinkedIn effectively , you really need to get the basics right like a professional brand and a well-designed LinkedIn profile. We can show you how to create a personalised  LinkedIn Profile Makeover that will build your brand, attract recruiters, and also grow your business network. 1. Creating your Professional Brand If you’re interested in doing business with like-minded industry professionals, you first need to create your own professional brand . Having a strong professional brand allows you to stand out from others in your industry, highlights what makes you valuable; it can even position you as a subject matter expert. Before you begin marketing yourself on LinkedIn , it’s essential that you’ve got a well-crafted professional brand identity, message and value offer. This Brand Development Service helps you to define your professional brand e.g. what you stand for and the value you bring to your customers! I’ll work with you to design your: Brand profile description Elevator pitch Value proposition Skills and expertise summary Target market & audience segmentation Credibility & subject expertise plan. Investment: $495.00 +gst 2. Profile Optimisation Do you want to have a kick-arse profile on LinkedIn? Our LinkedIn Profile Makeover shows you how to create an award-winning, stand-out profile. Using your professional brand , I’ll work with you to review and design your profile, adding in industry-relevant profile sections that will make you stand out from the crowd. LinkedIn profiles  can be customised with different section modules to help you explain your work history, skills, education to help you build and promote your online professional brand. Together, we’ll refine and improve the profile content PLUS benchmark it to others in your industry segment. We’ll make sure your LinkedIn profile is client-focused, informative and also personal, thus allowing you to connect with your audience easily. We’ll review and improve your: Brand Experience & Perception review Profile design & layout Profile message and industry positioning Credibility, trust & industry relevance strategy Client engagement & sales strategy and tactics. Investment: $495.00 +gst Selling on LinkedIn My Selling on LinkedIn Service is a 4-module system which has been designed specifically for business owners, managers, sales or account managers to want to use LinkedIn as a cost-effective business development tool. Module 1. Creating your Professional Brand Learn More >>> Module 2. Optimising your LinkedIn Profile [This Module] Module 3. Growing your Audience and Networking Learn More >>> Module 4. Selling on the LinkedIn Network to Generate Business Learn More >>> Bundled Offers Module 1 + 2 for just $895 +gst ( Save $95 ) Meet Robert Durrant? Robert Durrant provides high-performance mentoring, coaching and skill development services to help you set and achieve your personal and professional goals. To learn more about the mentoring and coaching services available from Robert Durrant, please visit our Mentor Programs or Coaching Services page. Robert Durrant High Performance Mentor & Coach #LinkedIn #LinkedInTraining #LinkedInBusinessDevelopment #LinkedInMarketing #LinkedInNetworking #HowtodobusinessonLinkedIn #HowtonetworkonLinkedIn #HowtosellusingLinkedIn #LinkedInPrograms #BusinessDevelopment #LeadGeneration #SalesDevelopment