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Sheri Irons and James Ross

Achieving Business and Personal Fulfillment

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with James Ross, Managing Director of The Alternative Board North Chilterns. James, a seasoned entrepreneur with extensive experience in property development and investment banking has been with us since early 2022.

Faced with the alluring but demanding options of high-paying investment banking roles and other high-pressure jobs, James sought a path that offered more than just financial rewards. It was then that he was introduced to The Alternative Board (TAB) by a close friend.

Within just 16 months of joining TAB, James has transformed not only his professional trajectory but also made a meaningful impact on the businesses and communities he serves. The opportunity to join TAB emerged as a turning point, allowing him to blend his business acumen with his desire for personal fulfilment.

James Ross

North Chiltern
TAB Franchisee since 2012
north chiltern sheep

"I'd recommend TAB to anyone. Genuinely, I appreciate what we are doing. It's not just the business owners we help; it extends to their families, the companies, and even the employees. I believe we can really make a difference."

James Ross, Managing Director, TAB, North Chilterns

In The Beginning

Before joining TAB, James had a diverse career spanning two decades in investment banking and property development. Trained originally as an accountant, he eventually held various high-level roles, including Chief Operating Officer for a business unit that reached £2 billion in revenue. However, the stressful banking culture took a toll on his work-life balance. Looking for a change, he semi-retired to focus on property development, which proved financially rewarding but emotionally unfulfilling.

Recognising the need for a more balanced career, James outsourced his property business management and began exploring new opportunities. During his search, he discovered TAB, a franchise that aligned perfectly with his skills and aspirations.

Overcoming Initial Challenges

James faced significant hurdles during his early days at TAB, particularly in member acquisition. Though his initial efforts were slow to yield results, he soon reached a turning point. His board began to attract high-quality members, which marked a memorable moment in his journey, boosting his confidence and changing the dynamic of his sales process.

“I knew I was getting close, and I knew I was doing a lot of the right things, but I wasn't quite nailing it. After three months I still hadn’t signed anyone the suddenly I signed about 10 members in the space of five weeks. So, it just all came together for me.”

Strategies for Success

James attributed part of his turn-around to employing the Andy Bounds sales process, which offered deeper insights into the unique needs of potential board members. This method equipped him with the skills to ask probing questions, allowing him to better understand the challenges or "pain points" that potential members were facing.

“The Andy Bound sales process is excellent. It's much better than the one I learnt. And I've found that incredibly effective in signing members.”

 

James Ross

Support Network

James found the support provided by TAB’s central team to be invaluable. The support was comprehensive, from training and sales techniques to real-time practical help. This encouragement and assistance from TAB's central team significantly contributed to his confidence and effectiveness as a franchisee.

“I was really impressed by the professionalism of the TAB Central team. It was a slick operation and that gave me confidence that this was the right organisation for me. During both the initial and post training, the support has been awesome. Whenever I need help, there's always someone around in the central team to help me. I can't speak high enough for the central team, just spectacularly good.”

Priceless Interactions

james ross board

One of the most gratifying elements for James has been the communal spirit within TAB. The franchisees' mutual respect, support, and shared accountability greatly enriched his professional experience and personal growth.

“Being part of this community is incredibly important, and I can't overstate the significance of the TAB community. It's a fantastic group of people and having immediate access to help and advice when you need it is invaluable. It's truly an amazing community to be a part of.”

The Ripple Effect

One standout client, Deborah Eyre, became a testament to the transformative power of TAB's services. Under James's guidance, Deborah's company is now on track to double its turnover and profit for the first time in seven years. James's contribution extends far beyond individual businesses, touching broader communities and various facets of life.

“One of the companies I work with is High Performance Learning, founded by Deborah Eyre. She's been building this company for about seven years and was on the verge of giving it up. Thanks to our collaboration, her company's turnover has increased significantly. The forecast for the upcoming year shows a turnover of £1.2 million, and she's set to make a profit of £100,000 after seven years of running at a loss. This success isn't just benefitting her; it's also making a positive impact on the schools and communities she serves. It's incredibly rewarding to help individuals achieve their goals and to witness the ripple effect that success can have on wider society and families.”

Would He Do It Again?

James told us he would unequivocally choose to join TAB again if given the chance. The franchise has not only met but exceeded his financial expectations while offering an unprecedented level of personal fulfilment. His board continues to flourish, and the benefits of his efforts are manifesting more clearly as time goes on.

“Joining TAB has been the best decision I've ever made, hands down. I only wish I'd discovered it five years earlier. It has not only been financially rewarding, far beyond my initial expectations, but it has also enriched my work life.

The boards I oversee are coalescing, and the benefits of the work we've been doing are becoming increasingly evident. This role gets more fulfilling and easier as time passes, which is why I've even recommended it to my close friends, like Nadeem, who's now also a part of TAB.

So, would I do it all over again? Absolutely, without a second thought. TAB is an opportunity to make not just a livelihood but also a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”

James ross dinner
Sheri Irons and James Ross

…

James’s journey with TAB is a compelling story of overcoming initial hurdles to build something extraordinary, both professionally and personally. His experience demonstrates the profound impact committed and passionate franchisees can make, transcending business metrics to include personal fulfillment and broader societal benefits.

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