The latest Smiley Happy People event in Altrincham by Altrincham HQ brought together over 75 local professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners, all eager to connect, learn, and share ideas. With a vibrant atmosphere and a buzzing crowd, the event featured Karl Morris of ActionCOACH as the keynote speaker, delivering valuable insights on business growth, structured coaching, and the power of mindset.
Meet Karl Morris: From Essex Markets to Global Business Coach
Growing up in Essex, Karl’s early exposure to business came from his entrepreneurial family—a mother who ran a clothing shop, a grandad managing a bakery in East London, and a father who was a naval captain turned MD of a shipping company. After cutting his teeth in the retail and car sales industries, Karl moved into the corporate banking world, working for Bank of Scotland and RBS Corporate Banking. It was here that he developed a deep understanding of marketing, investments, and the value of client relationships.
In 2003, Karl founded his training and consulting business, weathering economic storms and helping businesses thrive. By 2020, he had embraced the franchise world with ActionCOACH, quickly becoming one of the top coaches in the UK and globally. He’s now recognised as Coach of the Year in the North West, Top 100 Coach globally, and a member of the Global Training team. Karl works with a wide range of SME and corporate clients, helping them achieve award-winning success.
Here’s a look at the key takeaways from Karl’s talk at Smiley Happy People, highlighting his practical advice on business and coaching:
1. Structured Coaching vs. Free Advice on the Internet: The Pilot Story
Karl began with a powerful analogy about an airline pilot who completed all his training online but had never flown a plane. “Imagine that pilot taking control of a real flight,” Karl said, “Would you feel safe?” The message was clear: theory alone doesn’t cut it.
Karl shared, “As a coach, I invest around £50k a year into my own personal growth and development. I throw myself into real business situations to ensure that I maximise my breadth and depth of experience—why? So I can pass that onto the clients that I work with. That doesn’t come from the internet!” He highlighted that structured coaching, grounded in real-world experience, brings a level of depth and practical insight that free advice simply cannot provide.
2. Get Your First Client: Real Learning Comes from Real Experience
Karl emphasised that for new businesses, the most critical step is to land that first client. “You’ll learn more from working with a client than from anything else,” he explained. “A paying or even a non-paying client will give you invaluable feedback—what works, what doesn’t, and what you need to change.”
He urged entrepreneurs to ask for feedback regularly, saying, “Always seek out information about what you should stop, start, or keep doing.” This real-world feedback loop is essential for refining your approach, growing your business, and becoming a better service provider.
3. Have More Conversations: Activity Equals Results
Karl drove home the importance of having more conversations. “The more conversations we have, the more likely we are to meet our next best client,” he said. “People like people like themselves. Be proactive and chatty.”
He encouraged everyone to practice both speaking and listening skills, noting, “It’s not just about talking; it’s about really hearing the other person.” Building genuine connections through conversation is a fundamental way to expand your network and uncover new business opportunities.
4. Fact or Opinion? Make Decisions Based on Reality
Karl’s next key point was about making decisions based on facts, not opinions. “Many of us base our decisions on opinions we’ve picked up somewhere—maybe down the pub or on TV—but when it comes to business, that’s risky,” he said. “Only base your major decisions on facts—you can’t argue with facts.”
He emphasized that fact-based decision-making is crucial, especially when making significant investments in areas like marketing or hiring. “Fact-based decisions are what drive successful businesses,” Karl noted, urging the audience to prioritise evidence over hearsay when making critical choices.
5. Keep Moving Forward: Don’t Lose Momentum
Karl wrapped up his talk with an inspirational message about the importance of maintaining momentum. “Inaction leads to losing momentum, which can make us feel like we’re going backwards,” he explained. “It’s like pushing a heavy ball up a hill—the minute you stop, it becomes heavier and might roll back.”
“Our brain often gives up before our body does. Don’t give up. You can do anything, just not everything.” Karl’s final message was one of perseverance—keep pushing forward, keep trying, and maintain the momentum needed to achieve your goals.
For more info on Karl Morris
https://actioncoach.co.uk/coaches/karl-morris/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-morris/
With over 75 attendees, Smiley Happy People continues to be a standout networking event in Altrincham, bringing together inspiring speakers like Karl Morris who share their real-world insights and practical advice. A big thank you to Karl for his engaging talk, and to all the attendees who make these events so impactful!
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https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/alex-mccann-18007752018
PHOTOS: Martin Hambleton
