F4: Who the F is Andrew Parkes, anyway? (Part 2)

The new keyboard I bought at Staples.
Let’s pick-up where we left off yesterday:
Differentiator #8: My Experience
For the last 6 years, I worked in Finance and Sales. I worked hard, learned a tonne, and became successful quickly. In fact, by age 25, I was making 6 figures, had stock options, and a nice company car… the works. I had it made and was promised the world (‘One day you will be the CEO of this company.’)
I say this not to brag, impress you, or stroke my ego… just to show that I know how to make things happen, drive results, and move up.
Differentiator #9: My Guts
Last week, I quit my 6 figure job to pursue my dream: Coaching and Writing for Young Professional Men full time. Why? I decided not to waste another minute in following my passion.
In today’s ‘economy’, throwing away a 6 figure, stable job is seen by many as a reason to lock me up for insanity. Oh well… lock me up and throw away the key.
Differentiator #10: My Main Skill
I know how to ask the right questions. I don’t know how I developed this or where it came from. I just am an intensely curious person with enough persistence and confidence to not back down when you clam up or get slippery. I will ask you questions that you have probably never been asked before. And I will wait patiently while you think of an answer.
Differentiator #11: My Other Skills/Training (in case you care – I would if you work in a business, want to get in better shape, improve your financial health, or just generally develop and grow. Wait… that should be all of you!)
- Undergraduate Business Degree (from the best business school in Canada – Richard Ivey)
- 14 different Management, Leadership Development, or Sales Training Workshops/Courses
- 3 certifications in Personal Training
- 2 levels of certification at Toastmasters (Public Speaking training)
- 3 levels of certification in personal finance
- BOOKS! – My greatest teacher. I read at least 1 book per week in personal development. All in, I estimate that I have read close to 1,000 books over the last 10 years.
Why is this at all important or relevant to you?
- I believe a Coach should be constantly learning and growing
- I belive a Coach should be a good example and practice what he preaches - I have specialized expertise in Sales, Personal Training, and Personal Financial Management: 3 areas that a lot of clients need assistance with. Learning how to do these things better (and getting them) done comes down to intense DISCIPLINE. I have a lot of this (and have also had times in my life when it was sorely lacking.) I can help you if this is something that is lacking in your life.
Differentiator #12: My Style
My Coaching is designed to be a kick in the pants. I see through bull shit very easily and I am direct… most of the Young Professional Men I Coach say that these qualities are lacking in their other relationships. At the same time, I want to have fun. In case you couldn’t tell, I have a dry, sarcastic sense of humour.
That’s it – me in a nutshell. I hope this list of 12 Differentiators shows you how unique I am in the Coaching world.
Interested in learning more about Coaching? Contact me. Still want more info on me? Click here

