William (Will) Reed, Winner of the SHINE Awards, has lived in Japan for most of the last 48 years, and in that time pursued his passions through lifelong learning.
 

While continuing entrepreneurial projects, Will works as a College Professor, sharing many of his life-long learned skills, from Samurai Culture to Calligraphy to Nanba (the Art of Physical Finesse) with a student body of Japanese and international students from 30 countries.
 

• What do I do?

Describing himself as a Renaissance Samurai, a Jack of all Trades and Master of Many, this variance of interests and skills has meant it has been difficult to define what Will does in one box, which has led to his biggest struggle as an entrepreneur. Known by some for some things, and by something else for others, it has often been difficult to describe what he does, and how to effectively communicate that to others.

 

It was in his entrepreneurial coaching practice that Will needed the most guidance and support. As a long time part-time entrepreneur, he’d always relied on word-of-mouth and testimonials to gain his next client but there was always a difficulty in that. A trickle of loyal executive clients didn’t know ‘how to’ effectively refer him to others. Without a clearly defined product, offering or a way to explain, it meant the client flow into his business was seasonal and irregular.

 

• First Steps to Clarity

Ready to find focus and clarity in his offerings, Will joined the Entrepreneur Summer School. In the programme, Will focused on developing a Promotion Plan with the guidance of Jade Green, who helped him to define his identity and offerings so that others could better understand it.

 

Additionally, the micro-schools he found most useful were Neeraj Shah’s Linkedin Microschool, where he gave his Linkedin profile a much-needed makeover, and the Customer Experience Pathway Microschool, where he focused on creating a customer-focused experience in his business, with a clear pathway to follow.

 

• Creating Momentum

Once a plan was in place, there was no hesitation in moving forward. Since ESS, Will has launched the Facebook community ‘Nanba Dynamics’, and has begun hosting regular Facebook Live Events, and has done over a dozen Podcasts in 2020. Will also successfully launched a new website on Kajabi, (www.nanbawalking.com), with focus and clear offerings, supported with products, a newsletter, and social media outreach.

 

Moving forward, Will has secured a book contract with a New York Publisher and aims to continue teaching online and university courses, whilst expanding his coaching practice internationally working with Executives, Entrepreneurs and Artists.

 

• Lessons and Takeaways

A major takeaway from ESS for William came to him in the form of a Metaphor referring to Mt Fuji, a World Heritage site in plain view of his home in Japan.

 

When you look at Mt Fuji, you see the beauty of what appears to be a snow-covered floating mountain peak. However, the vast volume of the mountain you do not see is its roots and wide base, which spread deep and wide below supporting the visible peak above. The mountain’s strength and strength comes from its foundations, the earth itself. Its majesty comes from the floating peak, but its strength comes from its foundation.

 

His work over nearly five decades has established an unshakable foundation. As the clouds above parted it revealed the floating peak with beautiful clarity.

 

• Problems Faced

- Lack of Clarity
- Confused business offering
- Part-time Entrepreneur

 

• Solutions Found

- Joined Entrepreneur Summer School
- Linkedin and Customer Pathway Micro-Schools
- Mentors and partners

 

• Results Produced

- Book contract with a New York Publisher
- Launched Website and D.I.Y Products
- 12 Podcasts in a Year
- Began a Facebook Community
- Clear and focused offering

 

• William’s Links

- Genius U: https://www.geniusu.com/users/5646
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reedwilliam/
- http://www.samurai-walk.com/
- https://www.nanbawalking.com