Possessing unflappable enthusiasm and an impressive career background, it’s no wonder Natalie Tolhopf is one of New Zealand’s top sales and mindset coaches. Her kick-butt attitude gives her a bad-ass cheerleader edge, teaching business owners to cultivate self-belief and how to supercharge their sales. Verve chats to Natalie about how she fell into the role as a business coach, and the journey along the way.
What was your first job?
When I left school, I got a job as an apprentice chef at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Auckland, which at the time was very male dominated. I was one of four females out of at least 50. The three years I spent there were some of the best of my life. After that, I did what all Kiwis do and headed to London then ended up working in Italy running cooking holidays which was an absolute dream job. Of course, being in my early twenties, I spent most of my pay on leather handbags and shoes.
What did you do on your return to New Zealand?
After six years of living in Europe, I came home and landed a job as a chef at a beachside cafe. I ended up part-owning it which was all very whimsical and dreamy in my head, but I knew absolutely nothing about running a business. There were times where instead of paying the rent, we bought new furniture instead!
I love helping people. Knowing that by helping one person, I am helping their family, which then impacts the community, which then ripples further.”
What did you learn from that experience?
How not to run a business! We sold the cafe and with my newfound knowledge I became a consultant for hospitality owners. This led to teaching hospitality management – what it takes to own and manage a restaurant. After leaving to have a baby, I returned to take on more of a guidance counsellor role; helping graduates find work. I found it very fulfilling to help them build their confidence, get interview ready and put their best foot forward for the job. Recognising that I had leadership skills, I was promoted to operations manager of the business. I remember feeling so empowered and proud of myself to have so much responsibility while also being a mum to a young child. This notion sparked the idea for a side-hustle helping women get back into the workplace after being at home raising their children.
How did you become a business coach?
I kept getting asked by other women how I was running my business so successfully. So, without much effort, I fell into becoming a business coach helping other women ditch their doubt, take action, and give it a go.
What do you think holds women back in business?
Mindset and strategy. Both these things will always sabotage success. Your business will only ever be as good as your mindset and your strategy.
What is your point of difference as a business coach?
I teach women in business how to sell with confidence by dropping the self-sabotage and to take imperfect action to grow their revenue. I help make sales simple and a learned skill that can be used for life.
Tell us about the two books you’ve written?
The first book I wrote is called Allergic to Perfect and is all about dropping perfectionism in order to succeed. My latest book, which I’m currently touring with, is Become Unstoppable, which is all about owning your expertise and elevating your business.
Why is a business coach necessary?
When you’re working in someone else’s business, there’s a team of people to bounce ideas off, or others that can make decisions for you. When you’re in your own business, it is just you and that’s a dangerous place to be. A business coach offers you full support – they are pretty much on speed dial. You want to find someone who will push you to stay in the game, show up, be consistent, give your work the time and space it needs to flourish. Hold your toes to the fire to a strategy that will create revenue and profit.
What should you look for in a business coach?
Find a coach who you look up to because they are mirroring to you all your (untapped) greatness. A coach who will guide you to find those bold moves and create a bigger vision. Someone who will ask the hard questions, hold you accountable and then push you further than you thought you could fly.
What do you love most about your job?
Without it sounding all cliche, or Miss Universe-like, I love helping people. Knowing that by helping one person, I am helping their family, which then impacts the community, which then ripples further.
What advice would you give your younger self?
To be honest my younger self wouldn’t have listened! She was so busy always learning by doing, but if I could have got through to her it would be to believe in myself more.
What’s the best piece of advice you were ever given?
It doesn’t matter what you do for people, it is how you make them feel. Always acknowledge people with respect.
What’s next for you?
Creating a programme to help more business owners to become unstoppable. To do more keynote speaking and team trainings.
