"From a personal perspective what I find really superior with this program compared with any other that I've seen is that one-to-one interaction." 

Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Michele Bishop, and I run a practice called Bishop Jones in Wells in Somerset. We have five of us all together working within the practice and we've been around for approximately 11 years.

What was life like before you joined the Mastermind programme?

Before we joined the mastermind program life was very busy, hectic. I'd find myself working most probably 60, 70 hours a week. And although I felt that I had processes in place I also knew that I hadn't kept up with the areas or with progress and really needed some guidance because as an individual it's quite lonely at the top.

What was your biggest challenge at the time?

My biggest challenge at the time was my billing system. And I'd had a system that had grown with us over the 11 years, but technology had moved on, but that particular product hadn't and actually then it hampered me with my practice growth and was taking up too much of my time.

When did you first hear about Reza?

I first heard about Reza and his Mastermind group via Mark Wickersham's programme - the Value Pricing Academy and Reza did a couple of webinars and demos via that. So that's where I first came across Reza. I had a quick look at the virtual mastermind website, a bit apprehensive, but also there were a few key things that had been mentioned within the website. I felt that Reza would be able to help, so I just sent an off the cuff email to him almost as a cry for help and was pleasantly surprised with the prompt reply and the rest is history.

How is life after joining the Mastermind programme?

Now that as a result of the virtual mastermind I would say life is a lot calmer, so we're still busy, but it's not hectic and not as manic. I'm beginning to manage work workloads and step by step move in the right direction and change the processes the firm needs to be able to have firm foundations going forward.

What are some of the benefits you've had from the programme?

Some of the benefits have been looking at ROWE, the Results Only Work Environment and starting to implement that with the staff and actually giving me the understanding of how that will enhance the business and help me as much as the staff going forward.

We've also looked at our billing system and I can now say that I've not only just halved the amount of time that I spend billing but moved from something like three days a month to about half a day a month. So it's fantastic, the time saved for right.

How quickly did you start seeing benefits from the programme?

The benefits of being on the program, I most probably saw those in the first month but by month three firmly believed that that was definitely the way that we had to go. And it's such a great environment to be within. You do have that support of everybody around you. And I would recommend it to anybody. I really would.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Yes, from a personal perspective what I find really superior with this program compared with any other that I've seen is that one-to-one interaction. And therefore you've not only got the support of the group, you meet with the group, but you've got Reza's knowledge to hone in on and help you grow as an individual and with your practice. But it is that personal touch that I really value each day.