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Michael Rager

Houston, Texas Area

Executive and Business Coach specializing in assisting leaders chart a course to success. 26 years in the oil and gas industry and 4 years of coaching experience. Started three companies (one worked well, one flopped and one is just taking off)

One of 125 people chosen to assist Guatemala Propsera' train 19,000 people how to teach values and growth principals to strengthen the country of Guatemala.

$3.33/min

Michael donates to DonorsChoose.org ($0.00)

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11 Reviews

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Business Development Mentoring Public Speaking Leadership Coaching Strategic Planning Business Strategy New Business Development Leadership Development

Answers 6
Reviews 11

Answers

Michael Rager answered

If I don't have the expertise for sales/marketing and I am a 2 man startup, and I have a chicken/egg issue, how am I ever going to make money?

In order to be successful, you need to know exactly to who you are marketing too. All to often I see start ups without the necessary focus of who there customers are exactly. Most times they are too broad on who they feel they are selling themselves too. From what I see consumers and contractors is way too broad.

Right now you need to only focus on two things. Leads and Conversion Rate. Personal contact and social media if done correctly can bring in leads and can be inexpensive. What is your monthly marketing budget? Are you tracking what is working and what isn't and how is it being attracted?

I would enjoy chatting about this.

Michael

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Sales Process

Early-stage Startups

Startup Consulting

Michael Rager answered

Lots of entrepreneurs work 60 to 80 hours a week. This isn't what I consider a good work/life balance. How would you improve it?

A good work/life balance with a start up can be difficult, but not impossible. But unfortunately it happens in corporate life as well. I believe it is about priorities and setting a schedule to ensure they are met. Too many distractions (emails are a big one) get in the way.

As a company grows the entrepreneur should become an expert at leveraging. They should leverage Time, Relationships etc.

Having a personal growth plan is something I would recommend in order to achieve this balance.

I would enjoy chatting more about this.

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Personal Development

Work Life Balance

Michael Rager answered

What is the difference between a mentor and a business coach?

I like to work with a combination of the two.

Coaching is a process where the coach entices the answers from the client. It is not their job to provide the answers, that is what consultants do. Coaching allows the individual to learn how to solve complex problems on his own.

Mentors are individuals who have been there done that. They give advice, on how they have done it in the past. A good coach will tell you when they switch from coach to mentor role.

As a coach, I prefer to work with industries that I have a limited amount of experience in. This way I am not "telling" my client how to do things. I am able to get them to solve their problem, this usually comes from inquisitive type questions that coaches ask.

An example I can use is with a current client. She owns a day spa, I have very limited experience in that industry, but she is having team issues. I have experience working with complex teams. I can ask her questions about her team, but coming from a totally different perspective. In this relationship, she has seen how she made some poor hiring choices, hiring people that do not share her core values. Now we are looking at changing hiring practices.

If you would like more info, please give me a call.

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Business Coaching

Professional Mentoring

Michael Rager answered

If you were starting or acquiring a business what industry would you want to be in (assume for the next 20 years)?

I would look at how you add value to people and what do you enjoy. My new business is based on my passions of fishing and coaching people. I believe there will be more small businesses started in the next decade due to the change in way people want to do business.

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Business Strategy

Macroeconomics

Acquisitions

Michael Rager answered

What are some of the most important leadership trends of Today?

Leadership hasn't changed. Like my mentor says "Leadership is influence, nothing more nothing less"

Now the way we influence has changed greatly. I would highly recommend reading John Maxwell's
5 Levels of Leadership
21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and
15 Laws of Growth

There are many ways to lead. I would recommend becoming a person if influence who has a great message that people will want to become a part of.

Michael

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Leadership Development

Leadership

Entrepreneurship

Michael Rager answered

Run a small ad agency for 10 yrs+ with a few designers. Down to one designer, who has interest in ownership. Don't know how to structure an offer.

The first thing I recommend is determining what you want from the partnership, chat with the person and see what they want. Hire a business valuation person to see what they see as tangible and intangible assets of the company. Sit down with a lawyer and ask advice from experts. I was recently coaching a client with a similar issue (he was the one wanting to buy in) the owner felt his toilets were made of gold. This can be an emotional thing, use experts to take the emotion out of it.

If you want to chat more, give me a shout. I know some great experts.

Michael

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Building Partnerships

Business Strategy

Reviews

Mike transferred some money from a roll-over IRA that had not been doing much. He was very professional and honest throughout the entire process. He handled every detail and stayed on top of everything. I would definitely recommend Mike to other.

Mary Merritt Source: LinkedIn

Mike has always been a self-motivated and detail orientated individual who has the ability to learn almost any discipline he targets. He is a hard-working, family man with a heart of gold. He'll always tell you the truth about things in a soft way and is surely one-in-a-miliion!

Phillip Tolar Source: LinkedIn

Mike is a great leader. He understands people, he is full of innovative ideas and knows what it takes to get them accomplished. He always has a creative, positive outlook and he’s good at organizing and bringing people together. Over the past 3 years Mike has not only become a great referral partner but a friend.

Daniel Vaczi Source: LinkedIn

Michael Rager does an exceptional job with his clients. Focused, detail oreinted, engaging and perceptive - that's Michael Rager! His passion is seeing people reach their maximum potential through sound financial planning, personal and leadership developoment. He puts his heart and passion in to his work and I highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for sound final advice and ready to take their business to the next level.

Krista Saucedo Source: LinkedIn

Mike is an enthusiastic, detail oriented leader to push you, the business owner in the right direction. I can say from my experience that Mike has taught me numerous lessons in dealing with my staff as well as growing my business. I have been very pleased with the service that business coaching provides in addition to the confidence he has bestowed in my new business ventures! I would recommend Mike as a business coach, financial advisor or a fishing consult! I have & plan to again & again.

Mandy Bennett Source: LinkedIn

Michael's commitment goes far beyond what is required both professionally and personally. I enjoy working with Michael as he is very detailed orientated and has a fantastic ability to motivate and excel. I would highly recommend Michael and Action Coach to anyone who wants to grow their bottom line.

private private Source: LinkedIn

I first met Mr. Rager while he was working at Action Coach as a Business coach giving a seminar during lunch. For 4 months working, I have had the continual growing experience as he has performed such a remarkable job with assisting with improving the development of my startup business.

Mike is also passionate at work. He is very willing to take over new challenges and responsibilities. On several occasions he has supported my businesses events as well as has made time to review my progress and performance as an owner. His performance has been quite remarkable.

I’m totally confident that Mr.Rager shall definitely become a very valuable asset to your company like he was to mine. Please feel free to contact Enjay Boutique (www.enjay.co) if you’d like additional information.

Natalie Johnson Source: LinkedIn

I've had the pleasure of working with Mike on a financial solution that gleaned positive results. His knowledge base and integrity put me immediately at ease with the process. His approach is a positive one. He truly enjoys what he does and cares about those whom he helps. I would recommend Mike to anyone seeking a creative solution in the financial services arena.

Kristen Brown Source: LinkedIn

Mike Rager is leader in the financial services industry. He has been a consistent leader in selling securities in the state. Why? Because he has helped more people reach their goals and dreams. I am proud to be on Mike's team. He is an excellent coach. If you want to improve your financial position or are looking to make good extra money part time, give Mike a call right now!

Greg Miller Source: LinkedIn

It has been a pleasure getting to know and work with Michael. He is an excellent financial representative in an industry where integrity and professionalism are paramount. Michael brings sound financial knowledge and a sincere interest in helping his clients to every customer he encounters. He enjoys helping his clients become financially secure and independent.

Jason Ogden Source: LinkedIn

We hired Michael as our financial advisor and he has done a great job for us ever since. My wife and I have total trust in Michael and are very happy we chose him as the person protecting our financial future.

Jeff Johnson Source: LinkedIn

Member since September 2013