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From TAB Member to TAB Facilitator

Simon Banks’ journey with The Alternative Board (TAB) began long before he became a facilitator. As Managing Director of Samson Products Limited, a business that manufactures timber components, Simon was neck-deep in the day-to-day operations of the company. Living 60 miles away from the business made the long days even harder. His vision, when he joined TAB as a member, was clear: he wanted to step back from the operational grind and focus on higher-level strategy.

Over the course of six years as a TAB member, Simon succeeded in delegating most of the day-to-day tasks to a management team. This freed him up not only to work more strategically but also to explore new opportunities. His desire for a new challenge eventually led him to become a TAB facilitator.

Simon Banks

Wakefield
TAB Franchisee since 2019
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“There are more than 40 other TAB facilitators at different stages in their journey. The community is incredibly supportive, so there’s always someone to turn to if you need advice.”

A New Opportunity

Simon wasn’t actively searching for a new venture...

“I wasn’t looking for a heavy investment opportunity,” he recalls. “I wanted something I would enjoy but that would also supplement my income.” When his TAB coach, Dougie Brown, suggested he might make a good facilitator, the idea immediately resonated with him.

“I loved my experience as a TAB member. It was fantastic. I got a real sense of how much value the members were getting, but also how fulfilling it could be on the other side—helping people achieve what I had through TAB,” Simon explains.

With that in mind, Simon quickly made the decision to step into the facilitator role for TAB Wakefield. “I need to be occupied. I need a purpose and a challenge. TAB has provided that, and I’ve never looked back.”

Simon Banks Portrait Crop

Joining TAB as a Facilitator

Despite his enthusiasm, Simon faced some initial concerns. “My biggest apprehension was the coaching element. I’d run businesses and knew how to sell, but coaching people—helping them find their own solutions—was new to me. I had some imposter syndrome,” he admits.

However, Simon quickly found his footing. “TAB doesn’t let you go live until you’ve been fully trained, and the training is tough, but necessary. The process sets you up for success in the first few months.”  In addition to the structured training, Simon also leaned on the broader TAB community for support. “There are more than 40 other TAB facilitators at different stages in their journey. The community is incredibly supportive, so there’s always someone to turn to if you need advice.”

Building a TAB Business

One of the aspects of TAB that appealed most to Simon was the flexibility it offered. “You’re running your own business, but you have the freedom to scale it to whatever size suits you. Every facilitator runs their business slightly differently, and that’s part of the strength of TAB. You learn from each other’s experiences.”

Simon highlights that this flexibility extends not just to how facilitators manage their businesses but also to how they build and sustain relationships with members. “There’s no script. The relationships you build shape your boards and one-to-ones. That’s what makes it rewarding—every day is different, every board meeting brings new insights, and every member’s journey is unique.”

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“It’s not about us as facilitators; it’s about the members’ achievements. But hearing that kind of feedback reinforces the real value of TAB.”

Making a Difference

For Simon, the real reward of being a TAB facilitator lies in the impact he has on his members. One particularly memorable experience was at an awards ceremony where one of his TAB members won a significant award. “When they came off the stage, they told me, ‘You should have been up there with us. You were a big part of that.’ Moments like that are incredibly fulfilling.”

Another TAB member, who worked with Simon for about six months, told him that their work together had been life-changing. “It’s not about us as facilitators; it’s about the members’ achievements. But hearing that kind of feedback reinforces the real value of TAB,” Simon says.

Simon and Liam 2024 crop

Navigating the Challenges

Simon quickly points out that running a TAB business, like any business, comes with challenges. “There are ups and downs—sometimes the boards are full and members are highly engaged, and other times you’re dealing with member turnover or struggling to find new members. It’s not a straight line, but I’m resilient, and the benefits of what we do far outweigh the challenges.”

For Simon, the variety within the role keeps him engaged. “No two days are the same. Each one-to-one and board meeting brings new topics, and members’ lives are constantly evolving. The sales process also gives you the chance to meet new people and build relationships, which I really enjoy.”

Advice for Future Franchisees

Reflecting on his experience, Simon offers advice for those considering a TAB franchise. “First, you have to accept that this is a business, and like any business, it’s a rollercoaster. There will be highs and lows. Resilience is key.”

Simon also emphasises the importance of focusing on the right motivations. “If you go into it purely for the revenue, it won’t work. You need to be passionate about helping people succeed and get fulfillment from seeing their progress. The financial rewards will follow naturally if you focus on delivering value.”

Finally, Simon stresses the importance of mindset. “You’re not doing the work for your members; you’re guiding and supporting them. You need to believe in your ability to make a difference, but also understand that the real success comes from your members’ achievements, not your own.”

Interested in Becoming a TAB Franchisee?

If Simon’s story resonates with you, and you’re passionate about helping others succeed while building a flexible, rewarding business of your own, TAB could be the perfect fit. Whether you’re transitioning from a corporate role or already have entrepreneurial experience, TAB provides the training, community, and support you need to build a successful business.

If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a TAB facilitator, contact us today. We’d love to help you explore how TAB can support your personal and professional goals.

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