Meriam Slijkerman.
Taking business to the next level TEXT: MYRIAM DIJCK | PHOTOS: NINA TULP
Trying to reach a business or financial goal can often feel like a never-ending struggle, whether it is more job satisfaction, working fewer hours a week, buying that dream house or simply reaching a higher income. But what if there is a way to achieve these goals? This is where high-end business coach Meriam Slijkerman comes in. Slijkerman started as a business coach in 2016 and has already built up an impressive resume of successful clients whose lives she helped to transform. From business owners who were able to multiply their income while cutting their working hours by half, to entrepreneurs who gained a renewed passion for their business and professionals who were finally able to quit their job and work independently. 46 | Issue 73 | January 2020
“It is incredible to watch clients as they rise above themselves and transcend their goals. It gives me so much satisfaction. Especially when I get that call from a client who says: ‘yes I did it, I bought my dream house’,” she says.
High-end guidance As a high-end business coach, she helps professionals push themselves to perform at the top level. “I work with experienced entrepreneurs and business owners who are ready to scale up or position themselves at a higher price point.” Slijkerman’s line of coaching focuses on smart, effective entrepreneurship and going beyond invoicing by the hour. “It’s about working less, but increasing your income level. I help clients develop high-value, high-priced programmes
and successfully position those in the marketplace.” Her clients are mainly fellow coaches, trainers and consultants, but also entrepreneurs from the creative and business services industries. “I am quite picky as to what clients I want to work with. This is not something for everyone – I look for someone who is committed and has real drive, so I know they will keep going despite the inevitable bumps along the way.”
Tools for success Slijkerman herself is a shining example of the transformation that can be achieved. She used to work as a project manager in the Dutch social services sector and developed innovative business ideas alongside it. “I was doing 60- to 70hour work weeks but I no longer expe-