I work as a business development coach for an administrative management and general management consulting firm. I’ve had the privilege of being part of some incredible journeys. Watching a company win its first contract is thrilling. Seeing them hit an important milestone is like watching your favorite underdog team clinch a championship. It’s a rush, a celebration, and—sometimes—a reminder that my happy dance needs serious work.

I’m Theo Tor, and I’ve been running Artius for six years now. That’s six years of strategy sessions, awkward coffee meetings, and hard-won triumphs. Every win my clients achieve feels personal. It’s not just their success. It’s proof that a little coaching, a lot of grit, and some humility can create magic.

Winning Contracts Is Better Than Christmas Morning

When one of my clients secures a big contract, it’s like Christmas morning—but better. Why? It’s not just about receiving gifts. It’s a moment when hard work, trust, and collaboration pay off in a tangible way. Whether it’s a mom-and-pop shop landing a partnership with a big retailer, I think of these moments. Or sometimes it’s a startup finally getting venture capital. I am reminded of these moments. They remind me why I love what I do.

I’m not saying I cry every time. Okay, maybe my eyes sweat sometimes. But there’s an unmatched joy in watching a business owner realize, “We did it!”

The Secret Sauce Is Coachability

Here’s the thing: success isn’t just about having a killer business idea or unlimited resources. It’s about being coachable. The entrepreneurs who thrive are open to learning. They are unafraid to ask for help. They are willing to adapt.

Being coachable doesn’t mean you have all the answers. It means you’re willing to listen to someone who’s made their fair share of mistakes (hi, that’s me). You are also willing to learn from them. I always say, “You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. You just have to listen to the guy who fell off the wagon a few times.”

Six Years of Advice (And Counting)

Having been in this business for six years, I’ve collected a treasure trove of advice to share with startups. These aren’t just lessons from books or seminars—they’re real-life insights gained from being in the trenches. I’ve seen businesses thrive, falter, pivot, and come back stronger. Each experience gives me more tools to help my clients succeed.

For new companies, I’m the friend who says, “Don’t touch that stove; I already burned myself!” My failures have become guideposts for others. Every time I see a startup avoid a common pitfall because of something I shared, I feel like Holden Caulfield. I’m a “catcher in the rye” keeping people from falling off the cliff.

Humor, Heart, and Hard Work

Coaching isn’t all spreadsheets and strategy. It’s about building relationships, sharing laughs, and finding joy in the journey. I tell my clients, “You need to laugh at your first failed pitch. You should also laugh at your bizarre business idea from 2017. If you can’t, are you even an entrepreneur?”

But seriously, it’s this mix of heart, humor, and hustle that makes the process so rewarding. I’ve learned that helping businesses grow is about more than just metrics—it’s about people. It’s about their stories, their dreams, and their determination to make it happen.

A Final Thought

The world of business development is a wild ride, but it’s also deeply fulfilling. As a coach, I’m not just here to cheer from the sidelines. I’m in the trenches with you. I celebrate the highs and navigate the lows. I do my best to help you reach your full potential.

So, to every business owner reading this: stay coachable, stay curious, and remember—there’s joy in the journey. If you need someone who’s been there and done that, call me. I also have a few funny stories to share.

Here’s to your success,
Theo Tor
Business Development Coach, Dreamer, and Occasional Happy Dancer