{"id":5038,"date":"2023-11-07T15:47:00","date_gmt":"2023-11-07T14:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brilliantwork.envolutions.dev\/ervaringen-van-onze-klanten\/naturecredits-starter-coaching\/"},"modified":"2025-10-21T15:39:11","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T13:39:11","slug":"naturecredits-starter-coaching","status":"publish","type":"case","link":"https:\/\/brilliantwork.nl\/en\/ervaringen-van-onze-klanten\/naturecredits-starter-coaching\/","title":{"rendered":"NatureCredits \u2013 Starter Coaching"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When Willem Nolens, founder of NatureCredits, a social enterprise focused on nature restoration in Europe, approached Brilliant Work for starter coaching, the company was at a tipping point. He had a visionary mission: restoring nature through collaboration between landowners and businesses. But the path from vision to a profitable venture was shrouded in mist. “I’d already done a customer development programme elsewhere… but I was just stuck,” Willem explains. This was the challenge NatureCredits faced: achieving a commercial breakthrough without losing its social mission. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Demand for Change<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The idea behind NatureCredits is as simple as it is groundbreaking: to make nature restoration the norm. But how do you translate this into a value proposition attractive to businesses? Willem reflects: “Nature restoration is actually the cheapest way to combat global climate change. But I had no idea how to convey this conviction to potential clients and investors. Nature restoration is desperately needed, but still so little is happening.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Power of Coaching<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The way forward was illuminated when Willem came into contact with Lizanne from Brilliant Work via the Startversneller (Startup Accelerator) from the Province of Gelderland. She offered him a coaching programme that proved to be tailored to the complex challenges his start-up faced. Lizanne\u2019s approach was one of listening, understanding, and drawing up plans in manageable chunks.
“I was also looking for a bit of a buddy, someone who helped me to motivate myself,” he says about his relationship with Lizanne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Concrete Results<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The result of the collaboration wasn’t just a series of action points, but also a renewed confidence in the project. “I don’t know if I would have continued without Lizanne…,” the founder admits. “The programme with Brilliant Work has led to new thinking partners and a broader network. I’m convinced this is essential for the successful launch ahead.”
The sessions with Lizanne proved to be a turning point for Willem. He describes the impact as follows: “The programme with Lizanne consisted of about ten sessions. And after every session, I noticed that I genuinely felt like getting to work again. And I needed that, because my belief in the project wavered considerably now and then.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marketing and Sales: The Challenge Overcome<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A remarkable aspect of the coaching was the focus on marketing and sales, traditionally weak points for many social enterprises. “I don’t like hawking to clients.” Lizanne tackled this challenge in a playful way and was able to motivate me to still engage with potential clients. It then turned out that I actually can do that,” Willem chuckles.
”I think you just have to trust the coach themselves. But you also really have to look: does it click or not?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking Ahead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With renewed energy and the support of Brilliant Work, NatureCredits now faces a clear future. They’re actively working to involve various companies from diverse sectors in their mission. This network of thinking partners is a strategic step that might seem like a step back, but it’s a huge leap forward. “This allows us to truly come to market with a better proposition. Sometimes taking a step back is actually a gigantic step forward,” he explains. It’s a message he also wants to convey to other entrepreneurs: “Just be open and let yourself be coached, open up!”
Do you also have a brilliant idea and want to grow? Whether you’re a start-up entrepreneur or have had a company for a while:  Brilliant Work <\/a> is happy to help you!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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