04/10/2017
New blog post...
BACK UP THE BUS BEFORE YOU JUMP ON A COACH!
Business coaches can be awesome. They can give you a fresh perspective on your business, encouragement and innovative ideas. They can provide a sounding board, expert knowledge, space to talk and to work out where you're going and how you're going to get there.
Most successful entrepreneurs, leaders and businesspeople acknowledge the input and invaluable assistance that having a coach or mentor has provided. But - and it's a pretty big but - those same people often talk about how they worked their way through several different coaches before they found someone who made the difference.
Often people go on recommendations and testimonials when hooking up with a coach... and then move onto another one and say that they're "better".
Reality check - they're NOT.
ALL coaches have experience and expertise to offer.
What's "better" is the rapport you create, the relevance they can offer in terms of your business and the extent to which they're meeting YOUR needs. It's not a popularity contest, or a case of who has the most "likes" or raving fans. A particular coach will be "better" for you if they speak your language, know where you're coming from and appreciate your values and mission, so that they can really help you and your business.
So what is it you're actually looking for?
Support?
Strategy?
Structure?
Sales coaching?
Suggested improvements?
Ways to package and promote products?
Positioning and niching?
Clarity?
A quick fix - or longer term development?
Some coaches are well known for their strength in certain areas, be it motivation, mindset or marketing. But unless you resonate with them and they understand what you're looking for, they can't deliver what you need to move yourself - and your business - to the next level.
So how do you hook up the RIGHT help?
BY BACKING UP THE BUS BEFORE YOU JUMP ON A COACH!
Work out WHAT it is you're in need of, look around to see WHO's available to help and make contact. Most coaches offer a free introductory session/exploratory call, so that you can make sure that you'll work well together. They should be able to identify WHY you're interested in engaging their help and explain HOW they can help. From then, if it's a good fit, it's just a matter of WHEN and WHERE - are you happier with face to face meetings or Skype/Zoom/Messenger calls?
I might be the right fit for you, or you might gel with someone else - what's important is that your investment is going to give you the results you're looking for, whether it's a push, insights, strategy or simply support. It's got to work - for you AND your business.
Jump aboard when you're ready to ride!