Business coaching is only effective if you have the right coach. That is why it is so important to choose your coach carefully. Some are definitely better than others. Below, I have compiled some of my best advice on how to find the ideal business coach:
1. Choose a coach with a proven track record of success.
Think about what you hope to accomplish with your business. What are your long-term goals? How do you define success for your business?
As you look for a coach, try to find someone who has achieved a similar level of success with their own business ventures, either now or in the past.
For instance, if your goal is to earn six figures with your company, you should hire someone who has already done that with a business of their own. If you hire someone who hasn’t been able to accomplish that in their own business, the odds of them being able to show you how to do it with yours are pretty slim.
Your goals don’t have to be that lofty, either. Perhaps you are looking for a way to build a strong brand or are interested in putting together the best webinars possible. Whatever it is that you want to do, choose a coach who has already successfully walked the same path before.
2. Identify exactly what you need.
Before hiring a coach, you should spend some time reflecting on exactly what it is that you need. How often do you want to meet with your coach? How do you want those meetings to be conducted? Would you prefer meeting in person or conducting your sessions through the Internet or by phone? Do you want to work one-on-one with a coach or would you prefer to take part in a group session? How long do you want each coaching session to be?
Once you have a better idea of exactly what you need, you can then search for a coach that is capable of meeting your requirements. Remember – there are plenty of business coaches out there. Don’t settle for one who can’t provide you with what you need.
3. What results will the coaching provide?
When you pay for business coaching, it is important to know that you are getting something of value for your money. Before hiring a business coach, ask them about the results that you can expect to see. If you commit to the process, what will you get out of it in the end? Any good coach should be willing to answer this question for you.
4. Don’t get pressured into coaching that isn’t the right fit.
With business coaching, there is often a lot of pressure to sign up in a hurry. Most coaches work with a relatively small number of students. They also may offer time-limited discounts on coaching sessions. You may find yourself feeling pressured to sign up if there are only a few spaces available or if a discount expires in the near future.
Don’t fall into this trap. These are some of the most common sales tactics used by business coaches as a way of trying to pressure people into signing up for their services. Never jump into coaching without giving it careful thought.
Without a doubt, paying for business coaching is worthwhile. The last thing you want, however, is to waste money on a coaching program that doesn’t give you what you need. Especially when you consider that many of these programs cost thousands of dollars.
Always listen to your gut when signing up for a coaching session. Think about how you will feel after you sign-up. Will you have any regrets about spending that much money? Are you excited about the impact that the coaching will have on the future of your business?
When you are in a high-pressure sale situation, it is hard to think clearly. You may find yourself panicking, thinking that you need to sign up right away or you will miss out on your chance. This is a terrible situation to be in.
Never act on the spur of the moment. Instead, take a step back and carefully think through your investment. Listen to your instincts. Does the coaching program feel right? Is it a good fit for you and your business?
Ask for at least a week to think about your decision. If a business coach is not willing to give you that much time, you should continue looking elsewhere. No one should ever try to pressure you into doing something that you aren’t comfortable with.
5. Make sure you and your coach are on the same page in terms of your values.
It is important to have a good connection with your coach on a personal level. After all, as hard as you try, it is impossible to separate your business life from the rest of your life. If you are experiencing issues in your personal life that could have an impact on your business, you need to be able to talk to your coach openly about them.
Ideally, talking to your coach should feel like talking to a trusted friend. You shouldn’t have any hesitations about sharing information with them if it impacts your business.
When you work with a coach, you are in contact with them frequently. It is important to choose someone who has similar values to your own and who is easy to talk to.