How to Choose the Perfect Business Coach for You
On Sunday I had the opportunity to sponsor and speak at a lovely event and chat with so many amazing women. Two of the questions that came up were:
“How do I choose a business coach?”
“What is the best way to work with a business coach?”
I’m going to answer the first question this week and the second one next week.
Let’s start with what a business coach is in my book. A business coach is someone who understands different models and ways to make money and grow your business – on your terms, with your desired lifestyle (again, my definition). She helps you build a plan and create strategies to grow your business throughout the year.
Different business coaches have different strengths. Some are good with accountability and mindset, others have more business acumen to help you plow through the numbers and set a plan for the year.
For example, at Revenue Breakthrough, I first start with business strategy and planning – what are the activities you need to be doing to make money now and set the foundations to keep making it in the future?
I then follow-up to help my clients with the mindset-blocks and self-sabotaging that comes up along the way when you are playing really big and doing lots of actions! I also support them with time management and prioritizing what is important.
My goal is to keep my clients on a course of continuing to build their business skillsets so that they gain mastery over messaging, selling, writing, marketing, and other skill sets that will set them up for the rest of their businesses.
If you’re in the market of choosing a coach – here’s some questions to start with:
- What do you need most right now?
If money is the answer – then invest in a coach that teaches solid business training. And give yourself at least 12-24 months to learn and practice skills like putting yourself out there, talking about what you do, selling your offerings, writing, speaking, doing webinars…and so much more. I can’t stress enough how important it is to learn how to do each of these skills correctly and in a way that will help you generate money consistently.
If you are constantly self-sabotaging even though you know what you should be doing – then working with a mindset expert may be the answer. Someone who could help you dive deep into your limiting beliefs. This is a great answer for those of you that have been through LOTS of programs but can’t seem to follow through. You may want to combine this with other business training at the same time.
If you feel like you need specific advice for your business – then working privately with a coach or signing up for a private day may be a good investment. This is great for you if you’ve taken group programs before and feel like you’ve got the basic training down and are ready now to get specific information for your business. Just realize that private coaching is usually a larger investment.
- What kind of coach would you like to work with?
If you actually follow what your business coach is saying – then her voice will ring in your head quite a bit. The truth is you don’t have to love your coach – like want to be besties with her – but you do have to respect her.
Because business isn’t easy and we all have so much resistance to doing the hard things – having a coach that is willing to tell you the truth and give you a little kick sometimes is important.
The rest of matching with your coach is an individual choice – and here are some factors to consider. Either ask these as questions or research them.
Is she doing what she tells her clients to do? Does she seem to be growing, taking risks and moving herself to the next level?
Is she making money and having success in her business?
How long has she been helping businesses?
What is her style? Spiritual, business-like, soft, firm, somewhere in between, a combination? How does that fit what you need?
What kinds of businesses does she work with?
What does she value (time, family, spirit, health)? You don’t have to share all her values – but it is nice to feel comfortable with them and have some overlap.
- Hire for where you are going not where you are now.
I remember learning this when I first started my business and thinking – that’s super scary! Hiring my team, my coach, my vendors for where I am going means I actually HAVE to get there. It means I’m putting myself on the line. It means commitment and work because I have to pay people no matter what.
All of that is true. And believe it or not – it works. The trick is to hire for where you are going over the next 12-24 months – not the next 5 years. That way you don’t get too ahead of yourself and find yourself wading deep in bills.
Hiring a coach who is 10 or more steps ahead of you will help you create the path to get there. So hire someone who has a big vision for you – maybe even one that you can’t see yourself. Then trust her to show you the way – step by step.
My experience.
I’ve worked with the same business coach for 5 years now. And it’s been an incredible experience.
There were times that were utterly painful, like when she looked at me on a stage once in front of hundreds of people and said, “That was a train wreck.”
Or other times when she gave me the painful truth – raw and unfiltered. While the pain in the moment was tough – the learnings I got were invaluable.
I think the best part about all of it is that I have someone in my court who is there rooting for me and helping me stand back up when I fall. It also keeps me motivated. I have days, just like everyone, where I’d rather just stay in bed with the blankets up over my head.
But having the responsibilities that I’ve signed up for, including my coach, has kept me in the game on a number of occasions.
So if you’re thinking about bringing on a new business coach or a different one – let this help you make the decision that’s right for you.
Here’s to your epic life + epic business!
Leave me a comment on what this article brought up for you – I’d love to hear your thoughts.
photo: flickr, Steven Depolo
