As a business owner, having a coach helped me through some of the toughest times and the hardest decisions I have had to make in my career, and in turn, my life. So, I know the value of having someone to help you push through obstacles that are holding you back. But hiring a coach is a big investment, so how do you know if hiring one is right for you? How do you know this coach or that coach is the one?
If you want to hire someone to tell you what to do, hire a consultant. But if you want to create lasting change that comes from within, hire a coach. There’s a saying that people support what they create.
It’s my belief that no two people are the same, and no two people are going to run their business the same way. Coaches are there to explore and design a way forward that is 100% you. A coach is there to help you find purpose and to remind you why you started your business in the first place, how to avoid burnout, and how to get those creative entrepreneurial juices flowing.
Our own thinking tends to be our biggest obstacle. How do we get out of our own way? A good coach will help you explore these issues, help you develop strategies to avoid them, and partner with you in how to stop feeling like an impostor and quiet your inner saboteur.
A business coach isn’t going to run your business for you, their job is to partner with you to create lasting change and empower you to do the hard work.
When looking for a coach, it’s a good idea to interview several before deciding on the coach that is right for you. Here are 5 questions to ask yourself and your potential coach to help you find the one for you:
What is their background? Do some research into their background. If you are looking for someone to help you build your own business, make sure your coach has experience doing the same. Find out what experience they have coaching others. Someone who has gone through a similar journey (never exact) is more likely to be relatable.
Are you compatible? What does your gut say? I have had several coaches, but I found my current coach by interviewing several potential candidates, all of whom I really liked. Ultimately, I went with the one who felt “right” for me. Our personalities matched right away. We click.
What are their values? My values are curiosity, creativity, and connection. I love discovering new things, I love the creative process, and ultimately it’s relationships and connection that drive me. Money and profit are drivers that allow me the freedom to pursue those. If you don’t yet know how to articulate yours, a good coach will help you along that path.
What packages and programs do they offer? Most coaches will offer a variety of options that meet your personal needs, everything from workshops to workbooks, and of course, one-on-one coaching either in person, by phone, or by Zoom. Many coaches offer a free chemistry session or consultation to see whether you are a good fit for each other. Make sure to ask them lots of questions about what a session looks like, workshops they offer, and any printed materials. Be clear on pricing. Often a coach will offer you several options to choose from based on your initial conversation.
What is their point of difference? Ask them about their training and qualifications, but more importantly, ask them what sets them apart from the hundreds of thousands of other people calling themselves coaches. A good coach will have done the work on themselves and gained clarity as to what makes them unique. Do their words resonate with you? Is their approach one that is going to help you move forward?
As a coach, I partner with solopreneurs and small business owners to design a sustainable business model with purpose, freedom, and flexibility. I provide tailored coaching based on your unique needs with a thoughtful, strategic, and action-oriented approach. I love to explore with my clients and find dynamic ways to keep the creative juices flowing and keep things fresh and fun. Business doesn’t have to be boring! We spend most of our lives learning and working, and I have always believed that it should ultimately be inspiring and rewarding, in addition to providing us with more resources for the other parts of life that bring us joy.
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