When the going gets tough, football players turn to coaches, as do athletes who play various other sports. But what about business people? To whom do they turn? None other than a business coach! A business coach is someone who can hold you accountable and assist you as you learn how to complete tasks within a specific time frame while also following through to make sure progress is made over time.
What a coach can offer
Here are some of the benefits that a business coach can provide:
- Motivation to achieve short- and long-term goals.
- Problem-solving techniques and habits.
- A knowledgeable sounding board.
- An objective point of view.
What to expect when hiring a business coach
A business coach may be able to help you in the following ways:
- Keep you on track while you become more efficient and focused.
- Help you develop the mental clarity to do your best work.
- Teach you how to establish new skills that benefit you.
- Guide you as you seek expert-level wisdom in various categories:
- Understanding staff-development tactics.
- Marketing and other business-related aspects.
- Implementing seminars and workshops.
- Practicing and perfecting sales training.
When should you consider using a business coach?
There is a time and a place for a business coach, but what does that look like? Here are some situations in which working with a business coach may be the right move:
- When you need to build communications and negotiation strategies to demonstrate the value of your business to investors.
- If you feel lost or overwhelmed, in which case a coach can help you make sense of your concerns, offering time-management strategies and teaching you how to delegate tasks so that you can take control of your business without completely burning out.
- When you are in need of accountability when it comes to following through on what you say you’re going to do, because you’re more likely to complete tasks when accountability measures are in place.
- If you feel as though there are holes in your knowledge or skill set, in which case a business coach’s expertise can help you develop industry-related skills sooner and more effectively.
What is the process of finding a small-business coach like?
Now that you know what a business coach can offer and the situations in which a business coach may be the perfect addition, you might be wondering how to go about finding one who suits your needs. Here is what you can expect as you search for a small-business coach:
- Seek referrals from your network, but remember that all businesses are different, so a coach that worked well for one firm might not be the best fit for your company’s needs.
- Look for a coach online. You’ll want a coach who has the experience that you’re looking to establish for yourself as well.
- Identify a shortlist of people who may be suitable for you and your company. From there, set up conversations. Nearly all business coaches offer a free consultation. After speaking with a coach, ask yourself if he or she seems like a good listener. Do you feel comfortable talking to the coach? Does it seem like he or she understands you and your business needs? Check the coach’s references and take a look at his or her credentials. You can even speak with previous clients about their experiences with the coaches on your shortlist.
- Consider the price of each coach. Prices will likely reflect a coach’s experience in his or her area of expertise. Coaching prices vary drastically, ranging from $175 to $250 per session. Some coaches offer a package price on an annual basis as well. Certain high-level coaches will likely charge more, so keep their prices and your budget in mind as you go.
Not all business coaches are the same, and it’s important to look for a coach whose style meshes well with yours. You’ll want to work with someone who is well seasoned in the industry that you specialize in and has navigated tough times that arise. You’ll want to pursue a coach who can help you get tangible results while pushing you beyond your comfort zone as well.
Coaches can offer valuable perspectives and professional-level advice that reflects their own experience with launching and growing a business. View your coach as a mentor and a consultant who can help you identify strengths and weaknesses alike, all while encouraging you to persevere when challenges arise.
