Business coaching is in fashion. Thousands of entrepreneurs invest in themselves and their business by hiring a coach. However, not all entrepreneur-coach relationships are productive. Some business owners have even gone through several coaches in their quest for self-improvement and success after a coaching relationship was broken or progress stalled.
Entrepreneurs with experience in business coaching shared their tips for success and fell into seven categories.
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Find out what you’re looking for
First, clarify why you are exploring coaching and what you hope to think and do differently as a result. Sometimes people want a coach, but they are not always clear about their goals or areas of focus.
“Be extremely clear about where you need coaching and why you need it,” said ex-special forces and mindset coach Itamar Marani. “If your coach doesn’t understand the problem, they can’t help implement a solution.” Wellness business mentor Vicky Shilling advised you, “Know your knowledge gap and what you need from a business coach so you can pick the right one.” She said there is, “There’s no point in trying to hire one that you think will fix everything.”
Find a personal connection
Make sure you choose a coach that suits you. The relationship is what makes the transformative conversations powerful. If you’re not sure, don’t hesitate to find someone who fits your needs and style. Having expertise does not mean they will be an effective coach.
Just as you resonate with them, you should feel that they resonate with you. “Personally,” said Sarah Noll Wilson, author “I love that my business coach is also deeply invested in the success of me and my company.”
Provide clarity and coordination
Without shared values, a business coaching relationship is doomed to fail. When choosing a coach or mentor, this should be the number one priority. The alignment of values and understanding of your personal and business goals shapes your entire relationship. “Examine their content to see if your values match,” says Itamar Marani. “Ask them what their values are. Would you like to have lunch with them?”
It’s not just the signing of the coaching contract that matters. During your relationship, notice signs that your values may have strayed from each other. Is your coach leading you to a decision you are unsure about? Has their language changed since it was more in line with your beliefs?
Fully bet
Business coaching is a two-way street. Booking Zoom calls and going through the motions every week won’t get you anywhere anytime soon. Alexey Kochenay, founder of Wizard on Demand, believes that: “Just showing up for the coaching sessions is not enough. You have to take the time to do your part as a person being coached.” He said this means, “Journaling, thinking about questions, reading books to discuss them with the coach later.”
Having a great coach but not bothering to get the most out of their advice means no results. Don’t fall into the trap. As with many aspects of business, mindset is key. “You need to have the right mindset for business coaching to get the most out of it,” said Sophie Biggerstaff, retail business mentor at BYR Collective. “Coaches are there to guide you, but you have to be willing to take action on that guidance to see the results.”
Do the follow-up
The coaching session is just the beginning. After committing and appearing, you need to see the work to the end. Entrepreneur and author Susanne Grant advises, “Prepare, show up and do the work. But most of all, start implementing it.” She believes that not doing this makes coaching useless: “Coaching is useless if you don’t apply it and make the tools your own.”
Pippa Goulden, founder of The PR Set, agrees that the sequel is the magic. “Paying thousands won’t change you or your business, it will do the job.” She knows that you will encounter resistance on the path of improvement. “It can be exhausting, but you get out what you put in!”
Be open to other ideas
If your coach doesn’t challenge your thinking, they aren’t doing their job. You must be willing to question your beliefs, limitations, your strategy, and what the future may hold. Francesca Baker, founder of And So She Thinks said that “customers often reflexively use metaphors without considering their greater meaning and significance. A good coach will explore these powerful representations in ways you may not have considered.” Be open to their questions and explanations of your words.
Publicist Brenda Gabriel wants you to be open to your shortcomings too. “Enter the coaching relationship, willing to explore the parts of yourself that are flawed and have an open mind,” believing that “you may learn ways to do things you wouldn’t normally think or think you will.” to work.”
Drop your defense
Going into a session with your walls ready to attack questions and close prompts won’t help you if you’re being coached. Drop your defense instead. “Stay curious during the process.” recommends Deborah Humphrey of The Wellbeing Story, who added, “Those who lower their defenses and allow themselves to play and be curious find coaching rewarding.” Or as Hannah Miller, founder of sidekick, simply put it: “Choose vulnerability”.
Business coach Alison Callan advised you, “Go all in with your thoughts, communication, hopes and dreams.” Callan believes that, “Without full flowing truth and openness, a coach cannot support you to see a clear path”, therefore you must drop your defense and not hold back and also, she added, “why it It is incredibly important to feel connected and safe with your coach.”
Figure out what you’re looking for before you bet, drop your defense and go all in. Find a coach with shared values that you think can help you on your path. Do your research, ask the questions, weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Then be present in the sessions and continue the work. Your life could change before your (and their) eyes.
Janice has been with businesskinda for 5 years, writing copy for client websites, blog posts, EDMs and other mediums to engage readers and encourage action. By collaborating with clients, our SEO manager and the wider businesskinda team, Janice seeks to understand an audience before creating memorable, persuasive copy.