What is Business Coaching?
With so many coaches out there to choose from, and so many businesses coming under the title of coach, it can be a minefield when deciding the right one to choose, or whether to work with a coach in the first place.
So, how do you know where to start? Let’s begin by clearing up some definitions and get clear about coaching and how it could help you and your business.
Coaching
Quite simply, a coach helps to move a business owner from where they are to where they want to be, using lots of different tools and techniques. The important thing to understand is that this industry isn’t regulated, but there are qualifications and accreditations coaches can have, so look out for those.
So how will a coach help you? They will ask the right questions and work to guide and lead you. A good coach will understand why and where you want to go and will help change their client’s mindset on a deeper level, thus taking them on a journey to their goal.
2. Mentoring
A mentor will guide someone based on their own experiences. A mentor will have often worked in the same field or industry as you or will have been through the same experience you are currently going through.
A mentor is a great sounding board. They are often extremely motivational and hold those that they are mentoring accountable.
3. Consulting
A consultant often specialises in a specific area and will come into a business to consult and advise the business based on their expertise. This might be financial, marketing or a particular project a business is working on.
So, these are the titles you will often hear but they usually all come under the heading of ‘coach’. Therefore, you need to be very careful before signing up with a business coach, that you are choosing someone you need.
Being a coach is more than just coaching. For example, when I work with a client I do so from a holistic perspective. I might be your sounding board, a strategist, or your trusted advisor. There are a whole host of tools a coach uses to get their clients from A to B and so it is essential we fulfill all of these roles.
When looking at working with a coach make sure you understand how they operate, exactly what they do, and find out if they mentor and consult too. What are they going to bring to the party to help you and your business? Be careful, there are so many people that coach, but are they right for your business?
A relationship between a coach and their client works both ways. Sometimes conversations are deep, so you have to be comfortable with one another to feel able to open up. Choosing the right person is essential. At the end of the day, you need to trust the person you are working with.
Remember, working with a coach is an investment, so spend your money wisely. If you want to know more about me and how I coach, feel free to get in touch and ask me any questions you like.
Come and hang out with me on LinkedIn, please say Hi! I would love to hear from you!