The business coaching industry is BOOMING right now! And if you’re a small business owner, you might be wondering if you should hop on board and hire one.
However, before you just go typing “I need a business coach” into your browser, there are a few things to consider before signing on the dotted line.
First off, keep in mind that the coaching industry as a whole is a very unregulated industry. Meaning, pretty much anyone can hop onto social media and start calling themselves a coach of any kind.
Therefore, it is REALLY important that you do some homework. In this post, we will guide you through some important things to consider when you’re contemplating hiring a small business coach or consultant.
Let’s take a look.
1.Get Clear on Why You Want a Coach and How They Can Help You
Before hiring a coach or enrolling in a program, make sure you get clear on what you want from hiring a business coach.
Ask yourself: Why do I need help with my business? What am I hoping to gain from this experience?
Are you doing it because some IG ad made you feel like you SHOULD have a business coach? (Social media marketing is very persuasive nowadays.)
Are you looking for a business strategy? Are you looking for someone to help you scale and grow your business?
Do you need help getting unstuck and figuring out what your next step is?
Also, what does success mean to you?
Once you get clear on why you are a seeking coach and on how you want them to help you, then you can start to narrow your choices!
2. Be Honest About Your Commitment Level
Think of business coaching the same as hiring a fitness trainer.
You can hire a fitness trainer, but if you don’t do the exercises and workouts, you’re not going to see results.
The same goes for a business coach. You have to be realistic about how much time, energy, and effort you can put into your experience with the coach so that you get the very most out of working with one.
3. Group Programs vs Individual Sessions
There are a lot of different options out there, such as group programs, individual coaching sessions, or a combination of both.
Keep in mind:
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Group programs usually help cut down on the overall cost.
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With group programs, you will have less one-on-one time.
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Are you willing to share with others and, vice versa, are you willing to hold space for others?
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Do you get inspired and motivated by being around others, or is that more of a distraction for you?
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Are you being led by the main coach or is an assistant running the show?
4. Are You Prepared to be the CEO?
CEO stands for Chief Executive Officer. If you are a small business owner, you need to be ready to call the shots!
We bring this up because when choosing a coach, look for someone that is going to be your COO, your Chief Operating Officer.
We recommend steering away from coaches that want to prescribe a one-size-fits-all approach or formula. We have found that after trying that method on, later on, many feel like they got steered into a direction with their business that didn’t truly feel authentic or genuine with their mission and vision.
At Haven, we think the marker of a great coach is one that will help pull out the answers that are already inside of you. They can offer you options, strategies, tactics, tools – but at the end of the day, it’s ultimately you, the CEO, that’s calling the shots.
5. Business Coaching vs Life/Mindset Coaching
In the interview we did with Entrepreneurs of Columbus, we said, “Mindset is everything. Work on your mindset above everything else and take your mental health seriously.” – Source
We continue to stand by that sentiment. However, keep in mind that when it comes to hiring a coach, there is a difference between Business Coaching and Life/Mindset Coaching. And we notice that the two tend to get blurred together very easily.
Consider the following.
Are you looking for someone to help you with your confidence, to fight off imposter syndrome, or to help you cope with the stress of owning a business? Then, you might be looking more for a life/mindset coach.
Or, are you looking for someone to offer a strategy for your business and help you handle certain areas of running a business, such as finances, sales, accounting, marketing ROI, and operations?
Maybe you are looking for a combination? But be clear on that combination. Are you looking for 20% mindset and 80% business strategy? Well then, be sure you don’t hire someone that is vice versa.
6. Check Credentials and Testimonials
There are a lot of shiny social media influencers out there calling themselves business coaches. So make sure they’re the real deal!
We recommend choosing someone that has the education, skillset, and experience of being both a coach and small business owner.
Here are some great questions to ask:
“How long have they been a small business coach or consultant? How long have they been a small business owner? How many businesses have they owned in the past? How many clients have they worked with and in how many industries? Look for someone with a wide breadth of experience so you know they can handle your unique situation.” – Source
Final Step: Make Sure the Coach You Choose is on Board with Your Needs
The best way to do that is to ask questions – lots of them! After going through the questions mentioned above and once you feel clear about your wants and needs, make a list of questions that you want to ask them.
Business Coaching is an investment of money, time, and energy. It can be a really helpful resource for many small business owners. It is a relationship that can feel really amazing…or not so much. So, be discerning about who you go with!
So…now what?
Ok…you’ve gone through all of these questions. You are now crystal clear on what you want help with. You have a list of questions to ask. So…now what?
Maybe you already have some business coaches on your radar? Reach out to them and ask for a discovery call to see if they are a good fit!
But, what if you don’t know any business coaches?
At Haven Collective, not only do we have connections with tons of resources, but we also offer a great resource for small owners looking for support!
Check out our Community Membership!
We’ve built an online experience for you to grow your skills and your business while you enjoy the community, connection, and collaboration of fellow professionals.
With our Community Membership, you will receive all of the support services listed below from anywhere you’re located.
Coaching – One-on-One business and marketing coaching sessions that you can schedule monthly for personalized support to reach your goals and elevate your business.
Collectives – Peer group masterminds meet monthly for each 12-month program. You’ll build connections in a deep, meaningful way with like-minded coworkers all looking to take their businesses to the next level.
Connection – The foundation of the Haven Community is connection. Every conversation held inside our private member group, during personal and professional development events, and through live Q&A sessions with our founders, adds to the collective. Each new member brings a new variable and takes the awesome to the next level. We shine brighter together.
Resource Collection – The resource library is stocked with content surrounding business finances, productivity, accountability, navigating uncertainty, meditations, marketing, and more. Every personal and professional development event adds to our growing collection too, so you never miss an ounce of information that could help you grow.
Click here to learn more about how the Community Membership can help support you and your business!
Sources: Passion for Business