3 Tips for Hiring a Great Business Coach
IN A HURRY? HERE’S THE BOTTOM LINE
I can attribute so much of my success, as a business owner, to the great coaches I’ve had over the years. But choosing the right coaches can be tricky. I’ve learned to look at coaches’ track records, critically evaluate if their values align with mine, and ask in-depth questions about their coaching systems and processes. That’s how I’ve found the right support to take my business to the next level.
GOT A MINUTE? HERE ARE THE DETAILS TO CONSIDER
Even though I’m celebrating 12 years in business, in 2024, I’m always learning and growing. I recently completed an in-depth calendar audit and made some great adjustments to my priorities and workflows, as a result. I also get to talk to tons of entrepreneurs about what is (and isn’t) working in their businesses, and have learned from their experiences, too.
But if I were to share ONE key insight from all my years of steady professional growth, it’s this: My greatest successes and achievements have been the result of working with amazing coaches.
I’ve had the chance to work with great coaches and not-so-great coaches over the years, so let’s talk about how to identify a great coach for helping you grow your business.
Tip 1: Evaluate Their Experience and Track Record
The biggest mistake I’ve made in the past, when choosing business coaches, is going with people whose “expertise” is based on books they’ve read, instead of real-life experience.
In my opinion, a coach who has not experienced the kind of results that I want to experience is not the right coach for me. I should be learning from someone who has walked the walk - not just talked the talk!
That’s why I look for coaches who have accomplished the thing that I want to accomplish. Have they built a $1,000,000+ service-based business? Have they lost weight and maintained a healthy, strong body? Do they have successful personal relationships and a good work-life balance? Obviously, this is describing three different coaches (business coach, health coach, life coach) but it’s OK to find different coaches for separate areas of improvement we want to make.
I also evaluate the prospective coach’s track record. Have they successfully helped other people achieve results? I look for references, case studies, and/or testimonials from happy clients.
Ultimately, I should be able to look at a coach and want to get to the place that they are at, before hiring them.
Tip 2: Decide if Their Values and Priorities Align
I also believe that it’s important to find a coach whose values and priorities align with mine. For example, coaches who don’t have kids don’t always fully understand or appreciate what parents are juggling, simply because they haven’t experienced it themselves.
A coaching relationship is a lot smoother when a coach understands and respects what’s important to me. This means that they are not likely to coach me in a direction that is not in line with what I see, for my life.
Tip 3: Ask About Systems and Processes
I also like to learn about the nuts and bolts of the coaching program. How are strategies and tools taught? Will they be feasible and sustainable? How is success tracked?
I’m also interested in knowing about the “container” in which we are going to work together. I want to know if it’s going to be a group setting, private 1:1 sessions, recorded calls, etc.
I also want to know about the level of communication and ongoing support that is offered. Personally, I love having unlimited email support so I can ask questions during the implementation process.
Choosing a coach for your business is an important decision. I’ve learned by trial-and-error, but am now thrilled with the coaches I have that are helping me in the different areas of my life. In my experience, getting coaching support has been a key building block to taking my business to the next level.
If you’re interested in learning more about what I’m learning from my coaches, follow along by joining my email newsletter! I share new blogs, recommended resources, and much more. If you’re interested in learning more about my services, I invite you to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation.