5 Tips For Choosing The Right Business Coach

How to Find the Right Business Coach for You

Have you ever been disappointed with a business coach you hired? Or maybe you are looking for one and are unsure how to choose one that is a good fit for you.

I have been in both situations and can tell you that hiring a coach, whether a life or business coach, could very well be one of the most important decisions and investments you make.

I have spent thousands on coaches. Even as a life and business coach myself, I hire one to ensure I am always upping my game and bringing my best self forward.

A good coach ensures you are continuously going outside your comfort zone and pushing you to accomplish more than you would on your own. They also provide you with tips, strategies and advice based on their own experience and knowledge to help you get where you want to be. Bottom line, why try to save money by going it alone, when a coach can help you get there faster? With the right coach, you end up saving time, making more money and getting even closer to your best self.

Finding the right business coach for you is critical. From my experience, with both good and bad coaches, this is the advice I can share:

1 – Look for a coach that is already where you want to be

What are your business targets? What is important to you? How do you envision your ideal life and business?

Choose a coach that has reached and surpassed the same (or very similar) targets you are looking to accomplish.

For example, if you want to build a six figure business and the coach you are looking into has not accomplished that themselves, how are they going to guide you to do it? Forget the old saying, ‘those who can do, those who can’t teach’. Those who can, can teach you how to do it too.

Whatever you want to create, whether it’s a website, increasing leads, building a powerful brand, creating webinars or booking speaking events, make sure the coach you choose has successfully done it as well.

2 – Reflect on and question your needs

What do you truly need to help you put your best self forward? Do you need additional support in
between sessions? How much support? Do you prefer communicating by email, phone or something like a Facebook group? How many sessions do you feel you need each month? Would you like to be part of a coaching group/mastermind, or do you prefer one-on-one sessions? How much one-on-one time do you feel you need?

Whatever you feel you need, look for a coach that can provide it. If a coach does not provide it, or tells you that you don’t really need that, look elsewhere.

3 – Ask what they can promise you

Let’s face it. Business coaching programs are not cheap. Choose one that offers some type of guarantee.

Yes, the results you get will depend greatly on the work you do, but if you do everything the coach directs you to do, what kind of results can you expect?

Ask before buying!

4 – Don’t fall for the sales pressure

I am embarrassed to say this has happened to me twice. Both times, I was told by the coach that only a few spots were available and a rebate was only valid for that day. If I did not book immediately, I could lose the spot and the rebate.

Anyone pressuring you to make such a big investment on the spot is playing on your fears.

As I said earlier, choosing a coach is one of the most important investments you can make. You need time to think about it.

Both times that I gave in, I put amounts on my credit card that were equal to mortgage payments. I did not feel good about the way I entered into these programs and will never recommend these coaches or do repeat business with them.

The way you enter a program is important. It sets the tone for this critical relationship. You want to feel happy and excited about the new path you are choosing, not stressed or regretful.

I am what is called a co-active coach. I was taught by the Coaches Training Institute to treat people as naturally creative, resourceful and whole. Meaning, trust that people can make the right decision for themselves.

On the spot sales pressure does not allow you to make the right decision for yourself. Take a few days. Think about it. Feel it out. Listen to your heart. Ensure the coaching program is aligned with the direction you want to take and that you feel good about this decision.

Tell your potential coach you will get back to them within a week. Anyone that pushes you to make a decision you are not comfortable with does not have your best interests in mind, as a coach should.

5 – Ensure your values are aligned

Let’s face it. Life is not just business. At some point, there is spillover from your personal life. What happens in your personal life affects your business life and vice versa. You need to feel comfortable enough with your coach to bring up personal issues.

I once followed a coach online for a long time. I loved her webinars, presentations and newsletters. Yet, when I had a live conversation with her, I just didn’t feel we clicked.

You will be spending a lot of time with this person. Go with your gut. Make sure you feel that their values are aligned with yours. Make sure the chemistry is a good.

The advice above comes from years of experience as both a coach and coachee. I hope it helps you find the right business coach for you. If you would like to take a few steps on your own to start creating a life and business you truly love, download my free ebook, 9 Steps Towards Creating Your Orgasmically Joyful Life & Business.

5 Tips For Choosing the Right Business Coach was first published in the Huffington Post.