Business Coaches Can Help Spur Small Business Success

Small business coaching is a hot business.  Coaches have literally popped out of the woodwork over the past decade.  And there is evidence that a top quality business coach can be a tremendous asset to your business.  Coaching can help you bridge the gap from where you are today to where you want to go.  A good coach can help you understand what is going on in your mind -- what is not working, and what you would like to see happen.  In many respects it is about developing a deeper understanding of where your magic is. 

But not all coaches are created equally.  Some specialize in life coaching.  Others are focused on business coaching. In order to ensure you get quality assistance, it is important to choose wisely.

Look for a coach who has experience working with entrepreneurs, and who has been in the business for while.  Coaching is a competitive business so if someone has survived successfully for a number of years, they must have something going for them. 

Ask other business professionals you respect if they work with a coach and/or if they have someone they would recommend.  You can also ask the coach for references, too.  Don’t be shy about asking about their background and training.  And coaches are often picky about the clients they work with which is smart.  That’s a good sign because that means by limiting the number of clients with which they work, they will be more focused on you. 

Find someone with whom you feel comfortable.  You need to feel secure enough with your coach to reveal significant details about your business and your own personal feelings. 

Most business owners turn to coaches when they have had some success in their business but they know they need to do more to get to the next level.  But you have to be ready to be helped.  You have to have the right mindset to benefit from the what a coach can offer. 

Are you ready to hear what you might not want to hear?  In other words, it is a coach's job to take an objective look at what is happening in your business and ask tough questions.  They are also going to provide insight into how you are personally managing your business.  You may not be prepared to deal with these questions and as a result you may throw up your defenses.  You might as well stop right there because you aren’t ready to be coached. 

Coaches charge fees for their services so remember you get what you pay for.  Quality coaches aren’t going to be cheap.  But they do have the skills to spur you on to greater success.