Coaches aren’t just for sports. As we see the growth of small business and a surge of entrepreneurism, more and more individuals and business owners are turning to coaching for personal and professional development.

Hiring a coach can provide strategic insight, clarity and focus, and assist you with making and achieving your goals, however, they can’t do that unless you are open to the process.

Why do you want a coach? Are you stuck? Reached a plateau? Ready to expand? Be very clear about why you want to hire a coach. Coaches can help and support you in so many different ways that the more specific you are about what you need/want at the beginning of the relationship, the more benefit you will receive and realize success.

What kind of coach are you looking for? Coaching methods, experience and individual personalities can make or break a coaching relationship. What are your expectations? What are theirs? Is there match? Coaching is about trust and communication. You must define your expectations and discuss them right from the start.

Is hiring a coach worth it?  Because coaching is an intangible, as opposed to an item or product you can hold in your hand, measuring return on investment is challenging and can be subjective. A few points to note:

–          a coach that begins with an assessment will assist your efforts to make progress and receive quality feedback.

–          Timely ‘check-ins’ or evaluations scheduled throughout your contracted time will help you establish milestones so you ensure that the time you invest in coaching yields satisfactory results.

What are the benefits?

–          Inspiration, new perspectives & practical solutions to business challenges

–          Gain insight into your professional strengths and behaviours

–          Increased focus and clarity

–          Confidentiality and accountability

Are you coachable? Coaching works. It won’t work if you do not have the desire for change and the dedication and commitment to make the change.  It’s not going to be easy.

Hiring a coach will work for you if you are:

–          Ready to take a “no excuses” approach to your business growth

–          Willing to get comfortable with being UNcomfortable as you work towards change in your business

–          Serious about making huge shifts in your thoughts, actions and business

–          willing to do what it takes

Ask yourself these questions before you commit to a coaching program or a coach because yes, it is a commitment.

 

Now Go Get Connected!

About Cathy Kuzel

With 25+ years of experience as a successful Entrepreneur and Business Consultant helping Entrepreneurs succeed, she is recognized across Canada for her in-house and public seminars on “All Things Small Biz”. Named one of the Top Ten Mentors in Canada, Cathy is the Founder of The Connected Woman Association, Author of “Are You a Collector or a Connector?”; “I’m on the Phone!”; the internationally known “Daily Espressos” and is a networking maven.