amy walker author

Have you found “The One?”

There are a lot of decisions to make as a business owner!  Who to purchase from, who to sell to, what email marketing program is best… the list of decisions is longer than this article!  Let’s talk today about coaching.  Do you need coaching?  What type of coaching do you need? And how do you know if you are choosing the right coach?  These are really important questions to ask yourself before stepping into a coaching relationship.

So here is your step by step guide to hiring a coach!

Do I need a coach?

Maybe.  Coaching is about education, accountability, and having someone push you to your next level.  I work with at least one coach a year, sometimes two.  I am at a point in my business where I am looking for pretty specialized coaches to teach me specific skills.  But there are other times where I don’t need a coach to create growth. I need to invest into systems, hiring or marketing.  Here’s how I make that determining decision.  I ask myself the question, “Am I not progressing as quickly as I want because I am lacking in skills or education?”  If the answer is yes, it’s time for a coach.  If the answer is no, it’s time to invest into other areas.

There is a lot of information available for free or low cost.  You can learn almost anything online.  If you’ve been on my webinars, you may recall that I learned how to butcher chickens on Youtube.  It’s truly amazing what you can learn for free. If you are finding that you have a lot of unimplemented information, that is also a sign you need a coach.  Learning and doing are not the same.  It is easy to get into information overload with all of the freemiums and youtube videos you have watched over the years.  A coach can help you map out a plan to implement.

If you are looking for someone to inspire you and motivate you to work, you probably need a power partner not a coach.  I will be honest, it frustrates us as coaches to have to try to talk you into working.  We know you are not getting your money’s worth because we spend all of our time pulling you out of the ditch instead of teaching you our awesome business skills! A power partner is a peer in business.  The two of you can offer each other encouragement and support.

What type of coach do I need?

There are different types of coaches, make sure you are clear on what you are needing.  If you are looking for personal growth and development, you want a life coach or personal mentor.  If you are looking for specific business education, strategies and training, you need a business coach.  I am always careful of people that claim both.  They may do both, but I need to know what side of the fence they are on.  As a coach who has done both life and business coaching, I know that they are not the same.  I also know that coaches have preferences for what they like to do better.  I LOVE doing personal development coaching mixed in with business.  But I would prefer not to work with people who just want a life coach.  If you come across a hybrid coach, make sure you understand what they like better so you know if they are a good fit.  There are also health coaches, finance coaches, relationship coaches and softball coaches.  You wouldn’t want your softball coach working on your business.  And you wouldn’t want your finance coach teaching you to improve your swing.  As coaches, we believe in the transformation that comes through our programs.  We witness the life changing success our clients have.  We see that when they improve in one area, others improve as well.  I love that so many of my clients come out of my program with stronger marriages.  But if someone comes to me wanting to strengthen their marriage, I am going to refer them to another coach.  Don’t buy into 1 solution for everything.  Find what you need to focus on first and find a coach who is great at it.

Why do coaches have a no- cancellation policy?

Most coaches have a 3 day cancellation window.  After that, there are no cancellations or refunds.  The reason for this is that there is a big unknown in every program sold.  You are the unknown!  A health coach cannot guarantee weight loss for someone who eats ice cream every day.  And a business coach cannot guarantee results for someone that doesn’t do their homework.  With any coaching program you will get out what you put in.  If you are concerned about signing an agreement with a no-cancellation policy, ask yourself why?  Are you unsure about the program?  Are you unsure about the coach?  Are you unsure about the commitment of time?  Or are you just nervous to move forward? Your deciding and committing needs to be done before you enroll in the program.  Once you are in, you need to be fully invested to make the most of your investment.

How I do know if this is the right coach for me?

Everyone makes decisions differently.  Some of my clients just feel right about the decision and go with their gut. Others research and review testimonials of past and current clients.  This is an important decision and you should make it as you make all of your important decisions.  If you go with your gut, feel free to make that decision quickly.  If you like to research and get to know people, do that.  All coaches that are serious about their businesses have videos, blogs, events or webinars where you can get to know them for free.  Many coaches have a low cost program where you can experience them for very low risk.  Some people move fast, others take their time.  Both are fine as long as you feel right about your decision! 

For more details : you can visit our web site : http://amywalkerconsulting.com/ .