How To Find A Perfect Business Coach

Feeling stuck in your business midway?

I have met a lot of people who have been very directionless, helpless and clueless. Sometimes they get too stuck in their process of setting up a business. And they only wish and hope that they could find someone who can guide them in what they are stuck and handhold them in their process of starting a business.

Now the question is “How can you find or approach a good business coach or a mentor? Where can you find somebody whom you can consult you in your business knowing that everybody is so busy and pre-occupied these days?”

Sometimes we think we know it all – but that’s not the case and we are not confortable sharing with the world about our venture.

Step out of this mind block!

You know what, sometimes negative feedback works wonders. I once asked my husband why am I not that successful & there he went on & on with a big list of my weaknesses. Normally I am not comfortable taking negative feedback but I decided to listen carefully & work on the issues discussed. Criticism has gold sometime.

Can’t believe it! I found my mentor in my husband.

Mentorship, nowadays is becoming a very popular subject, as entrepreneurs, we all need someone whom we can turn for advice, guidance and encouragement. I am sure you must have experience that need at some point, right?

Are you wondering if you should hire a coach for your small business. We know that successful people have coaches, mentors, and consultants. For example, “When you go to a gym for the first time, you know with the expertise and knowledge you have, you will never be able to achieve the kind of fitness goal you have been dreaming of. Hence you turn to a fitness coach, hence you hire a fitness coach! Similarly entrepreneurship is a new territory and we all need a door to knock.

Now the question is, how do I find a coach or a mentor who’s a good fit for me?

A mentor can be your most powerful supporter.  Mentoring process enables business professionals to reach their full potential. It will help you get a proper direction, improve leadership skills, develop powerful connections and become competitive. If you ever speak to someone who has built an incredible company or someone senior, they will tell you that one of their most valuable assets while they set on their entrepreneurial journey was the support they received from their mentor.

But, before I move on to take you through some important steps on reaching to a perfect business coach or mentor for yourself, there is one thing you should register on your mind.

“You got to give them a reason to believe in you and your passion if you want them to invest their time and expertise in you!”

So according to me, mentoring gives you time to think, and is one of the most powerful personal development tools. Just like you would never hire an employee without evaluating, would you? So, take the same approach when reaching out to a business coach or mentor.

There are many ways to get you started. Here’s what you can look for in a business coach or a mentor:

BE CLEAR WITH YOUR GOALS

Coaching is very essential, be it in-person or via books or videos. When I was getting started, I had also set my own schedules, checked out tips from experienced leaders in the industry, their interviews and reviews across offline and online platforms etc. But having a clear goal in mind has always helped. So, before you plan to move to a coach, trust yourself first and have a clear vision. If your coach or mentor doesn’t get it, then following their advice can be damaging.

WHO & WHAT OF YOUR BUSINESS COACH

Before you take the next step, know them better! Get connected, go to their events, observe their work and engage with them. Ask them questions, brush through their website, google them, stalk them on social media platforms and primarily confirm whether they walk their talk or not. Engage with a business coach or mentor who cares about other people’s successes also. Most importantly, check whether their experience aligns with your business goals and vision.

LOOK AROUND, YOU MIGHT FIND YOUR MENTOR

When you are looking for people to connect, look into your family or a set of friends or relatives too. On the professional front, they might be behind or ahead you. Whatever the case, they are super valuable! When you talk and discuss with them, you never know, they might just be closer to resolving the issues you are struggling with right now. Their advice might not be relevant all the time but they might help you in something you cannot think on your own.

TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE?

Well, I believe having one business coach is a good deal! But mentorship is something you can acquire from anyone around you. Someone who is experienced or has experienced the same struggle as you in the past setting up a business. Basically, don’t just look for one, but many. This is also because you will be able to analyse your work from different points of view. Do focus on building a strong network of relationships. Not all of them have to be on a success scale higher than you.

FIND A GOOD LISTENER

Your prospective business coach should be an outstanding listener, which means plenty of silence on their end. They should hear the words, read the gestures and take in the thoughts & ideas ideal for your business needs. With a very strong focus, a good business coach will always treat its client as if they are the most important thing on their mind.

EARN THEIR RESPECT & TRUST

Your action should actually speak louder than your words now! If you really admire someone and want to learn from them you’ve got to be their true and devoted fan. So, step ahead, buy their books, read their reviews, be a customer of their products if that helps or go take their courses or workshops. If by any chance you are unable to reach out to them offline, reach out them on their online presence and be a constant supporter. You should let them know that their work affected you in some way. Tell them how did they improve your life or how did they help you get results. People love hearing that they have had an impact. And people are busy genuinely these days but if you have the passion, you will earn that trust!

Lastly,
BE SPECIFIC OF WHAT YOU WANT FROM A COACH

To climb up the learning curve, avoid being vague and ask specific questions. You are much more likely to get help if you ask for a solution to a specific problem versus someone to direct your ideas or business.

So a mentor or a business coach should be the one:

1. Who can validate your idea
2. Who can commit time to your ideas & business and can provide emotional investment
3. Set targeted goals that can be analysed & measured
4. Find the right person – just experienced enough to guide you and connect with you.

Part of my job as a coach has always been to help you stretch outside your comfort zone. I personally strive to help you focus on what you want, articulate and share your vision, and take bold actions to create it.

While I may not know the details of your life or your hardships, but I do know one thing that your power is immense and potential limitless. You have all that it takes to overcome any challenge that comes your way.

I believe in you. 

It is always worth exploring the potential behind engaging with a mentor or coach who will support and inspire you to achieve your vision. Stay on it and keep going for your dreams!