If you’re on your own, getting business coaching or project coaching can really help move your business forward. But not from just any old coach.
Choosing an excellent coach – for you – means getting the right guidance and expertise to tackle the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Here’s a simple guide to help you hire a business coach who meets your needs AND matches your vibe.
First, understand your actual needs
Sounds obvious, but before you start your search, take some time to reflect on what you need help with.
Business coaching is a broad field, and different coaches specialise in different areas. Some focus on high-level strategy, others on leadership skills, and some, like myself, specialise in helping overthinkers break down projects into manageable steps.
Are you struggling with your ‘big picture’ strategy, or do you need help with the nitty-gritty details of a specific project?
Knowing your specific challenges and goals will go a long way to helping you hire a business coach whose expertise aligns with your needs.
What type of coach are you looking for?
Once you know what you need help with, it’s time to explore the different types of business coaches.
- General business coaches: These coaches provide overall guidance on running your business, from strategy to operations.
- Executive coaches: Focused on leadership development, they help you improve your management skills and navigate executive-level challenges.
- Marketing coaches: Specialise in helping you develop and implement effective marketing strategies.
- Project coaches: Help you break down your projects into manageable phases and achievable steps. This is especially useful if you struggle with overthinking and analysis paralysis.
Understanding these differences can help you narrow down your search to find a coach who offers the specific support you need.
Check credentials and experience
Not all business coaches are created equal. Once you know what type of coach you’re looking for, it’s time to dig into their credentials and experience. Look for coaches who have:
- Testimonials or case studies that demonstrate their success in helping clients achieve their goals.
- Relevant certifications or training from reputable organisations.
- Experience working with solo business owners or businesses similar to yours.
Don’t hesitate to ask potential coaches if they have experience in your industry or with the specific challenges you’re facing. It’s not vital that they do, as the coaching experience is personal to you, but it should give you an idea of their capabilities.
Ask about their coaching style
Every coach has a unique approach, and it’s important to find one whose style matches your personality and learning preferences.
Some coaches are more hands-on and directive, while others are more facilitative, helping you find your own solutions.
Consider what type of support you respond to best. Do you need someone to hold you accountable and push you, or do you prefer a coach who just provides guidance and lets you take the lead?
Read testimonials and reviews
One of the best ways to gauge a coach’s effectiveness is by hearing from their previous clients.
Look for testimonials on their website and read reviews on third-party platforms (if you can find them).
Pay attention to the results their clients achieved and how they describe their experience working with the coach. This can give you valuable insights into what you can expect.
Schedule a consultation
Many business coaches offer a free consultation or discovery call. Use this opportunity to ask questions, get a feel for their coaching style, and see if you connect on a personal level.
During the consultation, you might want to ask about:
- How they structure their coaching sessions
- What their approach is to helping clients achieve their goals
- Examples of clients they’ve worked with who had similar challenges to yours
- Their rates and payment options (if they’re not listed on their website)
This conversation can give you a clearer picture of what working with them will be like and whether they’re the right fit for you.
Consider the cost
Business coaching can be a significant investment, so it’s important to understand the costs involved. Traditional business coaching programs can be expensive, often focusing on a wide scope and long-term goals.
Business coaching is an investment in your future, but it’s important to find a coach whose fees fit within your budget. Rates can vary widely based on the coach’s experience, expertise, and the services they offer.
While it’s tempting to go for the most affordable option, remember that the cheapest coach might not provide the value you need. On the other hand, the most expensive coach isn’t necessarily the best.
There are also more affordable options, like joining a coaching group or a membership, where you can get support in a group setting for a much lower cost – although this might not offer one-to-one guidance, if that’s what you need.
Just make sure you look for a balance between cost and the quality of coaching you’ll receive.
Trust your instincts
Finally, trust your gut. After you’ve done your research, met with potential coaches, and considered all the factors, you need to feel confident and excited about your choice.
The right coach should make you feel comfortable and confident in their ability to help you, but will also be someone you feel comfortable working with and can build a trusting relationship with.
If something doesn’t feel right during your consultation or if you have any doubts, it’s okay to keep looking. A good coach shouldn’t be offended if you change your mind!
Whether you need help with your grand plan or specific projects, the main thing is to trust your instincts.
