I’ve hired coaches throughout my 14+ years as a business owner.
This is what I’ve learned from being in private coaching programs all the way up to the ‘big box’ coaching programs. I recently went Live on Instagram about this as well. Watch it here: What to look for in a coach to grow your business
Do I interact with my coach directly?
I was in one ‘big box’ program where the COACH only appeared at events and quarterly. We worked with her trained coaches otherwise.
This program was great at teaching her system, but it made me realize that I already knew marketing systems. What I needed was personalized feedback to create tweaks to MY content & strategy.
I felt like my Q&A time was always generic answers based on the content, not specific to my business and how to apply it.
Does the coach do her/his own sales calls?
During my first 12 years of coaches, I met them personally and then hired them. As I grew to need more specialized coaches, I met them online.
However, the ‘sales’ call is a chance for me also to see if this coach is a good fit. I want to see her personality and how she interacts with ME. Of course I follow her on social media, but I want to have an actual engagement with her first as well.
Plus, she can decide if I’m a good fit – not just rely on a sales team for it.
What do I need in a coach right now to grow?
I am now intentional when looking for a new coach.
- Does this coach address the current challenges I have?
- When I met her, does her energy inspire me?
- Do I want to be where I see her leading people?
I used to just work with coaches who spoke to me (because I was young and new to business so they all could help me). Now I am intentional because I want to make the most of my investment.
What do I want to gain in this coaching time? And will I do that in this program?
Is this coach a good fit?
Hiring a new coach can be scary! It IS an investment in yourself, your business, and your future. But it’s worth it!
I ask just two questions:
Is this a good fit?
- If yes, then it is fear coming up at making the investment.
- If no, then I should leave.
Is this fear?
- If yes, what am I scared of? The money of the investment?
- If no, what is my resistance?
Spending money on a coaching program will always bring up fear. Even when it feels like a good fit it is scary to invest in yourself. Trust your intuition that the coach felt right and work your way through the fear. Talk to the coach if you need help with overcoming your fear too!
Working with a coach directly
I am ok working with a coach in a small group, as long as I get DIRECT interaction with her. I want her to know my business and challenges so that she gives me personalized feedback.
I have also been in a program where there were support coaches, in addition to working directly with the main coach.
I appreciated those too.
There are ways to do it and still get the support you need. I just want to make sure there is personalized time with a coach who has gotten to know me.
