3 Critical Factors to Look for in a Business Coach

Moving forward in your business requires having a strong work ethic, the right development opportunities, and helpful business support. You must make a sincere effort to do your best work, lead your employees, and achieve positive results in alignment with your business plan, which allows you to chart a path to your company’s success. This is all easier said than done. The reality is that creating, owning, and operating a business successfully has many variables. Do your customers and employees like you? Do your colleagues contribute their fair share to help the business succeed? Are you not attaining the goals you have set for your business? Is your business plan set up for the next five years? For many entrepreneurs, there comes the point when they realize it would be beneficial to discuss these topics with a business coach.

A business coach can be a member of your a professional support team.  They are often someone who has been in your position before and can help you navigate the ups and downs of a business venture.  Unlike your family and friends, a business coach often has specific experience with owning / running a business and what you’re trying to accomplish, making their knowledge and insight invaluable. Research has shown that business coaching is linked to positive outcomes such as success and business development. Are you looking for a business coach? Here are three things to consider during your search!

Strong Connection

Anyone you’re considering as a business coach should be a good communicator. Is this person willing to share information with you? Do they clearly articulate their thoughts? Some business coaches come highly recommended and are praised within the community, but they may have difficulty maintaining the relationship through communication. You are looking for a coach who replies to your phone calls or emails and is open to learning more about you and your business’s goals.

Does your personality pair well with your potential business coach? Before asking a person to coach you, it’s a good idea to learn their general way of thinking as well as past actions. You do not have to think about everything the same way as your coach, contrary to what many people believe. In fact, it’s helpful if you have some differences that allow you to grow and see things from a different point of view.

Respected for their Work

How is your potential business coach viewed by other entrepreneurs? Observing their interactions online, at networking meetings, and at other professional events can help you infer a good deal of information. Do they hold good standing with other companies, networking groups, or notable organizations? Maintaining connections with other associations and past clients suggest that this person is capable, successful, and possesses sound judgment.

Having a business coach that is well respected in your industry or by other entrepreneurs can be helpful in many ways. They may have past experience in your field and with your particular areas of concern, such as hiring decisions, business opportunities, and more. These types of opportunities on their resume show that they could be of most benefit to your business’s needs.

Previous Path in your Industry

A business coach usually has some past experience that applies to you. It can be ideal if they were in a similar industry to yours.  However, it also can work well if they were in a completely different industry, where they might be able to provide a different perspective.

They may be able to consult or advise you on major business decisions as well. There is still a lot of knowledge and wisdom they could share with you.

When you are considering business coaching, it’s important to know how to pick the right coach. To avoid one-sided relationships that don’t help you succeed or your business grow, look for a coach who is well respected in your industry with a similar past experience. They should have a lot to teach and may be able to advise you on major business decisions. Make sure that you and the potential business coach have a good connection and that your personalities are compatible. Having a coach for support and advice is priceless because they have walked the entrepreneurial path before you and can let you know about obstacles or challenges along the way to success and how to avoid them.

Fly High Coaching is dedicated to helping you and your business succeed. We offer expert business coaching to help professionals navigate the ups and downs of owning, operating and succeeding in their business goals. Reach out to us today to get started on business coaching or check out our Kick Start Your Success Course to learn what you can do now.