During the last two years of business our profile has raised a bit. More people are starting to reach out, want to talk to me, or go to out to lunch. While it’s great that our marketing campaigns are working and we are reaching more prospects, I’ve also noticed that a lot of individuals simply want to “pick my brain” as a business coach. I’m truly humbled that professionals are interested in my feedback and value my opinion, but I’ve also noticed that many people just want free information about starting a business.
To look at this objectively, if someone is reaching out on LinkedIn, Facebook, or our website they know that they need help or “something is missing.” I believe in service and I usually try to engage with as many entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners as I can (even though this takes away from the time I have to work with clients and on my own business). Through these conversations I’ve realized that most entrepreneurs are interested in working with a business coach, but let these 3 myths hold them back…
1. If I ask for help that means I’m not smart/resourceful/good enough to make this business work
Most of the clients I have are either overachievers or big dreamers. It’s so hard for those of us that fall into these categories to ask for help. We think, ‘Doesn’t that mean, I don’t know what I’m doing?’ or even worse, ‘Only slackers and cheaters ask for help.’ There is so much self-judgment in this line of thinking and it’s polarizing. At some point in your life, I’m sure you’ve spoken with a doctor, dentist, or teacher for assistance. How does that make you inadequate? An effective business coach can help you grow your business faster than you can alone and help you avoid costly setbacks.
2. I can learn everything with books, blog posts, and free videos online
This goes back to the thinking of a typical overachiever. ‘I can go it alone, just give me a few resources and like magic I can do it!’ I understand this thinking, ‘I can follow directions and don’t need a lot of extra help.’ Owning a business can be like nothing like you’ve ever done before. You have to be everything: the creator, the implementer, the marketer, the salesperson, the account manager, customer service…and the list goes on and on. Most books/blog posts/videos are only showing you a version of one of those aspects. Newsflash, you can’t talk to a book about how your business is different or changing from month to month. A blog post won’t give you feedback or talk through new ideas. It’s the interaction that you need, because the majority of things don’t go as planned.
3. That money would be better spent elsewhere
Money is such a deep issue for most people (unless you grew up with money flowing and it wasn’t a second thought). For more background on money mindset you can find that here. When starting a business, a lot people make assumptions about what they need to get going: a flashy website, professional photos, complex computer software, and a new wardrobe. None of those things makes a difference if your business model isn’t set up to make money, and you don’t have a system to bring in clients. Without the fundamentals, you are spending money blindly or content to just “play business.” If you really do the math, many entrepreneurs lose more time and money NOT working with a coach then just paying to work with someone experienced.
If you are brave enough to have a business or even consider starting a business, you have more faith then the majority of people in the world. The best things you can do are surround yourself with other entrepreneurs and work with a business coach or mentor. I once had Invincible Syndrome and let all of these myths stop me from moving forward. All of the free stuff online, informational interviews, and coffee meetings can only get you so far.
Either you’re serious about your success, or your not. I got real with myself and said, “If I’m not where I want to be in six months, then I’m hiring a coach.” I stuck to that and hired a business coach and then another business coach. You don’t have to go it alone, and the smart ones don’t. All of the people I know who kept believing in those three myths, are no longer in business.
Porschia Parker-Griffin
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