What kind of business coach do you need

Your growth mindset tells you that you need a business coach, but what kind of consultant do you need?

Finding value rather than losing money when hiring a business coach

How do you identify the right kind of consultant to align with your growth mindset needs?

Searching for a business coach can be like shopping when you are hungry. We all know you should never go grocery shopping when you are hungry. The grumble of your stomach can override your better senses and you soon find there are items in your cart that you don’t need. Hiring a consultant has similar dangers.

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Be clear about your vision for your business

Everything starts with vision. Vision at times requires us to get clarity on who we are and where we are going. Effective shopping starts with a list and a purpose. I want to make a delicious spaghetti dinner so I go to the store for noodles, sauce, meat and a side. Effective shopping to execute on this vision requires:

1. Clarity - A plan with some thought
2. Vision - A trip with some purpose
3. Execution – An experience in alignment
4. Accountability – A process with checks and balances
5. Perspective – Review 1-4 prior to final purchase

Clarity in hiring a business coach

Your grocery list does not need to lay out the menu for every day of the rest of your life. Unless you are only buying canned and frozen foods, this is implausible. What do you need in the next month or quarter to help you move towards your personal or professional goals?

A consulting plan requires some thought

1. What are my most pressing needs?
2. What areas do I struggle with the most?
3. What areas am I strong in that do not require additional perspective?

If you hunt for a business coach or consultant without a plan, you may be writing a blank check. Don’t leave yourself susceptible to scam artists or under performing professionals.

The importance of vision in hiring a business coach

If you have put your short term grocery list together, you know a few key areas that you need help. Rather than leaving the list open to your hunger for change, compose a list of potential partners that can help with your specific needs. If you need a financial specialist, don’t hire someone in the legal niche.
If the coach you are interviewing cannot tell you what they specialize in, they likely are not suited to your needs. Rather than leading with your needs, as questions to draw out their abilities. Fast Company identifies aspects of legitimacy in consulting which includes identifying specialists.

Questions when screening a personal or professional consultant

1. What is your experience with business leaders in my field
2. What do you see as some of the key areas businesses in my field get themselves into trouble
3. What do you know about me and my business
4. Who have you helped in my professional field
5. What do you see as the most significant results you have produced with recent clients

When you are in the grocery store – if you are trying to be on purpose, on budget and within the dietary goals you have set for yourself, each purchase demands that you ask, “Do I need you?” Needs versus wants are key decisions in every aspect of life. A business coach can help boost your growth mindset or they can drain your momentum.

Additional ways to create accountability in a business coaching relationship

• Establish clear parameters for the relationship
• Set up a 30, 60 or 90 day trial
• Construct clear benchmark expectations
• Be very clear about hidden cost

Structuring accountability in business coaching

Get some references from your potential consultant. Ask to speak to a business leader that this consultant has assisted from your industry. Ask to speak to a professional who is working through the same challenges you are working through.

Key perspectives when hiring a consultant

Arriving home with a trunk full of groceries when you left home for a gallon of milk may be amusing. In business, these habits and mishaps can cause long term damage to your business. A strong growth mindset includes discipline to maintain vision is executed consistently. Hiring a personal or professional coach can set you forward or hold you back.
 
Read more – what is a consultant

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IZ Ventures - more than business coaching and consulting, we help you connect, collaborate and conquer. ​