Finding Your Perfect Business Coach: Why Personality Matters More Than You Think

Are you feeling overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle of running your own business?  Do you sometimes wish you had someone in your corner, guiding you through the twists and turns of the business world?  Well, fear not! That’s where a business coach comes in handy.

Now, before you go ahead and pick the first coach you stumble upon; let’s chat about what you should be looking for. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about their fancy credentials or how many years they’ve been in the game.  Nope, it’s all about finding someone whose personality gels with you, someone you can trust with your personal and business dreams and challenges.

So, grab a cup of your favourite brew, and let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of choosing the perfect business coach for you.

 

  1. Personality – You’re going to be spending a lot of time with your business coach, so it’s crucial that you actually enjoy their company. Think of them as your business BFF (best friend forever), someone you can laugh with, brainstorm ideas with, and even vent to when things get tough. Look for someone who’s not only knowledgeable but also approachable, empathetic, and, most importantly, someone who gets where you’re coming from.

 

  1. Trustworthiness – Trust is the glue that holds any coaching relationship together. You need to feel comfortable opening up about your business struggles and sharing your wildest dreams with your coach. After all, they’re there to support you every step of the way. So, look for someone who’s not only trustworthy,  also someone who genuinely cares about your success.

 

  1. Clickability Factor – Ever met someone and instantly felt like you’ve known them for years? That’s the kind of connection you should be looking for in a business coach. It’s all about that clickability factor, that instant rapport that makes you feel like you’re on the same wavelength. Trust your gut on this one—if it feels right, it probably is.

 

  1. Background Check – Okay, so personality is key, but that doesn’t mean you should completely disregard their background and experience. Take a peek into their professional history, check out their track record. While fancy degrees and certifications/accreditations are nice, real-world experience trumps all. A great place to start is to check out their Linked In profile and website, you’ll get a feel of the businesses they’ve worked in and whether they have the experience you could benefit from.

 

  1. Goal Alignment – Your business coach should be your biggest cheerleader, rooting for you every step of the way. That means they should be just as invested in your goals as you are. Look for someone who’s not afraid to dream big with you, someone who’s willing to help you turn those dreams into reality.

 

  1. Communication is Key – Clear, open communication is the cornerstone of any successful coaching relationship. Make sure your coach is someone you feel comfortable speaking your mind with, someone who’s a good listener and knows when to offer guidance and hold you accountable for doing the work that needs to be done for you to achieve your goals. Remember, it’s not just about what they say—it’s how they say it.

 

  1. Flexibility and Adaptability – The business world moves at lightning speed, and your coach should be able to keep up. Look for someone who’s flexible and adaptable, someone who’s willing to shift direction when things don’t go according to plan. After all, adaptability is the name of the game in entrepreneurship.

 

  1. Results– At the end of the day, you’re hiring a business coach to help you achieve results. So, don’t be afraid to ask for testimonials or case studies from past clients. Look for tangible evidence that their coaching actually makes a difference. Remember, actions speak louder than words.

 

  1. Value for Money – Last but not least, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: money. Coaching can be a significant investment, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting bang for your buck. Consider not only the cost but also the value you’ll be receiving in return. A good coach is worth their weight in gold. Some even offer a guarantee.  For example, they might guarantee that after so many weeks or months your relationship will have created more gross profit than the cost of the coaching fee, if not the coaching is free until it does.  This guarantee of course means that you need to do the work agreed, why wouldn’t you?

 

Now you have a clearer idea of what to look for in a business coach, the next step is to find one. But where should you look?  With so many options available, it can be challenging to know where to start.

 

  1. Networking Events – Networking events, both online and face to face, are excellent places to meet potential business coaches. Attend industry conferences, seminars, and workshops where experienced professionals in your field gather. Engage in conversations, express your interests in finding a coach, and ask for recommendations. You may come across individuals who offer coaching services or know someone who does.

 

  1. Word of Mouth Recommendations – Tap into your professional network and seek recommendations from colleagues and business associates. Personal referrals often lead to the best coaching relationships. Ask for specific details about their experiences with the coach, including what worked well and any challenges they encountered.

 

  1. Local Business Support Organisations – Investigate local business support organisations, the FSB, Chamber of Commerce, incubators, or accelerators in your region. These organisations may offer coaching programmes, or have partnerships with experienced coaches who provide guidance to entrepreneurs and small business owners. Connecting with these resources can provide access to tailored support and networking opportunities within your local business community.

 

  1. Social Media: You could use social media platforms to search for business coaches or join relevant groups and communities where professionals share insights and resources. Depending on the nature of your business you might find that LinkedIn, X, Facebook or Instagram are good places to look. . Engage in discussions and reach out directly to individuals who resonate with your vision and values.

 

  1. Professional Development Programmes – Consider enrolling in professional development programmes, or executive education courses offering coaching as part of the curriculum. Universities, business schools, and online learning platforms often collaborate with experienced coaches to provide personalised guidance and support. These programmes can be valuable resources for honing your leadership skills while receiving expert coaching.

 

  1. Getting to know each other calls – (Once you’ve identified potential coaches, schedule calls to discuss your objectives, expectations, and compatibility. Don’t hesitate to ask probing questions about their coaching approach, methodology, and track record of success. Pay attention to how well they listen, communicate, and understand your unique challenges. They will, of course, have a number of questions for you too, so that they can understand what works well and not so well in your business, deciding if a relationship is likely to work is a two way process after all.

 

And there you have it – the key insights and strategies to guide you on your quest for the perfect business coach, for you. Remember, this journey is all about finding someone who not only possesses the right expertise and experience but also clicks with your personality and values. So, trust your instincts, dive into those networking events, and don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from your peers. Your ideal coach is out there, ready to help you unlock your full potential and steer your business towards even more success. If you’re ready to take that next step and explore coaching further, I’d love to hear from you! Get in touch with me, Kathy Bassett, and let’s start this exciting journey together. Your future self will thank you for it!

 

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