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Finding the right Business Coach for
your needs and personality can be a daunting task. However, it is of
the greatest importance to find someone that is not only qualified, but
qualified to address your needs. To make sure your business coach is
qualified and can deliver what you need, here are 9 tips to consider.
1.
Experience
Does the coach have work experience
comparable to yours or access to
the experience? It is estimated that about 75% of
self-proclaimed
business coaches actually have little-to-no experience in the workplace
and have only been trained in life coaching. Such individuals
may have
a number of suggestions that seem wise on the surface, but have few
practical suggestions on how to help you achieve your professional
goals.
2.
Credentials
Choose a coach who has been licensed
to coach either through the
International Coaching Federation (ICF), The Worldwide Association of
Business Coaches (WABC), the Professional
Business Coaches Alliance (PBCA) or some other
credible affiliation. These affiliations are a sign of formal
training
and of adherence to general standards of professionalism.
3.
Credibility
Select someone that has a solid and
quality reputation in the industry
or in their previous career(s). It is crucial to validate the
person's
standing. Select a coach for whom coaching was a career choice,
not someone who may have failed in another role and found coaching as a
default role to which he or she may not be 100% committed or qualified.
4.
Testimonials
Request that the coach provide you
with references from past clients.
If he or she declines, this could
be a point of concern. Whether there may have been bad
experiences or no experiences (due to inexperience) in the past, there
could be something that is not quite on the level. Do some
research on
the Web and see if you find any comments about this individual.
5.
Methods
Some coaches insist that you come to
their location in person; others
will agree to meet with you at a local coffee shop or even work with
you by phone or by email. If you would prefer a particular meeting
location (besides their office) or method, make sure the coach you're
considering will at least discuss your request.
6.
Goals
Any decent business coach should be
able to help you find and establish
your professional goals. However, before meeting with anyone,
take some
time to determine your own goals and potential milestones.
When you do
meet with your coach, inquire as to when you can expect to see results,
and what those results might look like. If your coach is
unable to give
you answers in this regard, he or she is asking you to drive without
directions.
7.
Consultation
Your first meeting is vital in
establishing the extent to which your
potential coach and you are compatible (or not). Don't
forget: this is
an individual with whom you will be revealing personal aspects and
details of your personal life and business. Make sure you make the most
of the first session, but also bear in mind that the
first consultation should be free. Beware of
anyone who
charges for an initial consultation.
8.
Guarantee
Inquire as to what sort of guarantee
the coach provides. While there
are many factors in beginning a new business or growing and existing
one, you are paying for a service and should end up satisfied.
For
example, imagine that in spite of all your work and investigations into
improving your professional situation and all of your energy spent with
the business coach, the work doesn't lead anywhere. In such a
situation, what recourse will you have? Will he or she refund
your
money, extend the term of service, or does the coach offer an
alternative plan? Also understand that it is up to YOU to
complete the
work that the coach has given to you. Failure to complete on
your part
doesn't warrant money back.
9.
Fees
Business coach rates vary
substantially with coaches charging anywhere
from $200 for a la carte items up to $8000 (very high-end) for full
monthly coaching
packages designed around meeting an hour each week. Some
coaches want
to meet with you only a few times, to help you get started in a new
direction, while others want to work with you in a far more, long-term
manner (preferred, since it probably took you some time to develop
habits and it will undoubtedly take some time to UNDO them).
Some
individuals provide you with various materials to supplement your
coaching sessions; others rely more on the outcome of your meetings.
Make sure you understand from the get-go how much you will be
paying
and what services you'll receive for the rate they quote you.
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