You Are Capable of More Than You Think!
Working with a business coach is very different from attending a seminar. A business coach knows your business and works with you regularly.
I still remember giving my first presentation to a group of executives at work. I was young, in my mid-twenties. A few days before, my boss became sick and asked me to present the project on his behalf. I was well prepared but so nervous that I could barely sleep the night before. My mind was racing. Did I miss some crucial aspects? Are we requesting too much money? What if they asked me a question I couldn't answer or, worse, rejected the project because of that? I wasn't him and certainly not aware of all the pitfalls. When the project was unanimously approved, I was relieved. I couldn't wait to tell him. Later in the day, we spoke on the phone. After summarizing the discussion, he thought for a moment and then said: "See, you are capable of more than you think."
Starting a Business
Starting a business can be intimidating and sometimes overwhelming. There are no guarantees that your venture will succeed. The pressure is immense that something you didn't know goes terribly wrong.
As a solopreneur, at least initially, you wear multiple hats: sales, marketing, product development, procurement, accounting, legal, and information technology. You might even prepare your taxes yourself to save money.
While it is possible to acquire a working knowledge in all these fields and become proficient in some, solopreneurs with a growing business rarely find enough time to focus on these topics.
Although most see the need and really want to learn, they simply don't have the time because they are busy juggling the day-to-day business. However, when they find the time to attend a course, many entrepreneurs question the relevance of the material to their own situation or have difficulties applying the information.
As a Solopreneur, Who Do You Ask for Advice? Speaking to a business coach with extensive business experience in various industries could sometimes prevent costly mistakes and save solopreneurs a lot of time — and their company.
A Business Coach Works With You
Working with a business coach is very different from attending a seminar.
First and foremost, a business coach knows your business well. That's a big plus because you can focus on the topics that help you and your business the most instead of spending valuable time on lectures whose content may not directly apply to you.
Second, you meet with your coach regularly, for example, weekly or bi-weekly. A meeting doesn't have to be in person; it can also be a phone or video call. Whatever medium you choose, it is crucial that it furthers the discussion rather than hinders it. Avoid coffee shops or noisy places. They are too distracting. Look for a quiet location with ample light and a stimulating ambiance. If you are a group, you may need to rent a meeting room for the day and cater some food. It might cost you a little more, but the outcome almost always justifies the expense.
Hiring outside help costs you some money. Many solopreneurs would rather save this money and invest it in their company than spend it on a business coach.
However, if you are serious about growing your company, a business coach can help you focus on the most pressing issues, give relevant context and actionable information, and navigate crises.
I recently read that companies whose owners work with a business coach grow three times faster than those without one.
That's because you can concentrate your energy on solving those issues that prevent you from achieving your goals.
Once you reach your objectives, take a moment and be proud of what your company has become — see, you were capable of more than you thought.
