Does it seem like everyone is suggesting coaching these days? If not, perhaps it is my imagination…but that is doubtful.
Are you sick of hearing about it yet or do you think that there may be some value to it?
“When I played basketball in high school, there were two coaches on the team to help with guidance, direction, and basic fundamentals. This all makes sense to me, but what does any of this have to do with my startup business? I do not have the time or the money to invest in something like that, but maybe I will look at it in more detail down the road. Once I start making good money then I can speak with a coach.”
Have any of you ever had an internal monologue that sounds a little like that?
I know I have a time or two, in fact, I used to reject the very notion of help of any kind. Back when I was the proud and stubborn type. That was until I realized how much it was holding me back. There are others out there that think the same way that I used to. But I have decided to take a different approach to my blog post this week. I think you will find it useful and extremely entertaining.
Here are questions that people commonly ask when thinking of paying for professional coaching and development.
1. What is a coach going to tell me that I don’t already know?
I think a lot of people assume that a coach is just going to point out what they are doing wrong. There is that damn negative mindset again that keeps you leaning to the dark side. Busted! Anyway, have you ever entertained the idea of a coach pointing out something that you were great in? I am talking about an area that you have never considered before? Interesting concept isn’t it? The point here is that a professional, outside perspective is crucial for you to get a complete picture of yourself. We can never fully experience this for ourselves so we need to rely on the successful ones who were once where you are. Make sense?
2. I cannot afford to pay a coach right now!
Can you afford not to pay a coach? Let me ask the same question another way. Can you afford to keep leaving money on the table with all of the opportunities that you are missing? Again, this ties back into that outside perspective that I just talked about. A good coach will also be brutally honest with you when they need to. It’s ok for someone to say “dude, please stop” when something you are chasing is not working at all.
3. Will you give me a discount?
Coaches, I am talking to you here….RUN! Clients, back to you now. Please remember that you get what you pay for. Would you buy a brand new Range Rover for $5,000? While you ponder your answer, consider that when things seem to be too good to be true they usually are. If you’re asking a coach for a discount, are you okay if they only contribute a percentage of their efforts to you? This whole scenario is a joke, but I know that it happens because someone asked me this question!
4. How can I measure my ROI?
Finally we have an intelligent question to disect. You have a real opportunity to increase your revenue, your conversions, and your confidence. If you don’t have strong daily habits that support your vision, developing these will change everything for you. If you work with a coach that has knowledge of sales funnels, this alone can turn your business into a revenue generating machine. Simply guessing with your online marketing will cost you more money than you would ever believe.
5. Is this person’s experience in line with the goals of my business?
Another good question. There are a gazillion different types of coaches out there, but there are also a gazillion different types of business owners out there. Finding the right fit is incredible important, as is the case with any relationship. Finding this fit will contribute heavily to the outcome of the partnership. A consultation is the standard first step to determine compatibility amongst other things. If you find someone who fits into the culture of the business that you have built and you know that they would be an asset, how can you put a price tag on that?
Would you pay for a coach? I guess that’s really only a question that you can answer. It largely depends on your goals for your business too. If you are perfectly content with the way that everything is, why jack with it? If you want to experience your potential and push your business to the next level, it might be time to cut back on the meal and golf expenses. One thing that I have figured out is that no one gets anywhere near their potential all alone. Look at musicians, athletes, political figures, actors, and CEOs. All of them have visible support because more success is derived from collaboration.
Business coaching should never be mistakenly viewed as an expense, because it is not. Coaching is an investment into you and your business and this terminology indicates an expected return on investment (ROI). Even when you think you are a playing it safe, you are actually losing. If you’re not growing, you’re shrinking your path depending on the decisions that you make. Good luck to you and I trust that this has given you a few things to think about.
Have any of you heard any crazy questions from potential clients? If so, we want to hear them, so please share in the comments!