Could you be ready to work with a coach? When it comes to enlisting a coach, some solopreneurs and bloggers immediately think of the cost involved. They view hiring a coach as an expense in their business, but that thinking is incorrect. Coaching is not an expense—it’s an investment in your business.
Like all investments, coaching can give you a big return. But only if you’re truly ready to follow through on your decision. Here are some signs you’re ready to enlist the help of a business coach:
Sign #1: You want to grow but you don’t have a plan.
You wouldn’t try to build a house without first having a plan. You’d go to an architect and describe what your dream home looks like. Then the architect would work with you to design a home that meets your needs and has all the features you’d like. This is similar to what a business coach does.
You bring your ideas and concepts to your coach. The coach listens and helps you come up with a plan. Along the way, your coach will ask you lots of questions. She’ll warn you about mistakes that might make it hard to build your dream business and give you advice on how to build a sturdy foundation so your business can support you for years to come.
Sign #2: You’re willing to be accountable.
Having a plan for growth is important but it’s only the first step. If you aren’t willing to be held accountable, then you’ll be wasting your time and money by hiring a coach.
But if you’re committed to growing your business, then accountability is an important element in your coaching relationship. That doesn’t mean you won’t ever struggle with low motivation or that you won’t encounter roadblocks. When these events happen, you can turn to your coach for advice and if needed, a pep talk to help you get back on track.
Sign #3: You’re open to change.
In order to grow, you have to be willing to change. You may need to try new marketing methods, let go of old clients to embrace new ones, or change the direction of your business. Changes can feel scary and overwhelming.
A coach can help you break down big changes into smaller pieces that are easier to accomplish. For example, your coach may advise you to drop two low-paying clients this month so you can accept one who will pay you an even better rate. Your coach could help you keep doing this until you have a stable of clients that are paying you top dollar.
Coaching is one of the best investments you can make. With a good coach, you can grow your business in new and exciting ways.
