Why Would a Small Business Even Want a Coach?
We all know coaches are for athletes competing to win at something, right? So, you may be asking, “I’m competing to win at my business, but I’m not an athlete, why would I need a coach?” Hold that thought while we ask the next frequently asked question…
Shouldn’t I hire a consultant instead?
Both are excellent questions…
In either case, you’re probably asking because you either want to improve something about your business or you need to stop something from happening. Fast.
In this post, we’ll explore the differences between small business consulting and small business coaching, so you’ll be better prepared to make the right choice for your situation.
Let’s begin with the second question, if for no better reason than business and consulting seem to go together.
When should I seek help and advice from a consultant?
Generally speaking, business consultants are professionals who are experts in their respective fields. Large companies and organizations engage with consultants all the time.
Think of it like this… when you have a plumbing problem, you hire a plumber. If your marketing isn’t getting you the results you’re looking for, a marketing consultant with expertise in your market and business size may be a sound route to follow.
You and your business most likely utilize several consultants already that we don’t automatically think of as consultants.
What? I don’t have any consultants…
Of course, you do. Your CPA is a consultant who gives tax advice among other matters. An attorney is a legal consultant. Your insurance agent is a risk consultant. (If you think they’re merely a salesperson, you might want to ask if you’re getting the value you deserve).
When a business engages with a consultant, the goal is to receive an actionable answer to a specific issue, or a solution to a specific problem.
The role of a consultant is to bring a solution to the client’s business problem.
In the usual case, the consultant often delivers a prescribed solution for the business to then take and implement. Some arrangements will also have the consultant complete some or all of the implementation work.
As an example, an online marketing consultant may recommend a social media content strategy, set up the client’s presence on multiple platforms, and manage and post content. Part of their role can include specific training too.
So, when is a consultant the best choice? When you have a specific question to answer or problem to solve for which you want a prescriptive answer. If you don’t have the bandwidth to figure it out and implement it yourself… go with a consultant.
Now let’s take a look at business coaching.
A small business coach may also be an expert in a particular field, but that expertise is usually secondary when working with clients. We start by holding you capable of running and succeeding in your business. Together, we consider your business as a whole, your business goals, as well as your personal priorities.
How can a coach help me with my business?
The most universal image of a coach is their role in sports. Good, bad, or just trying hard to get better… most of us have had some experience with a coach at some point in life. Even if it’s just yelling at one from the sidelines.
And this is a good place to start because it’s the most familiar.
Just as a high-performance athlete’s coach takes a holistic view of every element that contributes to the success of the competitor. So does an effective, professional small business coach
Consider how specific skills, strength, fitness, nutrition, communication, mindset, all enter into the athlete’s world. Many of the same, similar, and other elements enter into the success of the small business owner.
The small business coach’s mission is to guide you to become the best you can be in business and life.
Coaches by nature love to build on strengths because that’s where your superpowers reside.
Coaching relies on asking questions to find answers.
Small business coaches are masters at asking questions. We never just tell you what you should do. If someone does, they are probably not a trained coach. Instead, we act as a trusted guide, drawing out the best solutions for your particular goals, challenges, and objectives through asking questions.
Many times, we’re there to offer up some tough love. To hold you accountable when you’re facing a dip in progress, until you breakthrough and achieve the change you’re seeking.
But you and only you get to decide what fits and what’s best.
There is a place for both coaches and consultants in your small business journey. When choosing either, make sure you’re feeling like you have a good fit between the consultant or coach. This alone is the most important.
When choosing the right one for you, so you can get the most value from your investment, start where you are, and the challenge you’d like to overcome and move forward from there.
I’m here to help if you have questions. Click here to send me a note and we’ll set-up a time to chat!
Copyright © 2020 Jeff Meister – All Rights Reserved
