There are times for any business person, or entrepreneur, when we need to call in some support. Knowing who to call, and when, can make a real difference to how fast and how effectively you overcome challenges. This series of blogs explores some of the main types of support available to you, and some things to consider in choosing what type of support you might need.

 

Type of Support: Coaching

 

What is it?

Coaching is a technique. A coach will ask you a series of questions which are designed to: fully explore the challenge you face, ensure that you are considering all the available options, and illuminating any barriers which are preventing you from taking action.

 

Pros

Great coaching can allow you to identify and overcome internal challenges to move forward with issues that you face.

 

Cons

A coach should never be making suggestions, presenting ideas or giving you answers – this means that it’s most suitable for challenges where you already know all the options available to you, but something internal is preventing you from progressing.

 

Ideal for…

Challenges where you face internal barriers, with confidence, or self sabotaging behaviour.

 

Things to consider when choosing who to work with:

A great coach has experience in coaching; this means that they should be selling their services on the basis of the results people they’ve coached have experienced, not on the basis of their own experiences. A great business coach does not necessarily need to have extensive business experience and should not be outlining their own business experience in promoting what they do.

 

Coaching is usually a longer term relationship – you need to choose someone who you are confident will be able to support you with a range of challenges over a period of time.

 

 

 

As with all business support it helps if you work with someone you get on with, someone who shares your values and someone who you trust. Don’t be shy of asking for a taster session, or to meet for a coffee before you decide to work with people, and if possible, meet more than on potential provider before you decide to proceed.

 

[Next week’s blog will be about Mentoring]

 

In the meantime, as always, we’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences about business support, why not pop over to fb.com/RubyStarAssociates and join the conversation there.

 

 

Blog by Isla…