How using a business coach will benefit your business

All successful business minds have advisors.From Kings to government to business owners, having trusted and intelligent advisors who can keep your best laid plans in place while still seeing the big picture from an objective view is an important piece of success.

Business coaches can be a great option for small business owners who need additional advice that isn't available from their partners or other colleagues.They can help you develop and meet strategic plans, sales goals and help you and your employees with leadership skills.

You can look for specific expertise in different areas if you're looking for a business coach.Perhaps you need to learn how to better manage your time, your employees, or simply need to bounce some ideas off someone more objective.

Your local trade association, small business administration, chamber or commerce or even other fellow business owners may be able to tell you how to find the best fit for your company.

Your coach should have the credentials you need to further your business. If you're looking to increase your marketing potential with new plans and advertising, look for someone who has worked in the field for a while, ask about their past clientele to see how successful the plans were.

Don't forget the importance of relationships.If you're going to trust this person with your up and coming business, you'll need to feel comfortable and have chemistry with the coach.Take time to interview a couple people before selecting one. If you don't feel good about where they are going, trust your instincts and move on to someone who fits your needs and personality a little better.

Before choosing your new business coach, sit down and write down the goals and expectations you have.You may find that what you thought was the most important place to start is not really where a coach will be most helpful.

Start with a small project so you can see how well your new coach achieves results that match your expectations.Measure your success after each project and at timed intervals to discuss the process and any changes that may need to take place.Constantly reset your goals as soon as you meet benchmarks so you can continue to grow and be forward thinking.

Any good business coach will agree that their job is to make themselves obsolete.If you don't need them any longer, their job is complete and successful.Along the way, you'll add a toolbox of great procedures, knowledge and experience that you can pull from as you work your way to business success.Don't be afraid to end the relationship once you've met your desired results.You'll know when it's time to stand on your own two business feet.

Many coaches offer a money back guarantee for their work.If you're not satisfied, let them know so neither of you waste any more valuable time.This is just one way to protect yourself and your business along the way.Other ways to protect yourself as you go along include:

• Having your business coach sign a non disclosure agreement - this ensures that any trade secrets aren't shared with his other clients, especially within the same trade.


• Ask for a specific time limit and determine the goals and objectives prior to signing on the dotted line.These things can always be redefined later, but it's a good idea to have an idea of the timeframes you're looking at to achieve the goals you have in mind.


• Choose someone who has a strong professional background in an area that's helpful to you, and talk to their references.Word of mouth is a great way to find a reliable and charismatic business coach.