In the pressurised and action orientated world of small and medium sized business, a coach might well be the ultimate secret weapon in maximising your potential.
While the corporate world has long used coaches to support and develop executives, smaller businesses that face similar challenges have rarely had access to this type of support. Without all the resources of big business, entrepreneurs in medium and small businesses often feel isolated and short of support as they deal with day to day issues. They also often face additional pressure as they play multiple roles, which might include managing staff, planning strategy, monitoring production, customer service and finding new markets, the list is endless.
In this pressured environment, trying to find time for full day training workshops and seminars means that personal development goes way down the wish list and becomes a “nice to have” rather than an integrated part of business operations. This is where coaching can provide an efficient and effective solution for achieving personal and professional excellence.
So what is coaching? Essentially coaching is a focused and co-operative partnership with someone whose only agenda is your agenda. A coach works with you to identify where you are now, defines where you want to be and then supports you in getting there in the most effective way. Sessions are scheduled every three to four weeks and run for approximately an hour, with additional support provided via telephone, or even Skype. A coach can act as a sounding board in thinking through important decisions, can help with accountability around action plans and build momentum by helping you take responsibility for results and outcomes.
An investment in business coaching pays for itself, increasing the bottom line, getting more done by working smarter, helping you work with renewed passion and finding ways to reclaim your life by improving your work-life balance.
However, before you consider coaching, ask yourself some key questions:
- Am I ready to create and clarify a compelling vision for my life and business?
- Am I ready to take action on that vision?
- Am I open to trying new ideas instead of continuing to do the things that have not worked in the past?
- Am I willing to stop self-defeating behaviours?
- Am I willing to discover and change fears and beliefs that hold me back?
- Am I ready to accept responsibility for my success and happiness in life?
If you answered yes to these questions then business coaching is for you.