Did you know that the US business coaching market is slightly over 14 billion dollars? While this profession might seem like an emerging trend, business coaching is not a new phenomenon. In Ancient Greece, athletes had spiritual and physical guides who acted as coaches.
Over the past few decades, companies have hired business coaches to help refine their strategies. Today, there are so many digital marketing business coaches available. You will find them in directories, online, and so on.
Although it may sound like choosing a business coach for your company is easy, finding the right professional for the job can be tremendously challenging.
So are you looking to hire the best business coach for your enterprise? This guide will show you how to do it.
Scrutinize Their Profiles
Business coaches are confident enough to share their experiences and achievements. You will find this information on their websites, social media handles, and LinkedIn profiles.
You want to look for a professional with immense business coaching experience in your industry. It is even better if the coach has helped businesses that are of a similar size to yours.
The experiences of the business coach you are vetting should also be relevant to what you want to achieve. Suppose your goal is to expand your customer base. Then, it would be best if you went for a coach with experience building and growing businesses.
Read Online Reviews
After identifying a coach with a profile that ticks all the boxes, you don’t want to stop there. Instead, carry out your due diligence.
First, you want to know if other clients were happy and satisfied with his input. Reading online reviews and customer testimonials is an excellent place to start.
Use Google and type in the coach’s name and the word “review.” If others have posted encouraging comments about the coach in question, that’s a good sign. Also, check out his social media accounts and see what others say about him.
However, try objective when analyzing reviews. Even the best-performing professionals get a few negative comments. But if such responses outweigh the positive feedback, that’s a red flag.
Ignore Sales Pressure
Some business coaches will make you want to think that they are fully booked. And only one or two slots are remaining for coaching another business owner. In most cases, this is usually a sales ploy.
The aim is to create a sense of urgency so you can sign up before thinking about it. Falling for this trap could result in you making the wrong decision. The best way to do this is by taking your time before signing on the dotted line.
You want to avoid any coach that is pressuring you into signing up. Otherwise, you might pay a premium fee for services that do not match up.
Look at Their Previous Work
You may not have a clear criterion to directly measure the results of a business coach’s previous work. Nonetheless, there are methods you could use to gauge their work.
For instance, check if the coach you are considering has published any articles. These could be blog posts, white papers, or even books. You want to establish if the coach is an expert in his field and whether he can communicate his ideas well.
You should check out his previous work if you are looking for coaching in digital marketing. If he has worked with other businesses in your industry, that is a good sign.
You can also ask the coach for case studies or client references. If he is reluctant to provide them, then you should tread carefully.
Consider Their Communication Skills
Communication will be critical in every aspect of business coaching. Moreover, coaches might provide most of their training online and only schedule a few meetings to complete the process. Therefore, working with someone with an effective communication style is essential.
Some business coaches have a more hands-on approach and will want to be in constant contact with their clients. Others might prefer to take a step back and give you the space to work independently.
You should also consider the methods of communication that the coach uses. Some might prefer video conferencing, while others might be okay with a phone call or email.
The most important thing is ensuring you are comfortable with the coach’s communication style. Otherwise, it will be challenging to get the most out of the coaching sessions.
Consider Their Personality
The coach’s personality is another vital factor when choosing a business coach. After all, you will work closely with this person, and their demeanor can affect the coaching sessions.
You want to go for a coach whose personality meshes well with yours. Otherwise, it will be challenging to form a good working relationship.
Think about the type of person that you would feel comfortable working with. For instance, are you looking for someone who is more laid back or someone who is more hands-on?
The coach’s personality will also affect their teaching style. Some might prefer to give lectures, while others might be more interactive. Consider your learning style and determine which personality type would better fit.
Don’t Forget About the Price
Some world-renowned business coaches work with large corporations. They charge a premium fee for their services, and these companies can comfortably afford it. However, if you run a small business, you might be on a tight budget.
The good news is that plenty of affordable business coaches are out there. You can find them by searching online or attending industry events.
When considering the price, you also want to consider the value the coach can provide. For instance, some coaches might charge a higher fee but offer a more comprehensive service.
Additionally, comparing the coaching fees of different coaches can help you identify the right fit. The ultimate objective is to ensure you get value for your money.
Choosing a Business Coach that’s Right for You
If you have read this guide keenly, choosing a business coach for your company should not be a problem. You only need to implement some of the ideas above, and you will make the right choice.
Do you feel like your digital working strategy is not working? Hiring a business coach specializing in that discipline could help you turn things around. Visit our website and we will be glad to work with you.