Can a coach help you in your startup?
November 21, 2008 by ShannonCherry
Filed under Business
When you started your business, you were excited and motivated. But now things aren’t going as smoothly as you would like in your startup. But you feel you have no one to turn to.
Perhaps you should consider a business coach. A business coach can help you save time and money – and help your business grow – even in a bad economy.
But are some things you should watch out for. I’ve made these mistakes myself when seeking and using a business coach. So this comes from a bit of experience.
- Be clear on what you want to achieve with you business – and your coach. If you are unsure, some business coaches will just ‘plug in’ a formula they know, whether it’s good for your business or not. A good coach will help clarify your goals and show you how to achieve them.
- Ask for measurable results from other clients of the coach. It’s one thing to have great testimonials about how compassionate, understanding and helpful a business coach is. It’s more important to see that this coach has helped others be successful in a similar area that you want to be successful in.
- Be friendly, but not friends. This often became my issue. Once the line has been crossed, it’s really hard to have an objective relationship. Sure, you want your coach to care, but you want them to push you to do your best!
I agree with you 100% some people lose their SALES MOJO which is that energy or presence that you emit during every meeting with a prospective client. It’s that allure, charisma, or vibe that you exhibit and that every one of your prospects feels from you.
To me – It’s the dealbreaker in getting someone to really listen to your pitch. Either you have it or your don’t. That does not mean you have to be borne with this trait – it comes from within from truly believing in the product or service that you are peddling. I think it develops naturally as you get to know the product or you get more confidence that the service you are providing has real benefit and value to the user.
We all go thru slumps in our business caused by things that interfere with our Sales Mojo such as:
1) unresolved personal issues in our life
2) recent tragic events in our life
3) business startegy mistakes
If we can’t think our way out of these slumps, we need to consult a qualified sales coach who will study our technique and get us back on the road to success.
ELSCPA
This artile is so true. When interviewing start up coaches, make sure you listen for the following things to let you know that you are on the right path:
1. An effective start up coach will talk about getting to know you and your work style.
2. At your first session, they will have researched your proposed field and have pertinant information relating to your success.
3. A coach should mention that each session will be specific to your field (not a generic formula used for all business models).
4. Guarantee tangible results after 3 sessions.
5. Have several resources and contacts available.
6. Offer several side services such as:
real-time sales representative via telecon
product development
product packaging research
web development and advertising
market research including certifications