laura - What is Coaching and Do I Need it?

You’ve probably heard or read a lot about life coaches on your journey as a female entrepreneur. In fact, you’ve probably been referred to one or told to hire one to help you achieve success in business faster. And you might have thought, “what is coaching and do I really need to hire a coach?”

There really is no right or wrong answer to the question, although it is a very valid one that many female entrepreneurs ask. As a life coach and business coach myself, I can personally attest to the many successes that I have seen throughout my career that I know would never have come to fruition if it hadn’t been for the strong, organized planning and structure and push that goes along with having a coach on hand to help smooth out the tough areas on the road to victory. That being said, there are certain instances when coaching may not be appropriate.

Coaching requires more than one type of investment. In addition to the financial investment, there is a time commitment. You have to make time in your day to receive the coaching, or it won’t do you any good… obviously. And, there is a follow-through commitment. You can sit down and with your coach about what needs to get done for hours, but unless the ideas are backed up with actions, you aren’t going to see the success you’ve been dreaming of. So if you aren’t ready to make those commitments, then you may not be ready for coaching.

On the other hand, if you have a good idea of what you want to achieve in your business or personal life, and you’ve weighed the overall investment in getting a life coach or business coach, then you probably want to follow through and try coaching on for size. Now how do you pick a coach?

First, don’t just hire anyone. It’s absolutely critical that you feel there is a fit. Coaching is a very personal experience even if you’re working on business. You need to feel comfortable with them and know that you are going to be pushed. This is not a friendship. Yes, you should like your coach but you want someone who is going to help you get results! Also, look for a coach with experience. Stay away from coaches who did a weekend workshop and don’t have their own success to draw from. Also, get recommendations and make sure there are plenty of great testimonials for you to read about. You’ll also notice that certain coaches specialize in different areas of expertise, so seek out the one that most adequately fits your needs and budget.

Finally, make sure that the “way” they coach matches your personality and needs. What I mean is, if you are someone who needs accountability, make sure you are going to get it. If you are someone who doesn’t, then look for a DIY program that is more cost affective. If you need business expertise, make sure they have it.

**Are you thinking about getting some coaching but are not sure what it’s like?

**Sign up for the FREE Jumpstart Level of our Coaching Club and test it out!

via Amy Applebaum, Inc. » Blog http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmyApplebaumInc/~3/REtgRHrCKC8/