The Power of Business Coaching

Hi there, leading ladies. Today, I want to share some powerful insights about business coaching that came from a podcast episode I did with my own business coach, Erin Harrigan. You might be wondering, “Wait, AliceAnne, why do you need a coach? You are a coach!” Well, that’s exactly what I want to talk about.

I made the switch to working with Erin when I was searching for something quite specific. I wanted to pull my faith back into my business and make sure that it was aligned with who I am as a Christian woman. It was hard for me to reconcile at first—I was really resistant to it. I was afraid that if I started aligning myself with that very big part of who I am, it would put people off.

But Erin has been instrumental in my growth. She’s helped me nurture that part of my soul, my life. It’s not something that I just take down when it serves me—it is me. Through my work with Erin, I’ve learned that even as a coach, I still need someone in my corner, pushing me to grow and challenging my perspectives.

Let’s dive into what Erin and I discussed and why I believe every entrepreneur, including coaches, can benefit from having a great business coach.

Why Do You Need a Business Coach?

Business coaching isn’t just about improving your business strategies or boosting your bottom line. It’s about holistic growth, both as a business owner and as an individual. From overcoming personal limitations to aligning your business with your deepest values, a good coach can guide you through many aspects of your entrepreneurial journey. Let’s look into ten key reasons we identified for why you might need a business coach:

Overcoming Tunnel Vision: Sometimes, you need an outside perspective to truly see the big picture. A coach gives you that 30,000-foot view, helping you see beyond your barriers and calling you out on limiting thoughts.
Objective Accountability: When we go to our family and our friends for advice and support, they want to protect us. They don’t want us taking risks. They don’t want us stretching out of our comfort zone because they don’t want to see us uncomfortable. A coach, on the other hand, can be objective while holding you accountable.
Avoiding Comparison Traps: It’s easy to get into a headspace of wondering if you’ve done enough for your business when you look at where other people are with theirs. A coach can help you understand that where you are is where you should be, stretching you while honoring your current state.
Identifying Your Zone of Genius: A coach can help you figure out where you excel, your “zone of genius.” This is so important because when you’re clear on your unique strengths and talents, you can focus your energy where it matters most. I’ve found that working with Erin has really heightened my awareness of my own gifts.
Understanding Your Ideal Client: A good coach can help you better understand whom you truly serve. This clarity is crucial for tailoring your services and marketing efforts effectively.
Aligning Your Business with Your Values: Working with Erin helped me align my business with my faith, but this applies to any core values you hold. A coach can help you find authentic ways to integrate your values into your business.
Navigating Business Transitions: Coaches can be particularly helpful during transitions. These might be times when you’re feeling stuck, spinning your wheels, or realizing you need a new perspective. A coach can provide guidance during these crucial moments of change or growth.
Letting Go of Control: This was a big one for me. A coach can help you understand when to hold on tight and when to loosen your grip, trusting in your abilities and the process.
Redefining Success: How do you define success? A coach can help you reframe it to align with your values and goals rather than societal expectations.

If any of those reasons resonate with you, you might want to start looking for a business coach! But first, let’s talk about how to find one.

Finding the Right Business Coach

Finding the right business coach isn’t always straightforward. I’ve outgrown coaches before, and there’s a reason and season for the people in our lives. When I made the switch to working with Erin, I was searching for something specific. Here are some tips from my own journey that you can use as you try to find the best coach for yourself.

Clarify Your Needs: Before you start looking, get crystal clear on what you want to achieve. Are you looking to scale your business, improve your leadership skills, or find a better work-life balance? Knowing your goals will help you find a coach with the right expertise.
Do Your Research: Look for coaches who specialize in your industry or the areas you want to improve. Check their websites, read their content, and listen to their podcasts if they have one. This will give you a sense of their approach and personality.
Check for Experience: There are many “business coaches” out there whose only business has ever been business coaching! If that’s what you’re looking for, great! But if you want a coach who has had success outside of just coaching, make sure you add that to your criteria.
Ask for Referrals: Reach out to your network and ask if they’ve worked with a coach they’d recommend. Personal recommendations can be incredibly valuable.
Interview Potential Coaches: Many coaches offer a complimentary consultation. Use this time to ask questions about their coaching style, success stories, and how they’d approach your specific challenges.
Check Credentials: While credentials aren’t everything, they can be a good indicator of a coach’s commitment to their profession. Look for certifications from reputable organizations.
Trust Your Gut: Pay attention to how you feel when talking with a potential coach. Do you feel understood and challenged in a good way? The right coach should make you feel both supported and motivated to grow.

Remember, finding the right coach is about more than just their skills or experience. It’s about finding someone who aligns with your values and understands your unique needs. Don’t be afraid to take your time with this process. The right fit is worth the effort.

What It Takes to Work with a Coach

Working with a coach can be transformative, but it’s not a magic solution. It requires commitment and effort on your part. Erin and I discussed some valuable insights into what it takes to make the most of a coaching relationship, and I’ve found these to be true in my own experience as both a coach and a client.

Be willing to be coached: You don’t have to do everything your coach tells you to do, but you do need to be willing to consider it. This openness is crucial. It means being receptive to new ideas and perspectives, even if they challenge your current way of thinking. In my own journey, I’ve found that some of the most valuable insights came from moments when I was pushed out of my comfort zone.
Be willing to take action: Nobody can do all of the work for you. A coach can provide guidance, strategies, and accountability, but at the end of the day, you’re the one who has to implement the changes. It’s about being proactive and taking responsibility for your growth.
Be willing to be challenged: Whether you want to admit it or not, you have blind spots in your business, and it’s a coach’s job to help you find them. This means being open to having those blind spots exposed and your assumptions questioned. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s where real growth happens. I’ve had moments where Erin has called me out on limiting beliefs or behaviors I wasn’t even aware of, and those revelations have been game-changers for my business.
Commit to the process: Coaching is not a quick fix. It’s a journey that requires consistent effort and patience. You can’t just show up to the call or to the meeting and think that everything’s going to be solved in that time. You’ve got to do the work. This means showing up prepared for your sessions, following through on action items between calls, and being patient with yourself as you work through challenges.
Be honest and transparent: For coaching to be effective, you need to be willing to be vulnerable and share openly with your coach. This includes being honest about your struggles, fears, and setbacks. I’ve found that the more transparent I am with Erin, the more targeted and valuable her guidance becomes.
Invest in yourself: Remember, coaching is an investment in yourself and your business. Approach it with the seriousness and commitment you’d give to any other significant business investment.

Do these points make you feel a bit uncomfortable? That’s okay! Lean into that discomfort. Ask yourself why it makes you uncomfortable and how much longer you want to stay where you are. Remember, growth often happens outside of our comfort zones.

Your Investment in Business Coaching

You’re probably already carrying a $1,000 computer, otherwise known as a smartphone, in your back pocket or purse. Is it helping you improve your business, or are you using it to doom-scroll funny cat videos? Try thinking of coaching the same way. It’s not just about paying for the service; it’s about fully utilizing the resources you’re investing in. Here are some aspects of the coaching investment to consider:

Financial Investment: Yes, coaching does require a financial commitment. But think of it as an investment in your business’s future. Just as you’d invest in technology or marketing, you’re investing in your own growth as a leader and entrepreneur.
Time Investment: Coaching is not just a financial investment. It also requires dedicated time—not just for the sessions themselves but also for implementing what you learn. You’ve got to be willing to put in the time, and you’ve got to be willing to make the time to grow.
Emotional Investment: Be prepared to invest emotionally in the process. Coaching often involves confronting limiting beliefs and stepping out of your comfort zone. This emotional work is crucial for real growth.
Energy Investment: Coaching requires mental and physical energy. You must come to sessions prepared and focused and have the energy to implement changes in your business.
Long-term Perspective: You might not see an immediate return on your investment, but you will see it long-term if you have the right coach and you put in the work.
Opportunity Cost: Consider what it might cost you to not invest in coaching. You need to be willing to make the investment and start making changes because otherwise, you’ll just stay exactly where you are.

In my experience, the investment in coaching pays off in unexpected ways. Yes, it can lead to increased revenue and business growth. But it also leads to personal growth, improved relationships, better work-life balance, and a deeper sense of purpose in work. The key is to approach coaching as a serious investment in yourself and your business. When you do, you’ll find that the returns far outweigh the investment.

Are You Ready for Business Coaching?

Now that you know more about why working with a coach can be a great investment for your business, I want you to think about these questions:

Are you open to new perspectives?
Are you willing to be accountable?
Can you handle constructive feedback?
Are you willing to let go of some control?
Are you ready to invest in yourself?

If you find yourself answering “yes” to most of these questions, you might be ready to work with a coach.

Business coaching has been transformative for me, both as a coach and as a client. It’s helped me align my business with my values, stretch beyond my perceived limits, and achieve growth I never thought possible. If you’re ready for that kind of transformation in your own life and business, then perhaps it’s time to explore working with a coach.

Remember, where you are is exactly where you should be. A coach can help you appreciate your current position while guiding you toward your next level of growth. So, are you ready to be coached? If so, take that first step. Schedule a complimentary coaching call with me to see if we might be a good fit. Let’s see where this journey might take you! Your future self – and your business – will thank you for it.

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The Power of Business Coaching: Insights from a Conversation with My Own Coach