How can you decide whether to hire a professional coach or a peer mentor?

In my experience, a mentor is a good idea if you are dabbling with ideas and want perspective and advice, while a coach serves as someone who can see the blind spots you might not see and help you course correct all the way to your goal. You want a coach if you are committed and ready to take action.

Mentoring is the best option, in my opinion with an experienced individual, with a proven track record of success. We live in a world of false prophets, so always check into your proposed mentors Business background and reviews on the LinkedIn site.??????

Coaching is often a one-sided relationship in which the coach provides accountability. Whereas, mentoring is more often two-way communication in which there is an exchange of thoughts, ideas, and strategies. While accountability can be a feature of mentoring, it’s not necessarily the main focus, unlike coaching.

I would disagree with @christine beldner on the "coaching is often a one-sided relationship". In fact, the opposite should be true: a good coach should always encourage discussion and an exchange of ideas etc, at which point the client will be able to settle on the best solution to an issue for themselves, rather than simply being told what they should do (aka. management consulting ??). I would agree that coaches definitely bring accountability into the equation, whilst very often, mentors don't. That's the big advantage of coaching; mutually agreed ideas, strategies etc, coupled with accountability.

Assuming a person is not completely unable or unwilling to financially invest in a peer mentor or coach, it requires an honest assessment of one's own weaknesses or tendencies, which reveal vulnerabilities -- alternatives, ideas, scenarios, strategies, resources, or new operational directions that are not seriously vetted because of either predispositions, fear of the unknown, or aversion to risk. It may very well indicate that a mentor or peer advisor can help clarify these weaknesses with fresh eyes & knowledge base. A good mentor provides context as well as the pros & cons assessments.

Athletes don’t coach themselves, why do professionals? Successful coaches, through their education and experience, will use techniques that bring out the best in employees. The best coaches help improve performance, create efficiencies, increase consistency in results, and more, which improves the bottom line. This is why coaching is a need!

Who do you know that was trained to be a business owner, MD, CEO etc? Most likely, nobody! Yes, you will know successful MD's, CEO's and the like but they have got that way generally through experience. Similar to elite sports, being a highly successful business owner, MD, CEO will involve having a coach who will refine and improve their own natural ability using their experience. Formal coaching qualifications are useful, but that real-life experience is something most coaches delight in passing on!

In my opinion you should hire a professional couch. It all depends on whether you can afford one or not. A professional coach is typically a trained and certified expert who has extensive experience in coaching individuals or teams. On the other hand a peer mentor is usually a colleague or friend who has personal experience in a particular area and is willing to share their knowledge and insights with others. Professional coaching is often a more formal and structured process, while peer mentoring is often an informal process that takes place between friends or colleagues. The focus, accountability, and confidentiality of coaching and mentoring can also differ significantly.

It is okay to shop around until you find the right fit. This will be an investment in you and your business, you need to make sure the relationship is going to meet the need you have identified before spending $$$$$$. Recognizing what you need or want for your business is something only you can determine. Coaching and Mentoring are often used interchangeably (even though two very distinct practices). Do the research, meet with the person, get to know them through content, discovery calls, low ticket offers, emails, etc….before jumping all in. Always make sure they are at least 2-3 steps ahead of where you want to go. They will share their wins but also their challenges. A great coach or mentor will never have the biggest ego in the room.

Your coach will help you get the most out of the coaching you have chosen by helping you identify what you need, followed by what you want. The sign of a good coach is that nothing is about them (the coach) and everything is about the client. There is no ego present with a great coach.

Always go to a session prepared. Whether it’s a new area you want to explore, reviewing homework that’s been assigned to you or a list of questions/challenges you are having. Once you have selected the right person for you, maximize your time with them whether it’s 1:1, in a small group or through messaging. You’ve made this investment in yourself and your business do not feel guilty to want the most of your time together. Also don’t miss the opportunity to capitalize on your investment. No question is silly or too small. Don’t be afraid to share if you aren’t getting what you need from the relationship. This is your time be empowered to give and receive. Open communication and transparency will lead to successful relationship for both.

Both professional coaches and peer mentors are highly valuable. A peer mentor will typically share from his or her personal experience in a particular field. A professional coach should have undergone a certification training and often work with multiple individuals. This provides the coach with a wider perspective than his or her personal experience. Either way, working with a professional coach or mentor will save you both time and money by keeping you from having to reinvent the wheel.