Can Your Business Coach Also Be A Life Coach, Or Should The Two Separate

Before ever hiring a “coach” you should always do some research and be very clear what it is you are looking for in order to properly evaluate your Coach candidates. Here are a few qualifying questions you should always ask:

1. What kind of coach do you need? An analogy that I often use is based on a medical emergency. Let’s say you had a heart attack and needed emergency bypass surgery. If you had a choice of surgeons, would you choose the top cardio thoracic surgeon in the country or would you choose your veterinarian? Keep in mind they’re both doctors. Who is the specialist for your particular and immediate need? The obvious choice is the cardio thoracic surgeon to do your surgery. So, who is it for your particular coaching need? Do you know? Get the clarity and then always look for a specialist based upon your need.
2. Is your coach candidate qualified? Don’t be afraid to ask for your coach candidate’s qualifications for your specific coaching need. We are in a world where anyone, and I mean anyone can call themselves a coach. I’ve known people who call themselves a business coach, and yet they’ve never owned a business. Ask them about their experience. Ask them about their latest success stories. Ask them how many hours they have logged doing what they do. Ask them if they’re certified, what curriculum they use, how much training they had to complete to become a coach, how much on-going training are they committed to, ask them anything pertinent to help you make a great decision rather than one you will regret.
3. Can the coach candidate provide proof of their value? Ask for case studies or testimonials. You want an actual top performer. Again, know what you’re looking for. Accountability? Skill building? Strategy development? Be willing to ask the coach candidate what they are great at and make sure it fits your specific needs.
4. Do they track and measure? Ask how they track and measure performance and results. If they can’t answer that or seem to waiver on providing a solid answer, walk away. Ask them if you can see an example. You want results, right?
5. Do an interview. Whatever style you do want and need, never forget it is a business relationship. You’re paying them for a service so make sure you get your money’s worth. But, remember, it’s also a relationship nonetheless. There must be some connection to make sure the on-going outcomes are delivered.
6. Get serious about this decision! Think about it. Are you willing to put your future or the future of your business in the hands of an unqualified coach or consultant? Do your research. Get serious. Don’t make a mistake that could be costly.

I’ll offer one more medical analogy. Let’s say you’re now having that bypass surgery that I wrote about in point #1. You’re in the operating room and getting ready to undergo the surgery. A nurse asks if you would like to meet your surgeon. I say, “Hello Doctor, do you feel confident about my surgery?” What do you want to hear just before you go under? A doctor that says, “Absolutely, I’ve done hundreds of these surgeries. No worries!” or the doctor that says, “Well, this is my first bypass but I have the instruction manual open and YouTube videos on open heart surgery ready to watch. We’ll see what happens.”

I know which one I would pick. How about you?

Would love to connect at [email protected]. Visit my website at https://www.businesscoachdan.com/meet-danny/