I'm un-coachable at this point. Here's why.

As a female entrepreneur, one of the most surprising things I've encountered on my journey isn’t just the challenges of building a business, but the sheer number of self-proclaimed “coaches” and “gurus” offering to guide me along the way. Some with very little if any experience in business. Well, you know what they say... those who can't do, teach.

But jokes aside, it seems that as soon as you announce your entrepreneurial ambitions, you’re inundated with offers from “business coaches,” “mindset mentors,” “success strategists,” “path-finders,” and a variety of other titles - many of which sound impressive but often lack any substance.

Don’t get me wrong - there are excellent coaches and mentors out there who have invaluable experience and insights to share. I have, myself, benefitted from guidance from an excellent such coach.

However, the market has become saturated with individuals who claim to have all the answers, yet often lack the experience, credentials, or understanding of what it really takes to succeed in business.

And it's all so formulaic! These “coaches” often target female entrepreneurs with promises of shortcuts to success. They offer to help you “find your purpose,” “unlock your potential,” or “crack the code” to entrepreneurial success. While these concepts can be appealing, the reality is that there’s no magic formula, and anyone claiming otherwise should be approached with caution.

Some common examples include:

• The "six-figure formula" coach: This type of coach promises that if you just follow their blueprint, you’ll hit six figures in your first year, no problem. They often gloss over the hard work, perseverance, and years of experience that truly successful entrepreneurs have put in.
• The "mindset guru": While having a positive mindset is important, these gurus often oversimplify the complexities of running a business, suggesting that if you just think positively enough, success will naturally follow. They can make you feel like you’re failing simply because you aren’t "manifesting" hard enough. "Manifesting." LOL
• The social media "wizard”: This coach claims to have the secret to viral social media success, promising that with a few tweaks, your business will explode online. However, social media is just one piece of the puzzle, and a few catchy posts won’t build a sustainable business.
• The "branding expert": Everyone knows branding is key, but some coaches focus so heavily on aesthetics that they overlook the need for a solid business foundation. A beautiful brand means nothing if it doesn’t align with a strong business model.
• The "path finder": This coach claims to help you "discover your true entrepreneurial path," often using vague or generic advice that could apply to anyone. The truth is, finding your path is a deeply personal journey that no one can map out for you in a one-size-fits-all approach.

What’s particularly infuriating is that many of these coaches target women specifically, using language that suggests we need extra help or a guiding hand to succeed. This approach can be disempowering, implying that women aren’t capable of figuring things out on their own or that they need someone else to show them the way.

So, how do we navigate this sea of coaches and mentors?

• Do your research: Before investing in any coaching program, take the time to investigate the person behind it. Look at their track record, seek out testimonials, and ask for specifics about their experience and results.
• Trust your instincts: If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t be swayed by flashy marketing or big promises. Trust your gut and focus on what you know is right for you and your business.
• Focus on your goals: A good coach should align with your specific goals and help you reach them in a realistic and sustainable way. If a coach’s pitch doesn’t align with your objectives or feels too general, it might not be the right fit.
• Seek out proven mentors: There’s nothing wrong with seeking guidance, but look for mentors who have walked the path you’re on, and who have the experience and credentials to back up their advice. Real mentorship comes from experience, not just theory.
• Beware of high-pressure tactics: If a coach is pushing you to sign up quickly or making you feel like you’ll miss out on something crucial, take a step back. Good coaching is about building a relationship and trust, not making a quick sale.
• And, above all, make sure it's personal to you and your business: Anyone dishing out generic advice will bring you no value. May as well just watch a few YouTube videos - and for free, may I add.

Remember that you are the expert on your own journey. While guidance can be valuable, it’s important to discern between those who genuinely want to help you succeed and those who are simply selling a dream. Trust in your abilities, do your due diligence, and don’t let anyone make you feel like you need them to succeed. You’ve got this.

And while I have you here, would you consider donating to Outcry Witness , the platform I built to help sexual assault survivors keep an anonymous record of the crime, so that they may report it when ready?

You can do so here: https://outcrywitness.com/donate/

Thank you!

#Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #Coaching #Mentorship #TrustYourself #DueDiligence #FocusOnYourGoals #Empowerment