'Those who can't, teach'

In the world of coaching and entrepreneurship, there's a saying that's been whispered and pondered for ages: "those who can't, teach." It's a phrase that often carries a weight of judgment, implying that those who teach may lack the ability to execute what they preach. Yet, as I reflect on this, I can't help but feel it's a bit oversimplified.

There are indeed individuals who excel at articulating concepts and guiding others, even if they haven't fully implemented those ideas themselves. And that's perfectly okay. Teaching is a noble profession, one that requires skill, empathy, and a deep understanding of the subject matter.

However, amidst all of the educators out there, there's definitely a noticeable influx of a different breed: ( can we just call it for what it is... ) the multi-level marketing (MLM) 'business' coaches who literally coach, coaches to become coaches to coach coaches. It's a mouthful, I know.

But what's concerning is the lack of substance behind many of these ventures.

Consider the "6/7 figure business coaches" who flood social media feeds with promises of wealth and success with programs and courses, claiming to have the secret formula for financial abundance.

Pause for a moment and ask yourself:

What's the actual business here?

Can those who talk, truly guarantee those figures?

And if their process works for every business, why aren't they out there building multiple successful ventures themselves?

I mean, if anybody can replicate 6 / 7 figures for others, why not simply replicate any business yourself and pull in 6 / 7 figures from all of them yourself and build your empire....

That's what those truly aspirational business leaders we all know, actually do. They build empires of multiple businesses!

My point here being, it is essential to approach all situations with a critical eye and heed the red flags. Look for people with genuine business experience – those who have scaled actual businesses and replicated their success beyond just coaching others.... and..... my favourite..... if you do find yourself looking or being approached, don't hesitate to ask for proof, whether it's in the form of bank statements, experience, maybe qualifications, testimonials from satisfied clients or more....

a) Bank Statements - Don't be scared to ask, I can honestly say I have been approached multiple times by Business Coaches claiming 6 / 7 figures and I have quite literally asked to jump on a zoom call and get those claiming such things, to open their bank accounts in front of me to prove they are earning 6 / 7 figures consecutively like they claim.

b) Testimonials that have actual substance, tags, links where you can actually speak to the person giving the testimonial. Not merely a 'written' testimonial or 'video' without anywhere to navigate yourself to find out if the people are in fact clients of said person with claims.

For me, if I am spending my money with anybody claiming and boasting wealth, you bet, I won't hesitate to ask for proof!

Money can be a powerful motivator, and it's often used as a manipulation tactic to lure in unsuspecting hopefuls.

Deciding to share such article today comes from not only first hand experiences of dealing with many 'business coaches' but also from many people I know, who have asked how and what to look for so lets delve deep...

Lets start and look at a warning sign with the business coaches who predominantly work with other coaches and rely on recycled testimonials from within their own circle. If they are saying they can guarantee you this and that especially in the 'industry' or 'business' you have.... ask yourself, does this coach have actual experience in YOUR specific industry, business or niche. Ask them to prove it.

– because seeking advice from someone outside your field is akin to asking an electrician for plumbing tips.

Trying to give you generic systems towards your business isn't going to quite cut it.

So be careful you are not then being steered into being sold on how to coach other coaches to become coaches yourself.

Also, this is always one to watch.

Remember, true entrepreneurship isn't about escaping the 9-5 which many again promise you. 'Leave your 9-5' to then see their content embrace a 24/7 hustle mentality.

Make that one make sense....

A few more examples whilst we are looking at red flags and where to start gaining discernment.....

We are all privy to the 'sudden' influx of manifestation coaches online too who claim to have unlocked the "secrets" of abundance.

( Once more let me just say, this is not towards everybody, because there are so many gifted and truly exceptional spiritual coaches out there who sadly go unnoticed due to all else online )

But always be aware of those coming to YOU who fixate solely on material wealth and once more use emotional manipulation towards selling a quick way to 'manifest the money'

Do you see how the lure and promises of quick money can make you act crazy?!

If people can make you think they can help you manifest something, and then you pay them thousands of dollars for that information... well have they truly manifested it, or perhaps got many people who are seeking money to simply believe they hold the answer - through sales or emotional manipulation tactics?

'What would it be like if.....' | 'Imagine if' ( get you dreaming )

'What's stopping you today from manifesting those dreams' ( driving an emotional response )

Here, my gift to you all..... i'll tell you manifestation guidance for free:

1. Vision.
2. Desire.
3. Belief.
4. Acceptance.
5. Intention.
6. Action.
7. Let it go.

Another -

The proliferation of "fitness" coaches who reach out via LinkedIn mainly, seeking "10 x high level executives who are looking to elevate their health and performance to new heights" . It's a generic fixture on the coaching circuit, seen time and time again but it doesn't inspire confidence from those who are truly successful. Instead, it raises red flags about authenticity and credibility.

Lastly, inflated credentials with accolades or claiming titles, that are done through practises that many know of - they will and do erode trust and diminish credibility in the eyes of respected business professionals and leaders.

Having had the privilege of entering rooms with highly successful individuals, I can attest that they don't hold such traits in high regard. They see through the tactics and manipulation tactics immediately. Once associated with such practices, your credibility takes a hit, making it challenging to regain trust and respect.

So I bring point to this article today like with all my articles not as a judgement piece in saying, check these coaches out, they and this is bad.

But one, for those doing it, to take a read and see how doing something like this, can actually be detrimental to you growing and getting in to the correct networks that can open doors for you that are built on authenticity, integrity, trust and good business practise.

Two, for those who may be navigating this journey going out alone, to understand some areas to look out for so they can gain the discernment along their journeys.

glennmarsden.com