What to expect when looking to hire a business coach

If you’re considering working with a coach, you may have heard of “discovery calls" but, have you ever stopped to wonder what a discovery call actually is and why some coaches don't use them but offer a “free consultation” instead? In this article, we will compare the two and dispel the confusion between the two so if you are contemplating working with a coach, you can start the process with confidence. Join us to find out the steps you need to take to make sure you’re hiring the right coach, and what you can expect from a free consultation.

To find and connect with the right coach for you:

1. Identify your goals and expectations.

2. Research potential coaches to find the right fit.

3. Attend a free consultation to get an assessment and advice.

4. Determine the cost and time commitment.

5. Discuss the strategy and approach that will be used to reach your goals.

6. Make your decision to work together or continue the search.

Before I break this down, let me explain that I do not use Discovery Calls, but instead, use a free consultation. The main reason is the way most coaching programs teach how to use a discovery call is to "close the deal" and get a customer to purchase a high-ticket program. A free consultation is meant to make sure the potential client and coach are a good fit, and to ensure the client will benefit from working with the coach. If not, the coach will refer the potential client elsewhere or make alternative recommendations.

During the free consultation, the client will have a better understanding of the cost of the program, the alternatives, and the coach's experience and credentials. The coach will also assess whether coaching is the best option for the client and provide guidance or a referral if the two are not a good fit. Lastly, the free consultation is not meant to be free coaching or a chance to pick the coach's brain - it is a chance to assess whether the coach and client are a good match and will work together successfully. The agenda in many 'discovery calls" is to enroll the client so less attention might be made to whether the potential client is even a candidate for coaching. With a free consultation, the agenda is to determine the goodness of fit, for both coach and client.

Let's go a little deeper:

Identify your goals and expectations.

Before scheduling a free consultation with a coach, it is important to reflect on the goals and expectations you have for the coaching experience. This involves considering the amount of money and time you are willing to invest, recognizing any unrealistic expectations you may have, and understanding what type of coaching will be most beneficial for you. It is also important to identify the skills, credentials, and attitude you need in a coach to ensure a positive experience and successful outcome. Once you have identified your goals and expectations, you can confidently move forward in the process of deciding if working with a coach is the right decision for you.

Research potential coaches to find the right fit.

The next step in finding the right coach is to research potential coaches to find the right fit. This includes looking into their experience, credentials, programs, and costs. It’s important to make sure that the coach has the right skills and the right personality for the services you are seeking. It’s also important to ensure that the coach is within your budget and that you have the time to commit to the program. Finally, make sure you read reviews and testimonials from past clients to make sure you’re making the right choice. Once you’ve done your research, you can then schedule a free consultation with the coach to determine if you are a good fit.

Attend a free consultation to get an assessment and advice.

During the free consultation, the coach will provide an assessment about whether you need coaching or if a different approach might be more effective for where you are right now. The coach will also provide an outline of what they recommend you do if they believe you are not ready to work with them or if it is clear that you will not be able to make the investment of money and time to successfully complete the coach’s program. They will also tell you what they believe is necessary to be successful working with them, including how frequently you will meet, how to make optimal use of your work together, and any homework or other implementation or accountability items they might suggest of you.

Decide whether to work with the coach and understand the cost and time commitment.

It is important to note that many coaches use high-pressure sales tactics, to convert leads into sales, which may not always result in the best outcome for the client. The purpose of a free consultation is to make sure that the client is the right fit for the coach and that the coach is the right fit for the client. It is important to have a clear understanding of the cost and time commitment of the program before deciding to work with the coach. The coach should also be able to provide an assessment of whether coaching is the best option for the client and be able to provide alternatives if needed.

Lastly, the coach should be able to provide details on how to make optimal use of the coaching relationship and what is necessary to be successful, which might involve additional time and effort outside the coaching calls for research, completing written assignments, creating deliverables for review, or accountability check-ins.

Discuss the strategy and approach that will be used to reach your goals.

This step is all about finding the right approach that works for you and your business. During the consultation, you will have the opportunity to ask questions, learn more about the program, and determine if it is the right fit for you. If you scheduled a free consultation with me for example, we will discuss your goals and objectives, and I will provide an assessment of whether coaching is the best option for you or if a different approach might be more effective. I will explain what you can expect from working with me, how frequently we will meet, and what skills and mindset you will need to cultivate to be successful. I will also provide guidance and resources if I am not the right fit for you. Ultimately, this step is about finding the right approach to help you reach your goals and ensure you are successful.

Make a decision to work with the coach or keep searching for the right person for you

Scheduling a free consultation with a coach is the first step to taking your business to the next level. It is important to identify your goals and expectations and to research potential coaches to find the right fit. During the free consultation, the coach should provide an assessment of whether coaching is the best option for you, and if it is, discuss the strategy and approach that will be used to reach your goals. It is then important to implement this strategy and take action, while also being open to feedback and advice from the coach.

Not every coach who uses the term Discovery Call has an agenda to sign you up whether you are a good fit or not, but you might want to ask in advance or at the beginning of the call about what happens if you are not the right fit and if the coach will provide you with information about other options. The most important thing, after all, is not what the screening call is named but what the purpose and agenda are and what you can expect. If you are feeling pressured or uncomfortable in any way with the coach's approach, that is important information for you to pay attention to.

If you'd like to know more about the distinction between discovery calls and free consultations, check out my podcast episode on the topic by clicking this link: https://bit.ly/3kO7Z6h. You can also read the entire transcript of the episode on my website.