Business Management Coaching

What is the difference between a business coach and a business consultant? The Professional Business Coaches Alliance (PBCA) defines the difference as follows: “Personal effectiveness is what separates ‘coaching’ from merely ‘consulting’. We define consulting as being an expert in a certain area, and then telling a client what they ‘should be doing.’ …(consulting) lack(s) follow-up, accountability, and behavior modification.” Simply put, the business coach combines the fundamentals of good business practices (consulting) with the elements of personal development.

Large corporations would be more likely to utilize consultants, while the small business (and its owner) would benefit more from the services of a business coach. Now, how do you find the perfect coach for you and your business?

• 1. USE YOUR NETWORK.
  You will get little assistance from the Internet search engines. When I started this article I googled the term “business coaching” and got 1,180,000 web entries. I also googled “business consulting” and received 6,350,000 web entries. Unfortunately, most of the early google pages relate to telling people how to get into the business rather than how to find a good coach. This means you will have to turn to your network of advisors. Seek out recommendations from your Advisory Board, Board of Directors, CPA, attorney, association, colleagues, peers, and friends. Compile a list of potential coaches along with any specific recommendations and contacts your advisors have had in the past.
• 2. GET AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE ON EACH CANDIDATE.
  You want to get a coach that specializes in your immediate needs. You don’t want a technical specialist when you need a turnaround specialist, and vice versa. Each candidate will likely have a website, so study those to determine their area of expertise. Be sure to contact other clients of each candidate and then rank the candidates into potential order of preference.
• 3. INTERVIEW THE CANDIDATES.
  You should be able to get a feel as to how you think you would relate to each candidate by talking to them on the phone. Ask how they approach a new client and how they would proceed in helping you and your business. Remember, they are a personal coach as well as a business consultant and you must be able to relate well with them.
• 4. CONTRACT FOR A TRIAL PERIOD.
  Try a short term contract to see if the candidate you chose can deliver what they say they can, and if you like their approach to your situation. A good business coach should be in action almost immediately.
• 5. IF AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED…
  Whether in a trial period, or you have used the person for some time—they do work for you and you can terminate their involvement whenever you choose (or according to your contract if you have one). Hopefully your first experience will be a good one, but if your first experience is negative, that doesn’t mean you won’t benefit from a business coach. Just keep working your network and talking to other candidates until you get the service and expertise you expect.

Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely experience, and each person must seek out their own advisors, confidantes, and helpers. A qualified business coach can be a valuable asset when properly utilized.