8 important questions to ask before hiring a business coach

Eight months into the year and I’ve spent close to $9000 on business consulting/coaching & development. The school of life doesn’t have all the answers. Over the years, I’ve developed a gift for determining frauds aka those less skilled than they portray.

[via]

Learning a coach is a "bad coach" or a less developed coach can be expensive and time consuming. Aaaand as you know, I’m all about saving you time and maximizing on your profits.

Here are 8 important questions to ask before hiring a business coach:

1.) Do you have a coach? 

Yes, coaches have coaches. You want to ensure that this person invests in their business and development also. Books, podcasts and e-courses cannot take you the same place a coach can. There's something about the experienced guidance and strategies that coaches can provide to push you towards your desired goals.

So why would you want a coach who isn't investing in their development to help you with yours? Just sayin'. 

If they aren't currently being coached, who was their last coach? When was the last time they were in a coaching program?

2.) What business experience do they have? 

Is this her first business? RUN! I kid...partly. What experience does she have to teach you? There are no true qualifications for coaches and consultants, legally, so inquire about her successes in her own business or past business ventures. This may sound evasive, but wouldn't you ask a nanny 'in your face q's' before leaving your baby with her? Yes, you would. 

3. What are you an expert at?

This is actually a trick question. You should KNOW what she's an expert at. General business coaches are not what you need unless you are super super super new to business aka your business is in the "crazy ideas I don't quite think I can pull off" section in your mind. You want to work with someone who specializes in a niche/topic/area that you need help with. So if you aren't sure what she does and you follow her website and her social media, she isn't for you yet. She maaay have issues with her messaging, branding or marketing and that's why you aren't clear. But that only means she isn't clear either. So if you have to ask this question, the answer is KIM. And not in Kimber, but: 

Keep it Moving

[via]

4.) Why did you become a business coach? 

This is a fun Q and generally we work with those that have the same values and mission as us. 

5.) What success has her clients had? 

Testimonials are cool, but on the spot: what real results have you gotten for your clients? She should be able to tell you a quick case study on how her strategies have helped her clients to succeed. 

6.) What can I expect from coaching with you?

Listen. Is this a regurgitated sales page or nah? Seriously, listen to determine is this what you were seeking. 

          6.1) What’s your coaching style? Does she hold your hand and coddle you through? Or does she call you out             on your bull and ask you why you haven’t done anything you committed to doing?  Is she willing to fire you if           you don't show up and do the work to grow your business?

If you were wondering, I will fire you if you aren't ready to show up + show out!

          Question 6 is gold. Ask + pay attention....take notes if you need to. 

7. Have you ever owned a business that failed? 

95% of entrepreneurs will answer this with a YESS! And I left 5% for error which technically is 100%, shout out to Grad school research class for that lesson. Which I failed by the way with a B-. See how all failures, really aren't failures but learning lessons. [No worries, I retook it and have the principles down.] 

This question ties in with question two, but don't ask in order. Which is why it is down here in the trenches. Trust me on the ordering. 

8. What systems do you have in place in your business? 

Of course I would suggest asking about systems, as systems + processes are what make a business run smoothly. I have seen and worked with some "top" coaches whose systems were a hot mess. It doesn't take away from the expertise, but it definitely can be distracting and make you appear unprofessional. 

When working with a great coach, you can feel as if you gained a new bestie. However, you don't need a new bestie, your business does. An amazing coach partners with you to understand your business and your goals to help you win! Your coach becomes your business' bestie. 

Click here if you are ready for breakthrough in your business and know your business needs a bestie. 

Biz Bestie Podcast: What is a business bestie?

The podcast has rebranded to the Biz Bestie podcast: short, actionable bites of biz truths given to you with love and a bit of sass, just like a bestie would. 

Listen below: 

Download here

Are you a planner or a planner decorator?

In the past few weeks I see EVERYONE on Facebook proclaiming they are planning for 2015. Oh I know you've seen the image:

Just wait until December, we will really start seeing 2015 will be my year images and memes. JUST WAIT!

The calendars are cute and planners are nice, but let's be real if you aren't doing anything but writing and decorating that pretty little planner, you will be in the same exact place that you are in right now.

3 Chic Tips to Systems Mastery

1. Get an accountability partner or have your business bestie review your first 90 days of 2015 with you.

2. Break those plans down. All the way down, so there's no confusion on how you're going to accomplish them. Paper and pen haven't failed me yet for mind mapping.

3.  Take action!

Biz Bestie

Do you have a business bestie?!?

A biz bestie is your business' best friend. A friend that's also in business. Maybe you two are in the same field or maybe not. That's not required. Whatever works for the two of you.

You have each other's backs.

You share resources.

Listen and encourage each other often.

This person is  your sense of reason, the one you bounce ideas off of, your business’ ride or die.

She has you and your biz’ best interest in mind. She wants to see you win just as bad as she wants to win.

Being a solopreneur is not as sexy as most of us portray.

She knows some of the hardships that you may be going through and if she doesn't know exactly because you may be in different industries, she can definitely empathize because she knows business.

You may already have a biz bestie amongst your friends.

My biz bestie is actually my bestie. We aren't much of accountability partners. That just means we need accountable partners. She actually has one that turned in to her biz bestie.

If you don't know have a biz bestie yet, you must be thinking this sounds like a GOD send. And baby, she is! Wait until you find yours.

Just as with your ordinary bestie, you want the relationship to grow naturally.

If you're in need of a biz bestie: go to local networking events and become a networking ninja!

Make genuine connections with people. Are you gravitating to a certain person and not for the purpose of what can they do for me? Operate from the space of: this lady is awesome, I'd like to know more about her.

View fullsize

Network online.

Join Facebook groups of like minded people. Is there someone you resonate with?

Befriend them on Facebook, check their stuff out. Talk to them. Cultivate a relationship through simple communication.

Hell, just ask!

I'm quick to say, hey! I love what you're doing, let's connect! Do I turn them into biz besties no, but if another were to materialize, I would be okay with it.

I always make note of people who I think are pretty awesome.

Then I note are they really awesome or is it an act?

If there were a market for finding frauds I would be top on that list on who to call and find out about someone.

If I still want to get to know the person then I do. Developing relationships will always be one of the best things for your business. And not just for the customers you want to attract.

If you're the smartest person in the room, you're definitely in the wrong room.

Live. Love. Action

1. Join a biz Facebook group today. If you're already in one add someone to your personal Facebook, you know the person that you talk to already and want to build on that relationship.

2. Be a good friend to them. No strings attached. See something that would interest them: maybe an article related to their biz or something they posted about. Send it to them.

3. Smile. You're beautiful! The world needs more people like you.