What is a Business Coach?

A coach is usually thought of in terms of an athletic endeavor, although a business owner also has need of many different subject matter coaches throughout his/her career. Mistakes are the largest hidden expense of operating a business. You can avoid some of the costly mistakes by hiring a coach. So, what is a business coach?

A business coach helps you along YOUR path,  directing the process, but not leading the direction. Although a coach might be a subject matter expert, who would normally operate with an agenda, the direction is determined by the student. While coaching, normally the coach performs teaching as a separate task. He is only a Teacher on occasion.

A coach does not have supervisory authority and focuses on inquiry to support the student to find his/her own solutions through the problem solving and accountability reporting process. Although a coach might pass down his experience, knowledge, and subject matter expertise, he does not exercise power over his student. A coach does not fulfill the role of Mentor.

A coach supports learning and action focused mostly on the present and future. A coach is resourceful and assists his student in personal discovery of the methods and skills that are needed. A coach is not a Therapist or Counselor to help a student heal from issues of the past. A coach cannot “fix” personal mental or physical challenges facing the student.

A coach assists in providing an environment for learning and provides the process, but does not lead the direction. A coach can suggest implementation consulting while a Consultant is a subject matter expert that tells the client what to do or in some cases performs the necessary tasks.

In summary, a Coach does not fulfill the role of a Teacher, Mentor, Therapist, Counselor, or Consultant, although at times may appear to do so. Your Coach is your resourceful advocate and accountability partner to assist YOU in achieving YOUR goals. YOU alone, have the power and response ability to act on the suggestions of your coach.

If you would like personal training and coaching to develop a Business and Sales Strategy to include the Bizsentials needed and training in the Fundamentals of Selling to achieve YOUR specific goals, I will coach you individually. Please call me at 206-909-9994 for details.