As a business owner (which you now are), finding support is a high priority. These may be experts who handle areas that you are unfamiliar with, someone to bounce off new ideas and strategies, or those who offer emotional support and accountability. Building your support team will help you stay on track and build the coaching business of your dreams.
Let’s take a look at where you might find this support already available:
You need to find support and resources.
Family and Friends
It’s important to find support among your family and friends. These are the people who may be able to help you financially by investing in your business. They can also invest by offering you services such as taking care of your children while you are focusing on launching your coaching practice.
Friends are interested in your success (and if they are not, well… find new friends). They can connect you to those in their own network to help you. They may be a good “sounding board” and offer good advice. Be clear about what you need and don’t settle for someone who is not qualified or who is not committed to helping you succeed. There is a saying that you could follow – “find someone who likes you but does not love you.” At times your loved ones will hold you back.
Other Coaches
Coaches can be a great resource of support. They have likely been where you are and have had common experiences. They can stop you from making mistakes they made in their early days of establishing their business.
Consider looking for coaches who work in non-competing industries. Have a great lunch conversation and pick up the tab. Look for a good mentor coach through your local coaching organization.
Business Mentors
If you are like most coaches, the business side of your coaching practice is where you are most weak. Finding those mentors who are successful in business can really help.
In the United States, the Small Business Administration is well suited to find the right business mentors. Their SCORE program is the country’s largest network of volunteer business mentors, dedicated to helping small businesses, like you, get up and running. Check with your local public library to see if there are city or township programs that may be available in your area.
Finding support and mentorship is a must.
Changing Mentors
As you develop your coaching practice, your needs will change and so will your mentors. While we encourage you to stick with a mentor, don’t find yourself backing away from someone who is challenging you. They often can be the best mentors. Expect change and be open to working with people who come into your path as you develop.
One thing is certain: mentors are a must!
Check out The Coach Business Guide: The Path to Launch and Grow your Coaching Practice, Chapter 1 – Getting Started for more information and help.
[…] You need to gain the support of others. Having friends and family in your inner circle to bounce off ideas can be helpful. Using past clients to test new ideas is beneficial. Hiring professionals such as a lawyer or accountant may be just what you need. […]
[…] quarterly or annual help. There may be other mentors you will meet with regularly, for long-term support. You will likely have many mentors in your business. Here are a few suggestions to help you find a […]