Many people start a small business with a great idea or product, but lack the necessary basic business skills to succeed. A Business Coach on The Gold Coast can make all the difference.

The best ways to choose a business coach are:

• There are a lot of people who start a business coaching of small businesses on the Gold Coast, but it is important to find one that has the right level of training and experience to suit your individual needs
• Select someone with experience as a successful small business owner in a similar type of business and who are also business coaches. The more business experience and different types of businesses coaching they have done the better
• Select a coach that is experienced in the size of business you operate. Some coaches specialise in self-employed businesses while others are used to larger businesses. Their approach will be substantially different
• Many business coaches are also business consultants, the difference being a coach is about getting business unstuck from difficult situations, taking action, managing your time and running your business to its full potential. A consultant is about getting advice, brainstorming and creating a firm and workable business model, then implementing a strong action plan
• Has your business coach taken any recent business courses or are they relying on old knowledge and experience
• Do they have similar clients to you? Can they provide references and testimonials that are signed and can be verified?
• Does your business coach belong to a large agency or are they a small agency. Are you always going to be working with the same coach or will they change coaches.
• Has your coach had any experience teaching on business topics and are they recognised as an expert in their field?
• Are they experienced with traditional and internet marketing, customer services, financial planning, strategic planning and other areas of marketing and businesses
• Will they give a free initial consultation so you have the chance to see if you’re compatible and find out just what they have to offer
• Does your coach offer other services or products such as group classes, books or videos?
• Do you feel motivated by your business coach? Do they ask a lot of questions and give you insights or new ideas?
• You need a coach that challenges you to get the best from yourself, your workers and business
• Will your business coach be available when you need them or just business hours
• Are you very clear on what you will be getting for the fees your coach charges? Have they given you a firm undertaking on the things they will be able to help you with and the role they will play in your affairs?
• Will they commit to a time frame or an agreed outcome

Choosing the right business coach is vital for your success, you need someone who knows their stuff, can think laterally and you feel comfortable with. Business people are great talkers, there are lots of people doing business coaching of small business on The Gold Coast, make sure they can backup their promises with solid testimonials and references from people you can contact.

Congratulations on deciding to start searching for a Business Coach on The Gold Coast. The first thing you have to decide on is just what you want to achieve or learn from your business coach. There are a few options for finding business coaching on the Gold Coast so it helps to be clear about what you’re looking for in a coach.

The following tips will help you to choose:

Start with their knowledge level

Business coaching is a skill that takes education and practice to master. It is important to select someone who has attended and graduated from a recognized coaching school. But just as important is finding someone who is experienced as a consultant, that way you have more assurance that they are skilled and knowledgeable.

Preferably select someone with experience both at coaching and has been a small business owner.

Ask them

How long have they spent as a business coach on the Gold Coast?

How long were they in business as a small business owner?

How many businesses have run or owned in the past?

How many clients have helped and in which industries?

You are looking for someone who has experience in different industries so they can appreciate your unique situation

Have your business plan defined

If you do not have a business plan that is a large part of your problem so you need to find someone who can help you define just what it is and the realistic goals you can achieve.

Check the testimonials

Check that your coach has helped other clients

Are the other clients similar to you?

Beware of unsigned testimonials; check the business name of other clients

Check on LinkedIn to see if your coach has testimonials or recommendations there.

Are they coach speak, write and teach on business topics?

Are they an acknowledged expert at business coaching on the Gold Coast

What is their expertise, traditional and internet marketing, strategic planning, financial planning, customer service etc.?

Free consultation

Do they offer a free initial consultation, this is to get to know each another and see if you’re a good fit and so they can explain what they offer and who they can help you.

Prompting insights

Will your coach ask you questions that give you “a-ha” moments of insight and growth? A large part of their job is to help you understand yourself, what’s happening in your business and even how could be sabotaging your own success.

Challenging

Does your coach challenge you and encourage you to achieve greatness, to be accountable and urge you to get things done?

Or do just let you get away with being less than you want to be?

Availability

Can you rely on your coach 24/7 or are they only available during business hours, evenings or weekends?

Will they be available via email or phone between scheduled sessions?

Fees and programs

Are you clear about the fees involved and just what you will get for the price you’ll pay?

If you are running a business it is often a good idea to seek the help of a professional business coach to ensure your business is operating optimum levels. Most small business operators are working long hours and often it takes a fresh pair of eyes to help.