How to Select a Small Business Coach

Congratulations on starting your search for a small business coach! There are many small business coaches to choose from, so it helps to have clarity about what you're looking for in a coach.

Here are 15 tips to get you started:

1. Select someone who has graduated from a recognized, credentialed coaching school. Small business coaching is a skill and it takes a lot of education and practice to master it. Because coaching is not a regulated industry, anyone can call themselves a coach, whether they've been trained in coaching skills or not. By selecting someone who has attended and graduated from a recognized coaching school, you have more assurance that they are skilled in coaching techniques.

2. Select someone who has experience, both as a coach and as a small business owner. How long have they been a small business coach? How long have they been a small business owner?

3. Know the size of your business and select a coach accordingly. Some small business coaches specialize in coaching small business executives with more than 100 employees, while others specialize in coaching small, self-employed business owners and solo entrepreneurs. Read through the coach's materials carefully to see if they indicate what size business their client's typically own and run.

4. Choose a coach who has both business skills as well as coaching skills. Coaching is all about getting unstuck, taking action, living to your potential. Consulting is about brainstorming and getting advice and education. As a small business owner you know how important it is to have marketing skills, business strategy and planning skills, and good time management. If you need help in any specific business skill, make sure your coach is an expert in that area, so that he or she can not only coach you, but can advise and teach you as well.

5. Check that the coach part of the International Coach Federation (ICF) and/or their local ICF chapter. It's important to know that they abide by a standard of professional ethics, that they spend time connecting with their professional colleagues, and attend meetings and learning events where they can increase their coaching skills and get new ideas and insights.

6. Continuous learning: In addition to learning new coaching skills, does the coach continue to learn new business skills as well?

7. Check the testimonials: Are the coach's other clients similar to you? Does the coach have much experience working with business owners like you, in the industry you are in? (Note: Beware of unsigned testimonials. Look for the name of the client and the client's company name.) Also check on LinkedIn to see if the coach has testimonials/recommendations there.

8. Expert status: Does the small business coach speak, write and teach on business topics? Is he or she a known expert in their field? Is the coach an expert on business topics: marketing (both traditional and internet marketing), customer service, strategic planning, financial planning, etc.?

9. Additional offerings: In addition to coaching, does the coach offer other products or services, like books, audio programs, or classes?

10. Free consultation: Does the coach offer a free initial consultation, so that you can get to know one another and see if there is a good fit between what you need and what your coach can offer?

11. Good fit: After your initial consultation, do you feel that it's a good fit,
personality-wise? Do you feel positive after speaking with them, or dragged down? If you are an energetic person and the coach is quiet (or vice versa), is that a good match? Do you feel you can trust the coach and have a good rapport with him/her? Do you enjoy their company? (You're going to be spending a lot of time together, after all.)

12. Prompting insights: Does the small business coach ask you a lot of questions that give you "a-ha" moments of insight and growth? Part of a coach's job is to help you understand yourself, what you want from your business, and where you may be sabotaging your own success.

13. Challenging: Does the coach challenge you to step up to your greatness, to be accountable for getting things done? Or does the coach let you get away with being less than you want to be?

14. Availability: Is the coach available to work with you, when you want and as often as you want? Some coaches only have daytime hours, while others only work evenings and weekends. Is the coach available via email between scheduled sessions?

15. Fees and programs: Does the coach discuss their fees with you clearly? Are you clear about what you'll get for the price you'll pay?

Choosing the right coach for you will lead to a productive and inspiring relationship. Take your time and do your homework, and you'll certainly find the right coach for you.

Source: http://www.passionforbusiness.com

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How to Create and Run a Mastermind Group

What is a Mastermind Group?

There is synergy of energy, commitment, and excitement that participants bring to a Mastermind Group. The beauty of Mastermind Groups is that participants raise the bar by challenging each other to create and implement goals, brainstorm ideas, and support each other with total honesty, respect and compassion. Mastermind participants act as catalysts for growth, devil’s advocates and supportive colleagues.

The concept of the Mastermind Group was formally introduced by Napoleon Hill in the early 1900's. In his timeless classic, "Think And Grow Rich" he wrote about the Mastermind principle as:

"The coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony."

He continues…

"No two minds ever come together without thereby creating a third, invisible intangible force, which may be likened to a third mind."

In a Mastermind Group, the agenda belongs to the group, and each person’s participation is key. Your peers give you feedback, help you brainstorm new possibilities, and set up accountability structures that keep you focused and on track. You will create a community of supportive colleagues who will brainstorm together to move the group to new heights.

You'll gain tremendous insights, which can improve your business and personal life. Your Mastermind Group is like having a objective board of directors.

What Will You Get From It?

* Experience, skill and confidence
* Real progress in your business and personal life
* An instant and valuable support network
* A sense of shared endeavor - there are others out there!
* Design things to be the way you want them to be, not as you've been told they "should" be

Who Should Attend?

People who:

* have a similar interest (such as a group for self-employed people, or a group for spiritual thinkers, or a group for people in a certain corporation or industry)
* have a similar skill and/or success level
* have the desire and inspiration to make this year extraordinary
* want a supportive team of Mastermind partners
* want to reach or exceed their goals
* are ready to let their desire to be passionate about their life and work overcome their fear of change

* Read the article: Mastermind Group Members - How to Select the Right Members for Your Group

How Does It Work?

Mastermind Groups can meet in person, on the telephone, or via online message boards. For those groups that meet in person or on the phone, typically a once-a-month meeting is scheduled. You can find a Mastermind group here, or create one of your own.

Because of the group nature, a commitment is required. Look for highly-motivated people who are willing to ask for -- and give --help and support.
How Do You Screen Applicants?

Before agreeing to let any new applicants into your group, it’s important to screen them to make sure they’ll fit into the existing group and that their commitment level is high. Decide in advance how many people should be in your group (5-8 is recommended), and only allow new members into the group with the unanimous consent of everyone in the group.

* Do you have a personal or business mission or vision statement?
* What are your five-year goals?
* Where will you find time to participate in the Mastermind Group?
* What is your commitment to moving forward in your business and personal life?
* Why should you be chosen to participate in this group?

Even with a screening process your group is likely to run across people who say that they’re committed but then don’t participate, or who say that they’re honest but then fail to keep the trust of the group. Be prepared to ask people to leave the group who are not participating up to the group standard and do it quickly once the poor behavior becomes evident. A "slacking" member will bring down the energy and fun level for the whole group.

* Read the article: Mastermind Group Members - How to Select the Right Members for Your Group


Mastermind Groups create a win-win situation for all participants. New friendships develop and everyone grows because of the support and encouragement of the Mastermind Group. If you want to start your own mastermind group, you can read more about mastermind groups here.

Source:- http://www.passionforbusiness.com

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