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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Do You HATE Marketing? (Really?)

Many small business owners say they "hate" marketing. How can that be? Without marketing, a small business will fail.

Here's my analogy: Marketing is like diapers. No one leaps for joy at the prospect of changing the the baby's diapers, but everyone wants a healthy, happy baby, so they do the work they dislike because they want the outcome they desire.

Well, marketing is like diapers in the small business world. You must do marketing so that people can learn about your products and services. Some people love to do marketing: they see it as creative and challenging. But many dislike doing it... hate doing it...for various reasons. Keeping your mind focused on the goal of success, you will do whatever needs to be done, instead of resisting it.

In the world of coaching, when we hear a statement that doesn't quite feel right, we coach our clients by asking clarifying questions, trying to get to the core of the situation. With clarity comes understanding. With understanding comes release of resistance and "stuckness."
Let's get clarity:

1. Do you feel marketing is sleazy? Some people are concerned that they'll appear manipulative or slimy if they do marketing, and be perceived as a used-car salesman. Now be truthful: is that really likely that your audience will think that way about you? You are a smart, savvy person. As a consumer yourself, you know which types of marketing you hate to receive, and as a business owner you simply won't do any technique that makes you feel annoyed or distressed. Trust your gut: if you are turned off by a specific marketing technique, your audience probably is, too. Simply don't use those techniques.
2. Are you uncomfortable with marketing? Sometimes people say they "hate" something when in reality they either don't understand it, are confused by it, or feel they don't know enough about it. Once you create your marketing plan, go ahead and take a class or buy a book on the specific marketing techniques you will be using. Every small step you take to learning more about your chosen marketing techniques -- even 15 minutes a day -- helps lead you away from confusion and more towards competency.
3. Are you overwhelmed by the marketing choices? At my last count, there are 29 traditional marketing techniques and an additional 40 internet marketing techniques. No wonder you are confused! How do you choose among so many? This is where a strong marketing plan comes into play. A marketing plan takes you through the process of strategically choosing the right marketing techniques based on your audience and your message.
4. Are you overwhelmed by the amount of work? Marketing can be very time-consuming. Consider that among the 70 or more marketing techniques available, there are some that take a small amount of time, but yield big results. Still, if you do not have the time to do your own marketing, find a virtual assistant who can take over some of the marketing tasks for you. If you can't afford a VA, choose marketing techniques that fit your budget and your lifestyle.

As they say, action alleviates anxiety. If you are feeling stressed about your marketing, get your marketing plan in place, learn about your chosen marketing techniques, and trust your gut that you'll know if the yuck-factor makes you shy away from certain marketing practices.

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Which Marketing Model is Right for You?

A client sent me Adam Urbanski's blog post, "Outer Circle Marketing Target Exposed," and asked my opinion on it. Here's what I said:

Neither marketing model is wrong, and both offer you insights into creating a marketing strategy that will work for your business.

By the way, NONE of these ideas and models are new; we've been talking about these concepts in marketing classes for decades. Let me explain…

Whether you are using a bulls-eye target as your visual model or a funnel as your visual model, the concept is similar: you are going from a large audience (top of funnel, outer circle) of people towards a smaller audience of people.

In Adam's Outer Circle Marketing analogy, the picture that defines the model is a bulls-eye target. The outer circle represents the freebie offer you're giving away to introduce yourself to new prospects. The next circle in is your products: audio programs, ebooks, etc. The closer to the inside circle you get, the higher the price is for the service/product, and the more personal access you get to the service provider (coach, consultant, professional organizer, graphic artist, etc.)…the "inner circle."

In the Funnel Marketing analogy, the picture that defines the model is a funnel, but there are two different funnels you need to be aware of.

* The marketing/sales funnel (aka "sales pipeline") is the movement of a person from "not knowing me at all" to "purchasing from me" to "a raving fan who talks about me to others." It's a completely different animal from a product/service funnel. The marketing/sales funnel allows you to choose the right marketing techniques for the audience you're targeting. For instance, I use different marketing techniques with someone who has already hired me as a small business coach, and other marketing techniques with a stranger I meet when I'm giving a speech at a national conference.
* The product/service funnel allows you to have an array of offerings to serve the many types of people who might purchase from you, all at different price points. You've heard of this as multiple streams of income.

I see Adam's bulls-eye model and the product/service funnel model as essentially the same thing. Instead of seeing them as individual, distinct models, think of these models as ways to cover all your bases, in terms of:

* Determining whether the person knows enough about you and your products/services to be ready to purchase from you
* Determining where the person is in their decision-making process
* Price of products/services to allow for multiple streams of income across all price-points
* A customer's preferred method of receiving help/information (reading, listening, taking a class, doing a project, joining a group, working privately one-on-one)
* Making personal, one-on-one contact with you is the most expensive offering
* Having a way to capture contact information (and give them something free in return for that email address) so that you can do more targeted, long-term email marketing to the prospect

The sales/marketing funnel model really doesn't captures those people who are predisposed to purchase from you because they were referred by someone they trust. I've had lots of coaching/consulting clients buy my 90-day, one-on-one program without ever having been on my mailing list at all, but instead having heard great things about me from a fan. I've also had people on my mailing list for FIVE years who finally decide to take a teleclass with me. As long as your marketing strategy allows people to enter your product/service mix at any point they want, it's a viable strategy.

Note: I go into more detail about these models, and how to choose the right marketing technique for the right model phase in my Marketing Planning class, which will be offered again this year.

Take some time to learn more about these models, understand how the audience participates in them, then create a model for your own business. It will give you clarity and insight, and allow you do plan your marketing in a more powerful and effective way.

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