Business Coaching

So here I am trying to promote my business coaching program by starting with the following claim — “many business coaching programs are a waste of time.” Yes, you read that right, “a waste of time.”

The problem with many of today’s business coaches and coaching programs is that they focus on mindsets, motivation, and emotions rather than on implementing proven best-business practices, strategies, and action steps that will grow a business.

Most business coaching programs invest most of each coaching session, trying to motivate the entrepreneur and discussing how they feel. Rather than focusing on developing, marketing, and selling the products and services that people want to buy, many business coaching programs have essentially become quasi-psychologists for many lone-ranger entrepreneurs in search of somebody who will finally understand them and the inherent loneliness often associated with founding and growing a successful business.

Although there is value in hiring therapists, psychologists, and life coaches, that is different from what business coaching should be about. Instead, it’s about helping real business owners grow real businesses as a result of discovering breakthroughs and implementing proven best-practice systems and processes, many of which are often too complex and challenging to implement without proper coaching and mentorship.

Effective business coaching can transform your business, but sadly, most business coaching has devolved into half-baked entrepreneur therapy sessions. To demonstrate the power of effective business coaching, consider Eric Schmidt, the former executive chairman of Google, who hired Bill Campbell to be his business coach. Schmidt described his initial thoughts about coaching and his relationship with Campbell in Fortune: “How could a coach advise me if I’m the best person in the world at this? But that’s not what a coach does. They have to watch you and get you to be your best. Once I realized I could trust him and that he could help me with perspective, I decided this was a great idea.”

There are an estimated 53,300 business coaches, according to the International Coach Federation. So how do you know which ones are the real deal? As with hiring a cosmetic surgeon, an auto mechanic, or a homebuilder, it’s wise to do your research and ask the right questions.

Verify Claims

Too often, business coaching material is taught by coaches who have never grown a business (other than their program), so everything they teach is theoretical at best, and they may have no idea if it will actually work for you and your business. Does the program seem too good to be true? It probably is if it promises overnight success or huge profits that seem unrealistic and unsustainable.

A business coach can change your life and your business, but it’s essential to take the time to vet your coach. Make sure you do your due diligence to find the program that is right for you.

I coach and advise from experience. I have opened many businesses in my forty-plus years as an entrepreneur. I am not ashamed to say I have had more failed businesses than successful ones. But the few success stories have allowed me to acquire the lifestyle I lead today. I am not wealthy, but I live a comfortable life. I own a lovely home in Kinnelon, NJ, and investment property in Punta Cana on the island of the Dominican Republic. I work several months a year from Punta Cana as my business model affords me the luxury of working from anywhere with an Internet connection. I even work when flying.

Suppose you hire me as your business advisor. That is precisely what you will get. My job is to look at the big picture and take that 360 aerial picture. I will take apart every area of your business, and I mean every area, and find the potential trouble spots. Together we will develop a plan to grow your business to a level you can comfortably handle. My job as your business advisor is not to tell you what to do. My job is to advise you on what you should do to grow your business. It’s your business, and you must make all the decisions for better or worse. I don’t have a crystal ball, but I have over forty years of business experience. Chances are, I’ve been there and done that.

If you want more information about my business coaching program, click the button below and schedule a 30-minute strategy call. Or call me.

Regards,
Gary Downey