Have you ever had that feeling of spinning your wheels in the mud? You’re neck-deep in tasks, deadlines loom like storm clouds, and the revenue dial barely twitches despite all the effort. You’ve tried everything – marketing blitzes, late-night brainstorming sessions, even that productivity hack involving juggling flaming chainsaws (okay, maybe not that last one). Yet, your business feels stubbornly stuck, its growth potential shrouded in a frustrating fog.
I get it. As a business coach for over a decade, I’ve seen countless entrepreneurs and CEOs trapped in this very predicament. The good news? You’re not alone, and there’s a powerful tool waiting to be your metaphorical winch out of the mire: business coaching.
What is business coaching?
Business coaching is a two-way relationship between a trusted coach who provides guidance, support, and accountability to an individual (or organisation) to help them draw out their potential so they can achieve their goals.
This definition nicely frames what I do as a business coach. I’m here to get the best out of people. I help them develop and sharpen their personal tools and then guide them through the often murky waters of business.
It should be said that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution when it comes to business coaching. However, with a personalised, collaborative approach, you’ll soon start to see things happen. The two-way part relies on you, the business owner, bringing your expertise about your business and vision for what you want to achieve, and your coach will come armed with experience and proven strategies to help you get there.
Why do you need a business coach?
But what are some of the reasons you might seek the help of a business coach? Let’s unpack some telltale signs:
The Plateauing Paradox
This happens a lot in small businesses, and it is perfectly normal. Throughout my career as a coach, I have worked with lots of entrepreneurs who have worked extremely hard to get their businesses off the ground and build a solid foundation. But the next stage, scaling up, is hard. Despite numerous marketing activities and advertising campaigns on social media, they just can’t seem to generate any more sustained revenue.
The Decision Deluge
Business leaders are inundated with requests, questions, and choices to make each day, from the day-to-day running of their business to strategic thinking and planning for the future. Making constant decisions, with the pressure of making sure they are the right decisions, can be overwhelming to deal with on your own.
The Solopreneur Blues
All of the entrepreneurs I have worked with have said running their business is exhilarating, but it can also be isolating. Having a sounding board and a confidant to bounce ideas off and share the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey is just what they need.
The Leadership Labyrinth
As your team grows, so do the complexities of leading and motivating them. First off, you’ve got the stress of recruitment, trying to find the right person for your business. Then, there’s the onboarding process to get them up to speed. Then, there’s all the paperwork associated with employment. Finally, once your new employee has settled, you need to be an effective leader so they can deliver the results you require. This can be a maze to navigate on your own.
What are the benefits of working with a business coach?
We have touched on some of the scenarios where a business coach can help you. Next, let’s take a look at some of the benefits:
Gain laser-sharp clarity
Working with a business coach can help you formulate your business plan, clearly define your vision, translate it into actionable goals, and then form a roadmap to get there. That is exactly what I did to help Jennifer Spindley launch Sheldon’s Wine Bar. What started as a half-serious idea soon turned into a thriving and classy wine bar thanks to some planning and goal setting.
Embrace new opportunities
Adding a business coach to your ranks, not only gives you a sounding board for all your ideas, it can also support you at every stage of your journey. I began to coach and support Ray Prempeh-Boakye during his management qualification. I guided him during his assignments, opening up avenues for him to expand his knowledge. Opening these doors introduced him to new opportunities and a whole network of other learners, professionals and like-minded people, which have benefited him in his professional career.
Unlock your hidden potential
A business coach is highly skilled at helping you identify and overcome limiting beliefs. Throughout your journey, you will develop essential skills like communication and decision-making, which boost your confidence as a leader. In 2020, I began to help Maame Osew with her business. Maame is an incredible teacher and provides one-to-one tuition for children. When the pandemic hit, her bricks and mortar business had to close. She was left with a dilemma. However, we started working together, and Maame soon developed the confidence to move her Learning Pod online.
Achieve sustainable growth
If your goal is growth, then a business coach can help you overcome the plateau paradox. By developing plans and strategies, you can gain the results you desire. The other thing a solid plan does is give you a foundation for long-term success. I began working with Gilberto Palma, a local fitness coach and personal trainer, to help him create a business plan and give his business a springboard to sustained success.
What about revenue?
If you’re wondering why I’ve not included an increase in revenue as a benefit, well, while financial success is certainly a key outcome, I believe it is often a byproduct of the deeper transformations coaching facilitates. Think of it like this – when your business is operating at peak efficiency, driven by a clear vision and empowered team, attracting clients and seeing revenue soar becomes a natural consequence.
Does coaching really work?
Yes, business coaching really works. I work with many people in various roles and stages of their careers. Some are experienced business owners looking for fresh thinking in how to get the best from their team. Others are enthusiastic entrepreneurs who need someone to help them channel their passion and creativity into a clear and actionable plan.
Now, remember my earlier mud-trapped analogy? Coaching can be your tow truck pulling you out of the mire and onto solid ground. It can be the map that guides you through uncharted territory. It can also be the sounding board or trusted advisor who provides encouragement when doubt creeps in. So whatever your needs or goals, business coaching is your secret weapon to help you unlock your business’s true potential, paving the way for sustainable growth and, dare I say, a whole lot more of those lovely £££s.
Let’s talk
Ready to ditch the spinning wheels and take your business to the next level? Let’s set up a free consultation to discuss how business coaching can be your personal traction pad for success.