Breaking Down Barriers: How Coaching Can Support Your Business
Over the years I've come across many different objections to coaching. If you've ever wondered if coaching is right for you, let's look at some of the most common concerns:
1. Cost Concerns
'Isn't coaching expensive?'
It depends what type of coaching you're looking for. There are numerous coaching courses, programmes and helpful information out there. Personally, I've found one to one coaching the most transformative for my business, itβs one of the reasons why I do only one to one coaching.
Sometimes it's a question of investing in yourself and your goals, and coaching can really help you gain that clarity and self confidence to move things forward with both your business and your mindset.
If your coach is a good fit, the growth and opportunities you'll gain can far outweigh the initial cost.
2. Time Commitment:
'I don't have enough time.'
It's a pretty frantic, fast paced world out there - we wear many hats as women and as entrepreneurs. One of the first things I do with my clients is check their capacity and time for work and play. Itβs important to prioritise time to do both the important work and have quality time with your family and friends, a work/life blend is vital. Without control over your time, there's no point in doing the rest of the foundational work together.
Business coaching can help you focus your time and boost your productivity on the important things in business, while pushing the small stuff further down that to-do list!
3. Skepticism About Results:
'Will this actually work for me?'
It's completely natural to feel unsure of your results, it can be hard to describe the tangible aspects of coaching (more on this in a later blog!). Success stories from others can be reassuring, so always check client testimonials of the coach you'd like to work with. This was something I always did before approaching a coach I wanted help from.
With commitment to the process (it takes time!) and the right guidance, meaningful change is absolutely possible with the right coach.
4. Fear of Change:
'What if I can't handle the changes?'
Female entrepreneurs can have as much fear of success as they have a fear of failure. Change is daunting, but it's also where the big a-ha moments happen, it's where we learn how resilient and resourceful we are, it's how we grow as a human.
Coaching can provide the support and strategies to manage these changes smoothly and with confidence.
5. Self-Doubt:
'I'm not sure I'm capable of achieving my goals.'
It's a common thought for many, but you won't know if you don't try! Your coach's job is to push you enough that it's a bit uncomfortable, and to get used to that feeling. You'll only be a beginner at something for a little while, and after that, you can do it!
Coaching helps build your confidence and self-belief, showing you that you're capable of much more than you give yourself credit for.
6. Unclear Goals:
'I don't even know what my goals are.'
That's fine too! Sometimes we need a good brainstorming session with someone to tease this information out - it's all in there, it may just need organising and tweaking!
An integral part of the coaching process involves helping you clarify your goals and creating a step by step process to achieve them - and they can be baby steps sometimes as you build confidence to move forward.
If youβre interested in a brainstorming session to get clear on your business goals, you can check out my Business Power Hour to get started on your step by step action plan!
7. Previous Negative Experiences:
'I've tried coaching before, and it didn't work.'
It breaks my heart when I hear this. Unfortunately some coaches are not a good fit for their clients, they overpromise and underdeliver, leaving their clients confused and creating a bad impression of coaches in general.
Do your research on your coach, make sure you read the small print, that you understand the result you can expect from the coach, and that this result ties in with what you need for your business and/or mindset right now.
Most coaches have discovery calls to ensure their prospective client is a good fit, check if this is the case with your prospective coach so you can explore further. And trust your gut, if it's too good to be true, it probably is!
8. Perceived Lack of Need:
'I don't think I need coaching.'
Maybe you don't, personally I've always had a coach to keep me accountable for my business. Successful business women can benefit from coaching to continue growing their business, and it can be refreshing to see things from a new perspective to prevent getting stuck in a business rut.
A business coach can facilitate growth in new areas of business the client hadnβt thought of before.
9. Independence Concerns:
'I prefer figuring things out on my own.'
I'm all for figuring things out alone, but that can lead to only having one brain or perspective on your business, which can lead to stagnation. Some people benefit from a good old brainstorm or a new point of view to blow out those cobwebs!
Having a coach can help you gain insights that boost your self-sufficiency, critical thinking and resilience.
10. Embarrassment or Stigma:
'I'm afraid others will judge me for needing a coach.'
Do you really care what others think that much? Do they contribute in any way to your business? As someone who has always had a coach while coaching, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Many successful entrepreneurs use coaches to stay at the top of their game and discover new possibilities for their talents.
There is no shame or stigma to wanting to improve your business and mindset strategies, a coach can help keep you focused on your goals and will support you as you progress.
I get it, it's a big step to work with a coach, to be open about your fears and failures, but having someone supportive on your side, while helping you overcome your business or mindset obstacles can be very worthwhile.
The important thing is to find a coach that understands you, your business, and your goals.
If you'd like more information on Hiring a Business Coach, send an email to hello@lynseyhanratty.com and I'll send you a PDF on how to make a more informed choice of coach.
