7 Good Fit Questions to Ask When Hiring a Local San Francisco Business Coach
Hiring a business coach is one of the key decisions that any business owner takes. And this is why they want to make sure that they have chosen the right person for it. As a business coach for several years, I know how difficult this decision could be.
Entrepreneurs and business owners want to make sure that they are investing their time, money, and efforts in the right direction. The bad part is – many times they do not know what to look for. This delays the process of finding the right coach for yourself.
It is said that finding the right business coach is as important as finding the right doctor. And we cannot agree more. Just like a good doctor, a business coach analyzes your business and suggests you make the necessary changes.
This helps the business owner identify the right opportunities and make the needed changes. However, how to find the right business coach? Here, I will discuss some important questions that you should ask when you are meeting with potential business coaches.
Let’s get started!
7 Important Questions to Ask Your Potential Business Coach
Below are the most important questions that you should ask when you are meeting your future business coach:
How Many Years Have You Been in Business?
Now this is very important because you do not want to work with an amateur or someone who does not have any real-life experience. This is important because you will be giving your entire business in their hands. An amateur will not know how to guide you or provide the needed help.
Business coaches with significant experience know how to provide you with the needed help. Because they have already worked with several and probably similar businesses, they know how to identify weaknesses and suggest solutions.
Do You Have Experience Specific to My Industry?
Do you think a business coach specializing in real estate sales can help you with your digital marketing business strategies? Or a general coach helping you with hiring the right staff? No, they cannot. And this is mainly because they do not have the required expertise and experience.
This is a question that you must answer even before you start looking for a business coach San Francisco Bay Area. Ask the coach about their specialization and expertise.
Have they helped similar businesses like yours? Do they know how to address challenges specific to your industry? Understand that no business coach can do it all. If you come across someone who claims to know it all – it is a red flag.
What Are Your Credentials and Professional Certification?
Proper and relevant certification and training are important for every coach. Many people think that becoming a coach does not need any training or education. This is a misconception.
When talking to your potential business growth coach, ask them about the kind of training and certification they have received.
Several coaching programs certify coaches according to international standards. Besides, ask them if they are trained to help businesses like yours. This will fast-track the entire process and save you hours of future misunderstandings.
Do You Consider Yourself a True Coach or Rather a Consultant?
Now this is a bit tricky to discuss but you must find the coach that provides the kind of business coaching you are looking for. Ask them about their coaching style and how d they help their clients. If possible, ask them to quote an example.
A true coach helps you find the answers yourself. They are like catalysts that help you change but do not try to give their own opinions and views. A consultant like a small business consultant, is different in the way that they give their opinions and solutions.
Understand your needs first – do you want someone to answer questions for you or help you find the answers yourself? The answer will decide the kind of business coach you need.
Do You Offer Group or One-On-One Coaching Programs?
Many business coaches offer both. Other than asking about the kind of programs, also ask them about the number of sessions or calls you will get when working with them. Every business owner has different needs and knowing firsthand about the coach’s coaching style helps make the right decision.
Also, ask whether there will be any between the sessions of help and guidance. This is especially important for business owners who are just starting and have a lot of questions. Often, it happens that they need to ask something but they have to wait for the next session – this is frustrating at times.
Working with someone who understands the situation and can accommodate a few minutes of calls to answer that specific query is helpful.
What Kind of Results Have You Delivered to Your Previous Clients?
The answer could be subjective and results could be different for different clients. Still, ask the coach about the kind of results they have delivered or helped their clients achieve.
This could be anything from streamlining the business processes to helping the entrepreneurs identify and overcome the weaknesses that hindered their success.
This will give you an idea of how capable the business coach is and whether they can deliver the same kind of results for you. Knowing how they have worked with their previous clients gives you an idea of if they would be a good fit to work with.
What Kind of Entrepreneurs Do You Like to Work With?
The best client-coach relationship works for both parties – you and the coach. Sometimes, you like the coach but do not meet the criteria for the people they want to work with. To avoid any such future difficulties, ask the coach about their ideal client persona.
Knowing their answers will help you determine whether you meet their idea of an ideal client and whether you are the right fit for them. This way, you can decide if moving forward with them is the right decision or not.
One thing that you must do before meeting any potential business coach is to prepare your questions in advance. Write down all the questions and concerns that you have no matter how big or small it is. Doing this will help you stay on track while having your questions answered.
Asking questions to your potential business coach is important before you hire them. Prepare your questions beforehand and make sure that you ask as many relevant questions as possible.
FAQs
1. Is it important to ask questions before working with a business coach?
Yes, you must meet the coach in person or at least have a short virtual meeting before choosing to work with them. Ask them questions related to the kind of clients they have worked with, their expertise, the kind of results they have delivered, and their experience within the same industry.
2. How do I hire a good business coach?
Assess your needs and based on them, make a list of the business coaches that offer the same needed help. For better results, try to find a local coach who you can meet in person and discuss your goals.
3. Are all coaches equal?
No, all coaches are different and they offer different services. This is why it is so important that you ask questions in the initial meeting. Their answers will help you decide if they are the kind of coach you are looking for.
