Do This Before Hiring a Business Coach

Entrepreneurialism

Nov 8

Coaches can help you see results. But they also come with an investment.

When you’re just starting a business it can feel tempting to take the leap for the promise of progress, but it actually makes more sense to wait.

You’ll get more out of a business coach once you’ve been in business for a year or two and have worked out the kinks.

Plus, starting a business comes with start-up costs and adding the price of a coach can actually stunt your ability to grow.

But it’s still helpful to work with someone who can guide you on your business journey. So what should you do?

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Meet with your local Small Business Development Center advisor!

The SBDC is a branch of the Small Business Administration, or SBA, and has over 900 service locations throughout the U.S.

An SBDC advisor will offer practical suggestions and action steps on how to grow your business. They’re also master networkers and can point you in the direction of resources, connections, and even grants.

Coaches may be able to do that too, but it’s always more effective to be connected with people and resources local to you.

Furthermore, I find that most coaches are rooted in mindset. While mindset is super important, you can’t build a business from mindset alone. You need to take action, and an SBDC advisor will guide you on the right actions for your business.

Plus, talking with an SBDC advisor is free.

Here’s the most memorable piece of advice my SBDC advisor shared with me.

Your county’s economic development organization may also offer free advising and there are many other amazing non-profit organizations geared towards entrepreneurship that are worth looking into.

Please turn to your free resources before hiring a coach. Especially if you’re in the beginning stages of business.

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