“A good coach is someone who understands you, challenges you, and is the person you can count on to hold your towel, pat you on the back and force you back in the ring when you stumble. They give you the tools to be the leader you were meant to be.” - Meryl Moritz
Stanford University’s 2013 Executive Coaching Survey found that two in three CEOs are not using a business trainer, but almost all of them would be open to the advice from one. Hence, you are not alone in not having an agency coach, yet.
So, how do you find someone fitting the description of a good coach? We have gathered 5 things to think about when choosing a coach for your agency.
To figure out if this person really fits your needs and requirements it is important that you ask questions, the right ones that is.
Ask them about their background. How did they get to where they are now. What are their philosophies in life. Both work-related and personal. Get down to the nitty gritty and don’t be afraid to ask whatever you would like to know the answer to. The more you ask, the more you’ll know.
Personal questions will go a long way, as it ultimately reflects the person in his or her work life. Most people are not able to be to completely separate people in business and pleasure. Write down what you want to know so you don’t miss something important.
So get to it, fire away!
Before you meet the coach face-to-face it is almost self explanatory that you should do a little (or a lot) of research about the person and/or agency you are thinking about hiring.
You have maybe already experienced that people don’t always lay out the whole truth when you dig around. Or that they’re just aware of the full truth if it’s personal. If you do the groundwork prior to the meeting, you will be able to get the whole picture.
Check out their credentials. What have they done to gain respect and education in the business? Also, testimonials will always go a long way. Find out what their former customers have to say, and how their collaboration turned out. This will often be the most honest form of truth you can get. Numbers usually don’t lie.
Have all this research in the back of your mind when you ask your questions, and see how they align with the answers you get.
Do your research about the Growit Team
Imagine you meet the agency coach and immediately bond with the person. You feel like the person understands you because you are very much alike and have the same stories and maybe background as well.
Don’t fall in the trap. Think about why are you hiring this person. You are doing this to not do the same as before and you definitely want a new perspective and outlook on things. So be a bit cut throat and keep your friendship separated from your work.
Make sure the coach is able to give it to you straight and challenge you, rather than pleasing you and just wanting to be your friend and stay on your good side.
Find out what types of people you can work with at Growit Group.
When you are doing this, you should be doing it right. Don’t settle for something mediocre or cheap just to save a buck. Do it right and spend a little extra to get the best out of this investment.
You should think about coaching expenses as an investment in your business, which eventually will be an investment in yourself.
Some of the best coaches are expensive for a reason. The recurring trend in the coaching business seems to be that you get what you pay for, and even more. A Manchester Consulting Group study of Fortune 100 executives found an ROI of nearly six times the money initially paid for coaching services. Also, the International Coach Federation (ICF) found that individual clients reported a median ROI of 3.4 times the investment.
So when the decision is made, make sure you go all in and make this the decision that is going to turn your agencies fortune, once and for all.
Have a look at our packages and prices right here.
You could be getting the best advice in the world, but what is it for help if you do not apply it. And worst case, don’t want to. There will be no change unless you are willing to let it happen.
Do a bit of self-evaluation and prepare for doing things you wouldn’t normally do. Maybe start small and actively do things differently in your personal life that you normally wouldn’t do. Work out on a different day or place, eat something else for breakfast, or even - just eat breakfast. Have your coffee different than you normally do. Wear colours if you don’t normally do. These are just some examples, but even if they are small, they make up big parts of your day combined.
This doesn’t just apply for you, though it starts with you. Get your employees on board and share your experiences to they can learn from you. The best athlete in the world didn’t get there without listening to the coach.
Just be willing, it will be worth it in the end.
Read more about How to Choose a Business Mentor for your Agency, here.
These are just a few tips on how to do this. Of course there are a lot more. Try it out and book a free consultation right away to find out how you can best utilize this unique opportunity.