Are you thinking about hiring a business coach but unsure what questions to ask to make sure they’re the right fit for you? It’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure that you’re making the best decision. After all, you’re investing in someone who is supposed to guide you to success, so how can you ensure they can truly deliver on that promise?
Let’s break down the key questions you need to ask a business coach before making a commitment.
1. What Outcomes Can You Deliver?
First and foremost, focus on the outcomes. It’s not about the coaching process itself, but rather the results that coaching will help you achieve. When speaking to a potential coach, ask them about the specific results they’ve helped their clients accomplish.
Avoid asking vague questions like “What kind of coaching do you provide?” Instead, ask, “What results have you helped clients achieve?” If they claim to help businesses make a million dollars a year, but their track record only shows clients earning $200,000, that’s a red flag.
Be specific in your questioning: “What can you help me achieve?” or “What have you helped others like me accomplish?” The answers will reveal whether their skills align with your goals.
2. Do You Have a Proven Track Record?
Every coach should have a track record that speaks for itself. But how do you verify this? You can ask for client success stories or testimonials. While coaches don’t need to reveal confidential details, they should be able to share anonymised success stories. If a coach is reluctant to talk about their past results, this could be a red flag.
Additionally, look for publicly available testimonials. Do some digging on their website or social media, and ask for additional references if necessary. If they’re successful in their own business but unable to replicate that success with clients, it’s worth reconsidering.
3. How Do You Charge, and What Payment Terms Do You Offer?
When it comes to paying a coach, proceed with caution, especially when it comes to upfront payments. If a coach asks for a full year’s payment upfront, take a step back. You haven’t even tested the waters yet, so paying in full for a year-long commitment is a risky move.
Instead, try to negotiate a one-month trial period. This way, you can get a feel for their coaching style and determine if it’s a good fit for you without the long-term commitment. If they’re unwilling to offer flexibility, that could signal that they’re more interested in locking you into a contract than ensuring mutual success.
4. Do You Offer Smaller Programs or Resources to Test the Waters?
A coach with an extensive coaching program might seem like the perfect match for your big goals, but it’s better to test the waters first. Does the coach offer smaller courses, books, or entry-level programs? These smaller offerings may not be as comprehensive as their full-year coaching package, but they’ll give you an opportunity to get to know their style and methods before committing to something bigger.
This step allows you to assess if the coach’s approach resonates with you and whether you’re willing to follow through with the teachings. It’s a good way to evaluate the fit without making a large financial commitment upfront.
5. Do You Offer Any Guarantees?
You might consider asking if the coach offers any type of guarantee. While you shouldn’t expect a “100% guarantee” on results (because they can’t control your actions or the external factors at play), you want to hear a response that sets clear expectations. A solid coach will explain what they can and can’t guarantee, and why they’re confident in their ability to help you achieve success. If a coach promises unrealistic results or guarantees things they can’t control, that’s a red flag.
In Conclusion
Hiring a business coach is a big decision, and asking the right questions will help you make an informed choice. Focus on their ability to deliver the results you want, their track record with other clients, their pricing flexibility, and whether their coaching style resonates with you. Remember, this is an investment in your business and your future, so it’s crucial to make sure the coach you choose can truly help you reach your goals.
In the next episode, I’ll be diving into what you can expect from a business coach once you’ve hired them. Make sure to check it out!
