We always have questions when undertaking something new, so this section answers some questions you may have about coaching. I trust it will give you a good general overview! The main focus of this web site is for business coaching so I have gone more into depth on the description for it below.

Business Coaching...what is it and what results can I expect?
How is Business Coaching delivered?
What about the investment and payment methods?
What sort of businesses could benefit from working with a Business Coach?
What is expected of me, the client?
Life Coaching ...what is it and what results can I expect?
Executive Coaching ...what is it and what results can I expect?

Business Coaching...what is it and what results can I expect?

Business Coaching is for you as a business owner, and if required, for your staff.   The main aim is to develop your business so that it runs smoothly, is productive and profitable. It's a great process that really opens up all the possibilities, and  after you have been coached you feel so energised and excited about the prospects for your business now and for the future...I know I always do!

The Business Coaching process may involve a number of sessions between you and your coach. Your coach is there to provide you with guidance, support, focus and to challenge you. It may include thought provoking questioning to find solutions to challenges, brainstorming ideas and concepts, and the use of certain coaching tools or activities. Some of the results you may expect in your business could include:-

• Healthier profits as you gain a clearer, better understanding of your business
• Better structure and organisation to make day to day operations flow smoothly
• A clearer sense of direction for where your business is headed so that you can stay motivated and excited!
• Better accountability so you do what you say you are going to do
• Great feedback so you know if you are on track or off track
• Increased ability to see and grasp opportunities to grow your business
• Quicker, clearer decision making which can help to relieve day to day stress
• Greater self awareness and self belief for you and/or your staff, so that you are all excited and therefore more productive and happy
• Increased business confidence so you can feel great about being in business
• Better communication and understanding with your staff, again so that you are all excited and therefore more productive and happy
• Less stress and a sense of balance between work and play so you and/or your family can enjoy the result of your work
• Ability to take action faster and more efficiently than you may have on your own, so you increase productivity, maintain motivation and keep the business profitable!

IMPORTANT NOTE

Some business coaches who come from a ‘hands on' background in business also offer a blended service of coaching with mentoring and consulting. Usually this may involve a structured program with specific skill sets to provide you with a better financial outcome. It all depends on your own unique needs in business, so talk with your coach to find out the full range of services they provide.

How is Business Coaching delivered?

Each Business Coach has a different way of delivering their coaching services. Some may offer:-

• One on one coaching, group coaching or a combination.
• Face to face, email, video, telephone coaching or a combination.
• 30, 60, 90 or 120+ minute sessions.
• Weekly, fortnightly or monthly coaching sessions.
• A structured coaching program over a set period.
• Some coaches may offer coaching locally only or they may offer coaching nationally and internationally.

It is best to talk to your prospective coach about both the type of delivery they offer with their coaching and the full range of services they offer.

Your investment will vary depending on your prospective coach and your unique situation and needs.

• Your investment may be calculated on a per session basis or as a package.
• There may be discounts for paying up front.
• There could be different payment options such as payment plans, direct debit, credit card, online transactions, cash or cheque.
• Some coaching services may start at a low $90 per session or $3,000+ for full training program days.

It is best to talk to your prospective coach about the investment for their coaching services and payment methods available.

What sort of businesses could benefit from working with a Business Coach?

My belief is that ANY business can benefit from working with a business coach. The key is to find one that suits who you are and where you want your business to be in the future.

You may be a

• small business start up;
• budding entrepreneur;
• solopreneur;
• small, medium or large established business;

...or are just in the ‘thinking' stages of wanting to start a business.

The main concept is that you either:-

• want to start off your business in the right direction; or
• want to get your business back on track in the right direction; or
• are headed in the right direction and want to move your business up to the next level;

...and ultimately want to create a successful business where you are happy, your staff and customers are happy and it is a financially rewarding, personally rewarding, enjoyable, fun, challenging and exciting experience.

When you are talking with your prospective coach, make sure that you feel comfortable with them. There are many different coaches with many different personalities, different specialties and different methods. If you find a coach that is a good fit to your personality and your circumstances it makes the process easier.

Also, you may want to have a few different coaches for different specialties... I do!!! I have different coaches and trainers who have supported and guided me in different ways depending on what I was working on at the time. Every coach has their specialtiy and strengths, one size rarely fits all, so don't be shy about seeking guidance from a few different coaches or trainers.

What is expected of me, the client?

Every coach has their own set of variables for this question, so again I recommend talking to your prospective coach  about this subject.

From my experience, generally speaking most coaching works best if you are:-

• Open to looking at the reality of your situation.
• Willing to work on yourself.
• Willing to work on your business.
• Willing to work with your staff to develop them.
• Have a positive attitude towards the potential of your business (you may be feeling negative about your business right now, but know if you had some support and guidance, could make a success of it).
• Have an open mind to looking at things from a different perspective.
• Open to learning, growing, stepping out of your comfort zone and stretching yourself.
• Willing to take the action steps necessary to make a success of your business.

If after looking at the list above or talking with your prospective coach about what is expected of you, it becomes apparent that you are not yet ‘ready to be coached', don't despair, may I make a suggestion? Please take a look at the Products page.  There are some great products there that are sure to give you some motivation.

I know from my own experience this is what happened to me. I wasn't quite ready to take that next step but knew I would be eventually. I read books, listened to audios, watched videos and finally said ‘okay now I am ready to be coached '. It was the best feeling!

Life Coaching ...what is it and what results can I expect?

Sometimes as a business owner you may want to develop yourself on a more personal level as this may help the way you conduct and ultimately profit from your business.

Life Coaching is similar to business coaching but the focus is on YOU as a person.  Topics could include your personal relationships, health, social development, financial development, stress management, career, communictation skills, confidence and self esteem, spirituality etc. really an area in your personal life.

To fully understand Life Coaching and what results you may expect, please contact one of the coaches I have listed under the PEOPLE section of this website.  Each Life Coach  operates their business differently so it's best to check with them personally. Also check out the PRODUCTS section as there will be some personal development products there too.

Executive Coaching ...what is it and what results can I expect?

Sometimes as a business owner you may want to  specifically develop one or more of your key executives so that they perform better in their role.  Executive coaching may assist in their career development with areas such as leadership, management, communication, sales etc. Or you may in fact be an executive who has found this web site and want to further your own career in these areas. 

As with a business coach, an executive coach will be there for guidance, support, focus and to challenge you. Sessions may include questioning, brainstorming and the use of certain tools or activities.  

To fully understand Executive Coaching please contact one of the coaches or trainers I have listed under the PEOPLE section of this website (link). Each Executive Coach operates their business differently so it's best to check with them personally. Also, check out the PRODUCTS section as there will be some professional and personal development products there to assist.

I trust that this section has answered the majority of your general questions. If not, please email me as I would be happy to help you further!

Nicole Murray