The conventional wisdom on selecting a business coach sells entrepreneurs short. Most advice focuses on credentials – prior experience, testimonials, methodologies. But in my experience as a FocalPoint coach working with Lawrence area clients, I’ve seen conventional vetting methods fail repeatedly. Perfect on paper, subpar in practice.
The cost of a poor match goes beyond the fees paid. It’s the far greater expense of stifled growth, repeated missteps, and motivation drained. I’ve witnessed businesses stagnate working with big-name coaches who checked every traditional box yet failed to unlock potential.
So how do you find overlooked gems – coaches with the right stuff conventional wisdom overlooks? Here are three unorthodox yet highly effective practices:
Focus on Fit Over Qualifications
The standard advice is to review credentials – experience, education, certifications, brand reputation. But a laundry list of qualifications reveals little about the fit. After all, a coach’s past results have little correlation to what they can achieve for you specifically. The dynamics of each coaching relationship are unique.
Instead, use your gut. How do initial interactions feel? Is there authentic connection and understanding? Do you sense this coach intrinsically cares about your vision and purpose beyond a paycheck? Trust that feeling. A truly great coach-client fit is palpable early on. Don’t ignore red flags just because a coach looks good on paper.
Seek Sparring Partners Over Cheerleaders
The conventional view seeks coaches who motivate and support – wise mentors full of encouragement. But constant cheerleading fails to challenge assumptions holding you back. The highest level coaches know when compassion takes a backseat to constructive provocation.
Great coaches spark breakthroughs by illuminating blindspots, questioning comfortable strategies, and pushing you outside comfort zones. They’re sparring partners as much as mentors – forging growth through disruption, not just support. If you sense a coach will only reinforce existing perspectives, keep seeking someone who challenges you. Discomfort drives change.
Have Candid Conversations Upfront
Standard advice says ask potential coaches about experience, methods, pricing. But an unconventional approach has candid conversations about fit from the start. Ask coaches directly: Why do you think we’d work well together? Where might we struggle? What results seem realistic for my business and why? How will you customize your approach for me?
This upfront transparency surfaces red flags quickly while building foundations of trust and honesty for strong partnerships. Have open conversations about obstacles, doubts, and ability to meet your needs. Great coaches welcome the opportunity to demonstrate fit. Those who avoid transparency likely hide something.
In your search for a Lawrence area business coach, don’t settle for someone who simply looks good on paper or echoes what you want to hear. Find hidden gems through a gut-check on fit, seeking sparring partners over cheerleaders, and candid conversations about expectations and working styles. With the right vetting, you gain more than a coach – you gain a true catalyst for your full potential. My name is Fred Ewig, reach out anytime to discuss how I may be able to provide that catalytic spark for your business.
