Business coaching is simple.  A coach and a client come together to work on one thing - the client's desired result.  It is a very friendly, cooperative relationship.  Together they explore what is currently happening and together they explore where the client is going.  They also explore together the ways to get there.

A GREAT Coaching Client

Here are the attributes of someone who will do very well with a coach: 

• They have a strong desire to change something about their circumstances 
• They have a love of learning
• They are open to other people's views
• They love being a part of a team
• They expect a lot of themselves
• They are true to their word
• They enjoy relationships

Attributes of a Great Coach

In my experience - these are the qualities and skill sets of a great coach:

• They are great listeners
• They have a deep belief in their clients
• They love people
• They care
• They love to share and grow
• They get excited about seeing other people succeed
• They have been trained and tested in coaching competencies

To improve yourself in a given area - get a coach. 

Coaching is a personalized approach for self-development and growth.  It is delivered "just in time" for what is most pressing for you. 

Let's talk about learning and self development.  Learning comes down to three basic methods:  Reading, Attending Classes, and Coaching. 

READING

You can find great experts who have written books on every subject imaginable.  These experts share their expertise through their words.  You read and can probably understand, truly understand some percentage of what they know. 

ATTENDING CLASSES

Some of these experts teach.  Classes are held in their subject area.  As a student of theirs - you have the luxury of watching these experts and learning many nuances from them.

COACHING

In coaching, you get personalized attention in the area that you're looking to improve.  The coach considers who you are and what your current skill set is - and helps to develop a plan with you to get you where you want to go.

A NON-SPORTS EXAMPLE:

What a sensation "American Idol" has been in the United States!  Singers from all over the country coming together to compete to become a singing "star".  I'm sure that some of these contestants have read books about singing - probably some books from very good singers and singing trainers.  Some of these contestants have attended classes in singing - choirs - groups that sing.  What has been the one thing that the judges have told contestants who are on the line?  "Get a coach.  That's the best thing for you to do right now."  What will a coach do with a singer that comes to them?  It depends on the coach.  There is no right or wrong way for the coach to go - that is completely up to the coach.  Two things that will happen very early though are:  1) An assessment of what the singer's current skills are and  2) A determination of the singers personal desires of what they want to do with their voice. 

BUSINESS COACHING

Let's look at business skills in the context of how to learn them.  First off - no amount of education prepares someone for business.  There is a reason that businesses look for experience when they hire - experience is invaluable in actually learning anything.  Conversely, there are people with a LOT of experience who still don't perform well.  

I absolutely believe that coaching is the best way to improve someone's business - IF the business owner is open to being coached.