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Small Business Top 7 Tips for Hiring an Excellent Executive Business Coach

Guest post by: Leanne Hoagland-Smith

Article Overview: Executive coaching is a proven way to catapult your business to that next level. These 7 tips may help you expedite the hiring process and secure a coach that will truly help double your results.

Small Business Top 7 Tips for Hiring an Excellent Executive Business Coach

Executive business coaching has become a business of its own with over 10,000 coaches now peddling their services to develop leadership in executives, entrepreneurs and small business owners. Maybe you are considering hiring an executive coach to help you overcome a significant obstacle or turnaround your small business. Whatever the reason, these 7 asking tips may help you become a better "coach" shopper and deliver a positive return on your hard-earned dollars.

1. Ask for a preliminary complimentary session.
Before you buy a pair of shoes, you have the opportunity to try them on and even walk in them for a few moments. Coaching is no different. You should have the opportunity to speak with your potential coach without charge. Session time should range between 30 and 60 minutes.

2. Ask what type of method is used by the coach.
Some coaches use a specific process while others may not have any structure. A process center approach usually delivers quicker and more sustainable results than an approach without structure.

3. Ask for the results that you can expect from this relationship.
By asking for the results up front, you establish a vanishing point on the horizon. The coach should provide the tools and strategies to help you achieve the results. Depending upon the results, the coach may provide several options from weekly 8 to 10 week programs to longer programs of 26 weeks.

4. Ask for the type of curriculum or tools as well as schedule that you will be using.
The use of proven tools and strategies will help you achieve your results quicker. These tools should have a documented history of achieving results regardless of the issue such as leadership, sales or time management. The program schedule should work with the tools and provide flexibility around your schedule as well.

5. Ask for referrals.
A good coach can provide testimonials from letters to actual verbal recommendations. Be respectful of the coach and only ask for these after you have narrowed your selection process.

6. Ask if the coach has a coach and listen to the response.
Good coaches also have coaches. Many coaches will refer to their coach indirectly during the initial complimentary coaching session.

7. Ask for a money back guarantee.
After 3 sessions, you should know whether the process, material and relationship between you and your coach is working. Waiting for several months is way too long especially if you are working with your coach on a weekly basis. The coach should be willing to return all fees less material costs if you determine the coaching is not delivering the results that you need.

Coaching is a proven strategy to improve personal and professional performance. Finding the right coach can easily double your results within 30 to 90 days and quickly yield you a positive return your investment,

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