Common Misconceptions About Coaching and Why Now’s the Time to Be One
There are many common misconceptions associated with business coaching, but most of these notions are actually myths in reality. Some of these myths may even stop you from starting your own coaching business. In an attempt to provide more insight into business coaching, we created this list of the top myths and realities that perpetuate the industry.
Myth 1:
I’m Not an Expert
You don’t have to be an expert in a field to provide worldwide advice to your clients; rather, what’s more important is the process of closing the sale that makes your business grow. In this guide to creating a coaching business, author Drew Breaux states that it’s possible for anyone to earn profitable leads through paid ads, content, and partnerships.
You can create a six-figure coaching business if you understand the art of marketing and closing leads. It can be intimidating at first to start your own business, but through the wide variety of online resources, you can carve a niche.
Myth 2:
Business Coaching is Just Sitting Around and Listening
The bulk of your job will be sitting and listening to your clients, but that doesn’t mean you can’t provide them with worthwhile information. Your clients are coming to you because they have an issue in their business they wish to discuss, and they want your opinion on how to follow through. You’ll be experiencing more back-in-forth conversations than anything else.
Many business coaches also meet with their clients in person over coffee or spend the day together over dinner or other fun activities. If you want to be more of a hands-on coach, you can be! In fact, that may be what separates you from the rest of your competition!
Myth 3:
Business Coaching is a Time Sink
You probably have a lot more time than you used to, but even if you don’t, business coaching doesn’t take as much time out of your day as you think. While there are traditional coaching methods that involve in-person contact or Zoom calls, you can always specialize in sessions that offer sharply focused doses of advice they can’t get elsewhere.
To cut down on how much time you spend coaching, ask your clients what you want to discuss before the session starts, so you’re not caught off-guard or say the same thing twice. If you get it right the first time, your clients won’t keep asking you for advice on the same question.
Myth 4:
People Don’t Need Coaches When They Have Friends/Spouse/Family
Believe it or not, the closest people in your life usually have a difficult time telling you the truth because they don’t want to hurt your feelings. Your friends may also worry that if they say something too harsh, the friendship will end. It’s also a lot of pressure to give your loved one’s business advice, especially if they aren’t equipped to provide it. Your friends may also be too close to you to notice problems in your business. Having an outsider’s perspective can benefit your company long term, so many CEOs will value your services and need to discuss them with you.
Myth 5:
You Need to Have a Similar Personality to Your Clients
Having a similar personality to your clients can help them connect with you, but that isn’t necessary. What’s more valued in a coach is positivity and confidence and not necessarily that you’d get along as friends if there weren’t a transactional relationship. Most of your clients won’t even care what your personality is; they just expect you to provide results.
Even if your personality is the exact opposite of your clients, that may be a net positive. Your clients may want a fresh perspective on their problem, or you may be the target of their new campaign. Any and all personality types can excel in business coaching.
