There’s an old proverb that says: “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” The basic idea is that it’s better to let someone else talk about how good you are rather than blowing your own horn.
That’s tough advice for us to take in business. If we’re trying to grow a business, there’s a natural tendency to want to talk about it. And if you’re fortunate enough to love what you do, it’s really hard not to talk about it.
I know! I’m a business coach and I love it. I also know that it’s not all about me. I get excited when I see the light go on in clients’ eyes; when I see them applying principles we’ve talked about; and when I see them enjoying success.
That’s why I was so pleased when I ran across a post on Facebook recently entitled “Get a Coach.” It wasn’t posted by one of my clients. As a matter of fact, it wasn’t even posted by anyone I know. But it was an affirmation of what I do.
A good coach gives you short cuts, and can help you figure out something in a day that might otherwise take you a lifetime. Most people don’t hire a coach, because most coaches–at least the good ones–are expensive. But most people don’t realize how much more expensive it is not knowing what to do, and trying to figure things out for yourself.
Nothing is more expensive than ignorance, and this much I can tell you from hard experience.
But what I’ve learned, by the mysterious workings of divine providence, or whatever, is that good coaches always pay for themselves a thousand times over by all the time, money, and frustration they save you from having to go at it alone.
You just don’t know what you don’t know, and you may never know what you’re missing out on until you hire a competent mentor. I didn’t. But now I do, and I wish I’d gotten started under my coaches much earlier than I did (and I got started pretty earlier).
I have five coaches. I have an herbalist, a nutritionist, a strength coach, a tae kwon do instructor, a marketing mentor, and a guitar teacher. Six coaches, and I still suck—just not as much as I used to.
And you will suck, too, even after you get an excellent coach and study with them for fifty years. Because that’s what it means to be a student: to suck a little bit less tomorrow, than you do today.
The author of this post lists some pretty compelling reasons for seeking out a coach: It can save you time; it can save you money (in the long run); and it can bring you new vision.
One thing I really like about this post is that it acknowledges that learning is an on-going process. Working with a coach doesn’t automatically solve all your problems. But it helps you make progress.
If you’re want to take things to the next level in your business; if you want to gain new perspectives and be more efficient; if you’re committed to learning for the long haul; you just might benefit from what a coach brings to the table.
Oh, by the way—Pat Flynn, the guy with five coaches, whose post I excerpted above? Guess what he does for a living. He’s a strength and fitness coach. Even coaches recognize the benefit of bringing in someone to coach them!
Need help growing your business? With over 35 years of experience and thousands of companies assisted, Chuck Kocher and The Transformation Company can help you scale your business into a truly exceptional business capable of high growth strategies. Businesses are always changing, don’t let yours be left behind. Stand out with our business and executive leadership programs – designed to challenge and improve your business. Your business will thank you for it. Contact me today for a free consultation! 719-339-9505