How to Get the Most Out of Your Business Coaching Sessions
As a business coach, my greatest joy is watching my clients’ careers take off. Most of the time, when a client would come to work with me, they already have everything they need to create a flourishing practice. But they still found they were struggling to grow.
Over the years, working with hundreds of clients, I’ve noticed a clear distinction between those who only need a little push to get to the next level, and those who need a much bigger shrug. And it directly related to how much they put into – and so got out of – their business coaching sessions.
There are some who step into my office or attend their business coaching online, fully prepared and ready to participate. These are usually the ones who are also ready to action my advice after our session.
And then there are those who roll in without any pre-thought. They aren’t keen to hear feedback. And they have loads of excuses as to why they haven’t followed through on advice.
While there are legitimate reasons why you might not be in a position to push your business forward (family situations, for example), you can imagine who does better in the long run.
If you aren’t doing the work in your business coaching sessions, you’ll be missing out on taking the steps that will see you grow to the next level in your practice, and create the impact you really want.
The big question now becomes… how can you get the most out of your business coaching session?
How to get the most out of your business coaching sessions
As your business coach, my only goal is to help you elevate your practice, build your client list and push you into the next revenue bracket. But that takes work. Your work.
Here are my tips on how you can get the most out of your business coaching sessions.
First, choose the right business coach for you
At their best, a business coach will be able to identify your obstacles, even when you can’t. They’ll be able to spot your strengths, even when you don’t see them. They’ll know how best to motivate and inspire you. They’ll collaborate with you, really diving into your practice, so you can co-develop a strategy to achieve your business goals.
Picking the right business coach for you is important. Check their qualifications and review their testimonials. See if they have experience working with clients in your industry. Then choose a coach who feels aligned with your values.
Second, prepare before your session
To get the most out of your coaching, preparation is key.
Before you sit down with any coach, schedule some time to reflect on your business as it is now, and where you would like to see it grow. Set yourself some general and specific goals. List areas you would like to improve in. And think about what skills gaps you might have.
You should also write down your questions, so you can maintain efficiency and clarity in your business coaching session (and so you don’t forget them). Curiosity and being open to feedback is a great way to elevate your practice.
Remember that every business coach has their own unique approach. Come to your meeting prepared, with curiosity, and you’ll be setting yourself up for success.
Get vulnerable
Whether you’re meeting with your business coach online or face to face, you need to get comfortable with the uncomfortable. You’ll achieve the best results if you can drop your guard, ditch the ego and be honest.
Be frank about your challenges and setbacks. Be open to discussing any personal or emotional barriers you may need to work through. Be honest about your revenue and income, and where you want it to be.
The more transparent and honest you are with yourself and your coach, the more you’ll get out of your business coaching session.
Welcome feedback from your coach
Being vulnerable leads into being open to feedback. You may have to hear some hard truths – embrace them. Take ownership where necessary.
Remember that a business coach will only every offer constructive criticism. We’re not here to hurt your feelings (and we don’t want to!). But we are here to help you weed out any self-sabotaging habits. This is all part of the growth process.
Stay in the moment
Actively participate in your business coaching session. Be present. If you’re meeting with your business coach online, eliminate distractions and give them your full attention.
Business coaching is a process of collaboration. Take notes, share your opinions and ask follow-up questions to get the most out of the journey.
Reflect on your business coaching session
After your business coaching session, set aside some time to review the meeting while it’s fresh in your mind. Upon review, you may even gain a better understanding into their perspectives and advice.
Read over your notes and figure out what your priorities should be moving forward. Break your plan down into manageable steps.
Do the work!
This might be the most important step. Words are no good if they don’t influence behaviour. Advice is useless if action doesn’t follow. Your business coaching session will be a waste of time if it doesn’t guide your next steps.
As you work through their advice, make sure you take note of any new insights that arise. These could be challenges or weaknesses you hadn’t noticed before, or even areas where you may be able to delegate tasks. Make a list of questions to ask or comments to share in your next session.
Active participation and ownership will always be the best way to get the most out of your business coaching session.
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
