Frequently Asked Questions
I have been running my business for xx years. Why should I have a coach?
Someone once said, "Athletes, executives and artists all use coaches to improve their performance, to correct mistakes, and to be the best they can be. Professionals use coaches ... amateurs don't need them". While this may sound a little harsh, it does demonstrate a truth. To perform at the top level in any field of endeavor, we typically need help to take us to the next level. In the business world, this takes the form of mentors, boards of advisors/directors, mastermind groups, and coaches. If you do not have at least one of these, you're likely not performing to the level you could be. Clarity Business Coaching is one possibility and may be your best option.
What's the difference between a coach and a consultant?
A business consultant is a subject matter expert with expertise in a specific area of business typically engaged at a functional level of the company. For example an IT manager may hire a consultant to determine the best servers and services, or an accounting manager may hire a consultant to maximize her SR&ED rebate, or a plant manager might hire an industry expert to do a plant audit to achieve industry best practices. A business coach on the other hand engages at the CEO or owner level. While the coach will have many helpful answers, more importantly he/she has the right questions.
Does business coaching need to be done face-to-face or can it be by distance (phone, zoom, etc.)
There are advantages to both. The obvious advantage of a face-to-face meeting is you get to see body language, and it tends to have a more personal connection. If a client is in the Quinte region (Cobourg, Brighton, Belleville, Trenton, Napanee, Picton, Kingston, etc.) regular face-to-face meetings are possible.
There are, however, two main advantages to coaching by distance. Firstly and most obviously, is the convenience. Distance conversations are not impacted by distance, bad weather, etc. Secondly and less obviously, distance coaching can actually be more efficient. We tend to move more quickly to the business at hand than when meeting face-to-face. This can mean a more productive use of time.
What's the difference between business coaching and executive coaching?
Business coaching engages someone that has P&L responsibility (owner or CEO), and the primary focus is working on the needs and goals of the business. Executive coaching focuses on the specific skills of an individual (strategic planning, time management, goal setting and achievement, delegating, negotiating, etc.) At Clarity Business Coaching, we do both.
How long of a commitment is coaching?
Every business relationship must (among other things) have trust and provide value. In business coaching, both tend to become evident fairly quickly. The relationship continues as long as the client continues to see value. To ensure this, we provide a money back guarantee. At the end of any month, if the client is no longer receiving value and wishes the relationship to end, we refund that last month's fee. The bottom line is the coaching engagement is risk free since when you stop seeing value, you stop paying. Having said that, several of our clients have seen the benefit of maintaining the coaching relationship for several years.
What about confidentiality?
A business coach is a trusted advisor: the same as accountants, lawyers, and financial advisors. All information and conversations are kept in the strictest confidence.
How does the process work?
As with the beginning of most relationships, it starts with a conversation. Typically a short telephone discussion to determine if coaching is the best solution for you. There is no cost and no commitments for this call (phone number below).