What is this business coaching thing, anyway?

I was recently asked to take part in an online coach forum - one of those things where a number of supposed experts are asked questions by the organiser in return for a little publicity.

I watched the previous episode in preparation.

There were a range of coaches involved, from what seemed to be a skincare specialist through to qualified psychologists.  I was impressed by the amount these people and their clients were earning (there was a sort of income inflation through the event, from "6-figure incomes" at the start to "8-figure incomes" at the end - a princely income for any coach).  Currencies were not mentioned.

I was also impressed by the fervent belief in coaching on display.  Many of them had, it seems, invested eye-watering amounts in their own coaching whilst living as a single parent in a garret and now, after getting a return in a matter of months, were dedicating their lives to serving clients.

You might sense some ambivalence in my words.  I feel about this kind of motivational or inspirational approach to coaching as I feel about opera:  I can see that it requires practice and ability, and that many people find it moving and rewarding -  but I just don't get it.

I have come to the conclusion that I am more of a consultant than a coach.  Certainly I'm at the consultancy end of the spectrum.  My experience of business owners is that they mainly require quick and simple answers to basic business problems.  They may sometimes need help to figure out why they aren't doing what they know they ought to do, or why they are held hostage by their employees, but that is about the extent of the psychological intervention required.

Of course, I'm talking about a self-selecting sample; people who choose to work with a business coach who focuses on explaining how to run a business rather than one who focuses on abundance and self-belief.  I fear that this may account for the fact that I'm not earning an "8-figure income".

Anyway, www.businesscoachkit.com is a website made in my own image and so provides tools that help you help your clients run their businesses better.  You'll need to go elsewhere for the other stuff.

www.businesscoachkit.com

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