What Should You Expect in a Business Coach

For many business owners the concept of a business coach may seem attractive to help accelerate the performance and success of the business.  But in seeking a coach, what attributes should you look for?  What should you expect from a coach?  There may be a variety of opinions on this, but here is a list of qualities that the best coaches should strive to fulfill.  What others can you add?

• Interest in pushing you toward your goals.
• Acceptance of your vision for your business.
• Real suggestions or options related to your challenges.
• Ability to teach you new skills.
• Someone you can rely on and confide in.
• Confidentiality.
• Consistently nudge you forward. Make progress!
• Keep you accountable to your own goals and commitments.
• Help connect you with other professional resources.
• Present new ideas or considerations.
• Accessibility. Someone you can reach when needed.
• Knowledge and experience with a wide variety of businesses.
• Knowledge and experience in the various functions of a business.
• Ability to motivate you to reach higher.
• Can produce a return on your coaching investment.
• Helps you create new habits, or systems in your business.
• Gives you a new way of thinking about your business.