Conversations : Art, Wine, Wit...and Some FAQs About Coaching...No I don't work for a business hospice...your diagnosis is not terminal...

Artist and Team Support Specialist at ActionCOACH Spokane

As you know, I am an artist. If you missed my very first posting than click here now!

June 1, 2012, I had the honor of being June’s First Friday artist at CaterinaWinery.

Acrylic on Wood by your humble blog author

A big thank you to Coach Jim Munro who spent three hours atop a ladder (in a tie) hanging 29 pieces of my art! If that’s not a job perk, I don’t know what is…

Surprisingly, there were as many questions asked of me about business coaching as there were about my art.

To me, this is a great sign because it means two things:

People are actually reading this blog
I have elicited some curiosity about coaching.

Now, I did mention these questions were asked of me during an art event at a winery. I like wine, especially complimentary wine. A lot. Which explains why I felt it necessary to compose a blog posting on a Monday morning to try and better clarify some of my answers I may have offered Friday night. I do believe, in my defense, my answers where clear, articulate and typically ended with, ‘excuse me, I’m going to get another glass of wine.’

So, let’s explore business coaching. What it is and what it is not.

It is not a business hospice…

If you come expecting miracles, you may be disappointed. This is not the place to come and die. If your business is dead, we probably can not resuscitate it for you.

ActionCOACH Spokane works with businesses that are already profitable.

(Click Here for ActionCOACH definition of a“business”)

“We are not looking for a couch potato to turn them into a triathlete,” explains Jim Munro. “Our best clients, and the most fun to work with, are businesses that are 80% there, but are looking to accelerate that last 15-20% of their success. They might have achieved that last 20% in a few years anyway, but the impact on both the business and the community is astounding when they move forward at warp speed in contrast to a slow plod.”

It is not a sign of weakness or ineptitude…

People seem to think of business coaching in the same respects neighbors thought of divorce in the 1950s: “I didn’t know they were having problems…I didn’t know things were THAT bad.”

Let me ask you something, if your colleague told you they hired a personal trainer, would you respond,

“Gee Gloria, I didn’t know you were THAT fat”?

No, of course you wouldn’t!

Go for the gold in the business Olympics…

Simply put, a business coach works with emerging and successful business owners who wish to take their success to a higher level.

The word “success” is subjective; so is happiness. It’s personally defined by each individual. A business coach does not pass judgment.

What a business coach does is hold you accountable, keep you focused, and ensure you are putting time and energy into actions that produce results for your business; not just on things you enjoy.

A business coach will tell you that you have to fire Aunt Betty, because although she’s your favorite aunt and she always brings you chocolate chip cookies, as an employee, she is pretty much worthless.

Some specifics please….

A business coach can help you with….

Sales
Advertising
Profit growth
Business growth
Business systems
Time issues
Team building strategies

Can’t anyone slap “Business Coach” in front of their name?

Just like you wouldn’t visit a plastic surgeon without doing your homework, you should never hire a business coach without snooping around first. Yes, anyone can call themselves a “coach” and charge you a fee.

I feel I'm among the real deal...

Greg M. Anderson, MS, MSW, BCC
Certified Business Coach

ActionCOACH GregAnderson is the first person in the Spokane area to attain Board Certification through the Center for Credentialing and Education. He is native to the Spokane-area, graduating from Eastern Washington University with both his Bachelor and Master degrees. He earned a second Masters’ degree from Walla Walla College. During his studies, he lectured extensively as a Graduate-level teaching assistant and guest lecturer in his field of study. He was recently recognized for his national efforts to share the impact of his learning and abilities.

But Joy….they pay you to say good things….

Yes, but not this many good things. I came here in September thinking only a miracle or a very rich husband could make my dream of someday becoming a full time artist reality. But witnessing our clients’ successes coupled with the practical, strategic guidance I receive during my weekly meetings with my coach, I have begun to see some fundamental similarities in successful people. I am aware of the continuous assault of distractions bombarded on me almost constantly. The road to success sometimes seems paved with land mines and booby traps.

I took another step toward my professional success through my art by accepting a friendly push, although I didn't think I was seeking out that helpful shove. Fortunately, someone cared enough to provide it and I was smart enough not to refuse the assistance.

Want to succeed? Want to do it as effectively as possible? Someone knows and cares enough to help you too...Take your first step...reach out for assistance and start on your journey post haste...

Explore More....Suggested Links...