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| What's The Difference Between A Business Coach and A Mentor? |
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| Written by Steven Schlagel |
| Sunday, 04 October 2009 07:08 |
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While some people still think of coaches in only sports term, business coaching has become a sought after discipline. As a coach, mentor and trainer, I often support business owners and entrepreneurs in developing and achieving a greater vision for themselves. However, sometimes the terminology on the various roles is confusing so let's do some clarifying. Small business owners generally seek out a coach or mentor when something isn't working for them. Many times, they feel they are working too much and purchased a job versus building a business. They want to understand why they aren't enjoying the freedom they thought being a business owner would bring. Many times I will recommend that small business owners or entrepreneurs employ the help of a mentor, a coach and a mastermind group. We'll discuss mastermind groups in the future at length. For now, know that they are small groups of usually no more than 8 people who are goal-oriented and want to network and brainstorm with others about their business and personal goals. They meet in person or by phone, usually no less than monthly. Mentoring is sort of a macro-view of your business/personal path. I don't separate business from personal because your business should be enabling you to live your personal vision. A mentor helps you define your personal vision, introduces you to key concepts and people, and has a varied and long-term history in business. They should set an example that you are interested in following. A mentor doesn't need to meet you with as frequently as a coach. Your mentor will discuss techniques and ideas that have been effective in the past, especially when it comes to problem-solving and innovations. They will guide you around potential pitfalls and guide you on developing or managing critical relationships. Mentors can help you explore and create your long-term career or business plan. Coaching is much more specific and interactive, the micro-view of your path. A coach helps you set short-term goals, holds you accountable for achieving them and continues to "walk beside you", helping you eliminate procrastination and stumbling blocks as you start moving towards your long-term vision. They meet with you frequently, at least two times per month and require a commitment of time from you, usually a minimum of several months. A trainer's role is completely different from that of a coach or mentor. When functioning in the role of trainer, I am helping others learn new skill sets. Training is more like working with a teacher, one on one. Again, a coach/mentor may function as a trainer some of the time. No one is immune to needing guidance from other, more experienced people. Most coaches and mentors have their own and are involved in mastermind groups. The idea of all three is to help steer you to the next level of success. It is important to remember that "success" is defined individually. A coach will help you sort out what it means to YOU and what the individual steps are to achieve it. About the Author: With 30+ years consulting experience, Steven Schlagel provides training and coaching for startups, entrepreneurs and small business owners. Check his site for more articles to increase your success! Kindly provided by MoneyHunter.org You are welcome to use this article on your own website, if you include the link just before this text. |
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