Strong, independent people tend to have little experience in
getting help, so they often end up with the coach from hell.
They grab the first resource that comes along and follow
instructions brilliantly. Too late, they realize they're
following a lost leader.

Cathy, who began her own business by hiring the coach
from hell, gives you some irreverent advice to find a guide
when you feel you're lost in the jungle.

Q. Entrepreneurs pride themselves on their independence. So
why do they seek help?

A. It's lonely out there! Entrepreneurs want a shoulder to
lean on, a virtual hug on bad days, a person to hold them
accountable, a jump-start when motivation flags and an
awareness that, "Someone believes in me!"

On the other hand, some self-starting entrepreneurs say,
"Forget the cheerleader -- bring on the expert!" They want
solid guidance from someone who's been there -- a mentor
more than a coach.


Q. You say you've hired the coach from hell -- more than
once. What have you learned and what would you do
differently?

A. If you're hiring a marketing coach, get references from
two or three businesses like yours. Ask these clients, "Did
this coach help you make money?" If the answer is, "No, but
I learned a lot," keep going.

On the other hand, if you need help with motivation or
decision-making, references and testimonials will give you
clues -- but the ultimate test is your own intuition. When
outcomes are subjective, it's chemistry between coach and
client that creates success.

Most of all, be very clear on what you want. Say, "I do not
want a cheerleader -- I want solid guidance," or, "I want a
sounding board."

Q. You say sometimes we should disregard an MBA or
certification. Why?

A. If you're hiring a marketing expert, forget formal
qualifications: find out who they've helped before. Has she
turned a business around? Attracted new clients?

If you're hiring for motivation and support, evaluate the
whole person. Look for degrees and certifications from
nationally accredited universities, if that's important to
you. Many training programs and colleges accept everyone and
flunk no one. Knowing someone graduated from that program
tells you nothing.

Q. A website or brochure promises to double your sales in
three months or "take you to the next level." How do we read
between the lines?

A. Well, if your sales are zero, and you make one sale, the
consultant kept his promise! Ask how, not what. Sometimes
success depends on factors beyond your control or desire --
or applies to a different business altogether. "Take you to
the next level" can mean anything from advising you to clear
clutter to offering solid financial and marketing guidance.

Stay away from canned programs. Look what the consultant has
written or created.

Q. New entrepreneurs sometimes ask counselors, "Do I have
the personality to be an entrepreneur?" Can tests help?

A. Most personality tests were never designed to predict
career success. They're not scientific. The results are
ambiguous and anyone will see himself reflected in any
profile. "Self-validation" is meaningless.

Anyway, personality contributes little to success: grit,
determination, experience and network will be better
predictors.

Remember: assessments bring in money to the assessor. An
astrological forecast may be just as useful and just as
scientific.

Q. Let's say you talk to two or three consultants or
coaches. One is cheery and upbeat and optimistic and one is
a little cool and skeptical. How do you decide?

A. Present a very small sample question and see how the
consultant responds. Keep it small: you won't get make much
headway on big questions, like, "Should I sell the
business?" Often the best consultants, coaches and
counselors are not the cheeriest or most optimistic.
They're honest. They warm up as you get to know them.

Q. You say we can learn from Dr. Ruth, the famous sex
therapist. What message did you want to pass along?

A. Dr. Ruth insisted that her status as an independent
advisor, rather than a licensed therapist, was useful
because people didn't see her as a godlike figure dispensing
omniscient advice. Anyone can be wrong -- and you have to
live with the consequences! Use your intuition. If someone
urges you to spend money or take big risks, run as fast as
you can in the opposite direction.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------
Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., is an author, speaker and career
coach who works with mid-career, midlife professionals
making a move to career freedom. Articles, groups, ezine,
teleclasses, ebooks and coaching.
Visit http://www.movinglady.com
Phone: 505-534-4294 Email: mailto:cathy@...



--
Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D. Author, Career Coach, Speaker
*The Fast Track to Career Freedom*
http://www.movinglady.com
505-534-4294 mailto:cathy@...


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]