What’s the difference between coaching and consulting?
A consultant is usually an expert in a specific industry. He or she will answer your questions, and may even implement strategies and programmes for you. A coach asks probing questions to bring out your unique abilities, helps you create a vision and plan for the future, and with you while you implement changes. Coaches hold you accountable for what you say you’ll do, and push you to do more than you would on your own. They help you overcome limiting beliefs.
What’s the difference between coaching and therapy?
A therapist focuses on the past and delves into issues that require specialised training. A coach also has specialised training that helps move beyond feeling “stuck” to focus on the future. A coach is your accountability partner in success and can help you discover your passion, values, and strengths.
How long do clients typically work with a coach?
Many successful entrepreneurs find that business coaching is the key to excellent performance, learning and enjoyment. Therefore, they choose to work with a coach on a continuing basis. I ask clients to commit to a coach for a minimum of 12 months. Any new behaviors and marketing strategies put into practice today may take from 3 to 6 months to show results.
While coaching can be very effective for short-term change, my clients stay with coaching for 24 to 36 months on average. Some stay longer, as they want to take on new and bigger challenges. The learning that takes place creates results that continue for 1 to 3 years. Business Coaching is not meant to be a "quick fix" or a short-term relationship.
Will your coaching work with my industry?
Absolutely. I work with a wide variety of industries and businesses. Over the years I have learnt that the fundamentals apply to all industries.
Can this work for my specific business?
Every business, every owner, every leader and every situation is unique and has different needs. I’ll work with you to customise your programme so it is right for you and your business, products, services, team and goals.
Who does the work — client or coach?
This is your business and the responsibility for success rests with you. I will guide you, provide resources and motivation, encourage action and be your accountability partner.
How much extra time will I need in addition to my coaching sessions?
Because business coaching looks at your business strategically and holistically, ALL time you spend working in and on your business can be used to make progress against your plan. As such, there is no limit (other than the number of hours in a day) to the amount of time, in addition to your coaching sessions, that you could be working on your business.
However, one of my core values is work-life balance. I don’t believe you need to work ridiculous amounts of time to achieve results — you just need to work smart. My coaching sessions always focus on ensuring progress is being made on the plan. You to decide at what pace that progress is made, and how much time outside the coaching sessions you can be working on your business.
The bottom line: if you do not take action in your business outside the coaching sessions, you are limiting your ability to make progress against the plan.
How can I be sure my confidential information is safe with you?
I do not discuss clients with any third party. I maintain strict confidentiality for all your business and personal information. I do sign a confidentiality agreement with some clients and I am happy to do so with any company.
What are your hours?
Monday to Friday, 8 am — 5 pm.
I meet with clients on Tuesdays. Wednesdays and Thursdays. There are five client appointment times each day: 9 am, 10.30 am, 12.30 pm, 2 pm and 3.30 pm.
I am available for unlimited telephone and email support outside your scheduled meetings.
Have you ever let a client go?
On rare occasions I have had to discontinue the coaching relationship. I always discuss expectations with the client and allow time to make changes and remedy problems.
Reasons I have stopped coaching a client include when the client:
- repeatedly misses meeting sessions without prior notice
- is repeatedly unprepared for the appointment
- has a pattern of rescheduling appointments without 24 hours notice
- has a lack of respect for our time
- does not take responsibility for their actions
- makes poor progress, and repeatedly does not do "homework".
