I’m a big fan of spot coaching, hiring an expert who’s more skilled and experienced in a certain area than you. Spot coaches are invaluable if you’re looking to explore a new business idea, need insight or direction, or want to openly discuss the pros and cons of moving ahead on a project – one that requires time or a substantial financial commitment.
If you’re looking for a spot coach in marketing, PR, publishing a book, data analytics, image consulting, podcasting – you name it, consider a few guidelines:
5 Ways to Work with a Spot Coach to Get Results
- Find a spot coach that has an excellent reputation in the area or industry you want clarity in. Google your subject matter expert (SME), ask colleagues for referrals, read their materials, hear them speak. Sometimes it pays to talk with 2 or 3 experts to get a variety of opinions before making a big decision.
- Reach out and give your advisor ample information and time to think about your question, in advance of your call or meeting. They, like you, need time to prepare. If they’re worth their salt, they’ll do the research required to help outline solutions. After all, they have a reputation to keep and you may at some point be a client or have a referral.
- Be open to feedback you may not like, but that may serve you in the long run. Often, if you aren’t in agreement with your coach, you’ll see a different perspective that you may have not thought of. Trust in the process and trust that you made the best decision on who to work with.
- You don’t need to buy your expert’s services beyond the call/advice itself, but you should know that you may want to negotiate for that session if you decide to work together. Only work with someone you believe in 100%. A solid coach should believe in you equally as much.
- If you’re working with a seasoned professional, you should get the solid advice that you’ve paid for, and that they’ve earned. We’re not talking about a 15- minute quick Q + A call, we’re talking about in-depth, insightful, often inspiring advice and a perspective that may change your direction, catapult your growth, and grow your brand – in ways you may not ever imagined.
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