Business Coaching

[CaraClementine]

I have a question for the entrepreurs here.... and this does not pertain to the escort industry...

Has anyone here ever hired a business coach? If so, what was your experience like?

I have hired one for my business outside of escorting. She specializes in my field.
I'm so far unimpressed... however, it has not been long.

I pay $200/month, for 2 30 minute phone conversations, and unlimited emailing. I emailed a query, only to be told that we would talk in 1.5 weeks. hmm.
Some of her suggestions were things I already knew.

We have an agreement (electronic sig.) that she is to be contracted for 1 year.

 

[CaraClementine]

She's already violating your contract. If you aren't happy with her point it out and drop her if possible.

On our next phone conversation, I intend to get clarification on the purpose and content of emails. Perhaps my expectations are too great?

Another reason she stated for not dealing with my questions (it was important, and referred to pricing structure.. and needed a fast answer.), was that she is going on vacation for a week! I feel that she should've delayed taking me on, if this is the case. Some questions I have, need fast answers, as this is a crucial time of the year for changes.

I'm hoping not to create any bad blood... as she is highly respected and known in my industry.

 

[chilli]

She should be 100% completely committed to your success.

Otherwise she is the wrong person for you.

Unfortunately when some people reach the higher rungs - they forget about the "part" called work/accountability and accessability. They just live off their rep.

Once you ditch this person pm me for a great business coach who really cares about his clients.

 

[bobby]

i'm 40 i've worked for other people a grand total of 4 years as an adult. if you have a question you should post it, i'm happy to give what i know no charge and i'm sure there's other people here who would do the same.

 

[CaraClementine]

She should be 100% completely committed to your success.

Otherwise she is the wrong person for you.

Unfortunately when some people reach the higher rungs - they forget about the "part" called work/accountability and accessability. They just live off their rep.

Once you ditch this person pm me for a great business coach who really cares about his clients.

That is a very good point. I am hoping she will prove me wrong.. and that my disappointments are unjustified!

 

[CaraClementine]

i'm 40 i've worked for other people a grand total of 4 years as an adult. if you have a question you should post it, i'm happy to give what i know no charge and i'm sure there's other people here who would do the same.

Good for you Bobby, for having an entrepreneurial spirt, for the majority of your life so far! I could never go back to depending on a company, or someone for my next paycheque! I am much happier in life this way.

As much as I would love the free advice, I cannot disclose the nature of my business.. The questions I have are very industry specific.

In our intial interview process, I made the mistake (possibly) of telling her that I am a professional companion. I told her this, because she asked if i am involved in other ventures.

Women are emotional creatures.. and I find them to be more judgemental about the escort industry than males.

Should've hired a man?? lol

 

[rampart]

Business Advice

I myself have also been self-employed for over 40 years and could give you advice and coaching for probably 1/2 of what you are paying now. Also if you became unhappy with the results I would not hold you to a one year contract. Your success would be my success in mentoring you in the right direction.

It is is so true that a lot of what you may hear you have heard before but a true consultant or mentor will take what you have heard and also new advice and guide you through the process.

If interested PM me.

 

[WHOA]

It is my opinion that there are better ways to get answers than business coaches...

especially for things like pricing, which you mentioned. Instead of asking HER what SHE thinks OTHER PEOPLE would pay... why not instead put the money into some market research, a focus group, etc. and ask the people who will be paying what they would be comfortable paying?

A focus group... put an ad on craigslist listing your demographic, and $15 for a 1 hour focus group... choose 10 people at random, assemble them in a rented room (Office rental places will rent you a boardroom for an hour for $30-$50), and learn from THEM, without naming your company, etc. what they are willing to pay for ____, what would make them choose you over a competitor, blah blah blah... I'd bet money you'd learn more.

and as a FREE solution, do surveys... of course, I don't know what business it is, but if it has like, a storefront, you can have a survey booklet near the register and offer a small promotional item for a completed survey... a square of gourmet chocolate or something. At $1 a piece, for the price of a 30 minute conversation you could get answers from 100 of your actual customers.

 

[CaraClementine]

I myself have also been self-employed for over 40 years and could give you advice and coaching for probably 1/2 of what you are paying now. Also if you became unhappy with the results I would not hold you to a one year contract. Your success would be my success in mentoring you in the right direction.

It is is so true that a lot of what you may hear you have heard before but a true consultant or mentor will take what you have heard and also new advice and guide you through the process.

If interested PM me.

Thank you for your kind offer

 

[CaraClementine]

It is my opinion that there are better ways to get answers than business coaches...

especially for things like pricing, which you mentioned. Instead of asking HER what SHE thinks OTHER PEOPLE would pay... why not instead put the money into some market research, a focus group, etc. and ask the people who will be paying what they would be comfortable paying?

A focus group... put an ad on craigslist listing your demographic, and $15 for a 1 hour focus group... choose 10 people at random, assemble them in a rented room (Office rental places will rent you a boardroom for an hour for $30-$50), and learn from THEM, without naming your company, etc. what they are willing to pay for ____, what would make them choose you over a competitor, blah blah blah... I'd bet money you'd learn more.

and as a FREE solution, do surveys... of course, I don't know what business it is, but if it has like, a storefront, you can have a survey booklet near the register and offer a small promotional item for a completed survey... a square of gourmet chocolate or something. At $1 a piece, for the price of a 30 minute conversation you could get answers from 100 of your actual customers.

Good suggestions...

A major reason why I hired her, is because she is top of her field. I wanted marketing advice/strategies, as well converting someday from mobile business to being based.

Right now, i'm doing some research on the competition in my area.

 

[vidwindow]

Cara

Chance are if you are in the right business for you, you will know what needs to be done. The trick is to do it. Trust your instincts, learn from your errors and work hard.
I believe a mentor is the best route because it is someone with whom you most likely share some sort of personal connection and won't expect to be paid for their advice.
If you are looking for a basic business model, you will find one on just about any government site along with the "how to" of operating a business in Canada.
Also, if you have to spend your money, a good accountant makes all the difference!

And don't forget: A business's business is to make you money. If it does not, know when to pull the plug.
vid

 

[visiting]

Good suggestions...

A major reason why I hired her, is because she is top of her field. I wanted marketing advice/strategies, as well converting someday from mobile business to being based.

Right now, i'm doing some research on the competition in my area.

How do you know she is top in her field?




Here is a link for you, (and it's free from a man!!! LOL) that may be able to help you find more resourses. I would suggest you take a look at their website as they are there to help you, and will offer you lots of good free advise... and can put you in contact with a variety of professionals in any field. They are there to help you.


Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

http://www.bdc.ca/en/my_project/Projects/consulting/cs_marketing_research.htm (link is to market Research page...)

 

[Trevor2136]

I pay $200/month, for 2 30 minute phone conversations, and unlimited emailing. I emailed a query, only to be told that we would talk in 1.5 weeks. hmm.
Some of her suggestions were things I already knew.

We have an agreement (electronic sig.) that she is to be contracted for 1 year.

This is quite a low rate for a business coach. I charge more than that for an hour, for the service described above usually the rate is between $500 and $1000 per month. How long has she been in business?

Are you looking for a coach or a management consultant? The role of a business coach is to be an advisor by helping you develop your skills in areas that you need support. If you were asking about business strategy, I woud recommend some business strategy tactics or models to follow and suggest that you go away and try to implement and then we would discuss how that went and help you plan to move forward from there. When working as a management consultant my role is to provide specific guidance and advice, for example if your marketing plan is not as effective as was hoped, I would analyse your plan and provide specific advice for improvement.

I question whether or not she is really at the top of her field.

 

[bobby]

to me she sounded like a full of shit hack but "not at the top of her game" is a more generous way of putting it

 

[CaraClementine]

Chance are if you are in the right business for you, you will know what needs to be done. The trick is to do it. Trust your instincts, learn from your errors and work hard.
I believe a mentor is the best route because it is someone with whom you most likely share some sort of personal connection and won't expect to be paid for their advice.
If you are looking for a basic business model, you will find one on just about any government site along with the "how to" of operating a business in Canada.
Also, if you have to spend your money, a good accountant makes all the difference!

And don't forget: A business's business is to make you money. If it does not, know when to pull the plug.
vid

This is good advice...

I had a mentor when I lived on the island... and she was very supportive when I made the transition from sub-contractor, to self employed last year.
I haven't talked to her in a while, because she had a death in the family.. and is always super busy, and I feel awkward taking up her time. I used to work for her..

SHE ought to be a business coach!

By the way, I have 4 years in my industry... however, I got certified a few years prior to employment.

 

[CaraClementine]

This is quite a low rate for a business coach. I charge more than that for an hour, for the service described above usually the rate is between $500 and $1000 per month. How long has she been in business?

Are you looking for a coach or a management consultant? The role of a business coach is to be an advisor by helping you develop your skills in areas that you need support. If you were asking about business strategy, I woud recommend some business strategy tactics or models to follow and suggest that you go away and try to implement and then we would discuss how that went and help you plan to move forward from there. When working as a management consultant my role is to provide specific guidance and advice, for example if your marketing plan is not as effective as was hoped, I would analyse your plan and provide specific advice for improvement.

I question whether or not she is really at the top of her field.

Thanks, Trevor

This was my origional question - what is the role of a business coach.


I should mention how I met her.
She has been active in my field for 20 years. She provides the "service", and operates her own business. She has several ventures in this field.
She is also an educator. She teaches numerous worshops on different topics in this field, in addition to business coaching, and business seminars. She puts on workshops for 2 of the major conferences also.

I took one of her business seminars in June, and I was impressed. Hence, why I hired her.

I have a conference call later this morning... so we will see how that goes!!

$200 IS cheap for business coaching... it was the price offered to me. She mentioned that her rates are going up to $300 in Sept. I don't know if $200 is the price for everyone.. and honestly, I do not know the cost of other specialised coaches in my field.