As a business person, an entrepreneur, has it ever been easier to obtain advice and help concerning your business? There seems to be no end to the number of individuals who offer expert advice, time tested systems, great ideas, support, and wisdom.
Of course like all markets where there is a plethora of competing claims, the skill YOU need to have is the ability to discriminately choose the correct one for you. And that can sometimes be more difficult than it would first appear.
It seems to me that THE most critical question you should ask yourself first is this: Are you looking for a Coach or a Consultant? There is a difference and depending on what exactly you are looking for one will be better than the other.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of confusion around these terms and many folks use them interchangeably. This only adds to the confusion. Let’s take a look at the functions and characteristics of each so that when you need to make a decision you have something to latch onto.
The Coach
1. The Coach is the individual whose primary function is to allow you to explore and identify what works for you.
2. With a Coach, the agenda is always your agenda. The Coach should be trained and can be certified (as both are available to prospective coaches).
3. With a Coach, you work on the methods and ideas that best fit you in your pursuit and endeavors.
4. The Coach is neutral…nothing is preferred.
5. The Coach will hold you accountable for doing, as inaction is an unacceptable way of moving forward.
6. Coaches have and support a wide variety of techniques and methods because it is critical that you find what is compatible with you.
The Consultant
1. The Consultant is the individual whose primary function is to tell you how to accomplish something.
2. With a Consultant, the agenda is the Consultant’s agenda. There is no certification or training to be a Consultant.
3. The Consultant usually has a lot of experience in an narrow field, and that experience has exhibited a high degree of successful results.
4. With a Consultant, you are looking to put something in place (decrease operating expenses, increase productivity, improved vendor terms, etc.) and they analyze your business around the topic and put a plan in place. You are expected to carry it out.
Use the lists above when you are ready to hire someone to help you move forward or to make a change in your business.
Do you want someone who tells you exactly what needs to be done and exactly how to do it (consultant) or do you want someone who can help you explore and create a process that works for you (coach)?
They both have their place so make certain YOU know which one you need so that you don’t set yourself up for disappointment.
