Would you recomend having a coach and.or mentor?

[Luis]

There are so many challenges when trying to achieve something as difficult as starting your own business and making it successful I often find myself seeking some help/guidance on an on-going basis.

I often wonder if/how can having a mentor help? I know I can also hire a coach but my big question is how do you pick one with so many out there? Also, if their motivation is financial (I am paying them) are they really interested in seeing me succeed or are they in it for the money?

Does anybody here have experience with one of these relationships?

I would like to know how did you start it and what where your results and would you recommend it? I specially like to know how to go about finding a mentor - somebody that will help you without getting paid for it.

Thanks,

LM

[JustinPopovic]

Great Question!

I have hired coaches and I have also worked with Mentors. Both have been incredibly valuable experiences in my life and business.

Like you said there are many coaches to choose from so the hiring process can be difficult. I recommend searching the internet for different success coaches and agencies and requesting free consultations. It gives both coach and client a chance to participate in an interview and determine if there is a potential working relationship there.

In terms of finding mentoring, I also strongly recommend it. Find someone in the same or similar industry who you have things in common with. You can do this through social networking (LinkedIn is great for this) or even by attending live networking events like Toastmasters, Rotary, etc... Look for mentors who are years ahead of where you want to be and figure out a way to help them in their business. In exchange, they will share their knowledge and sometimes even their opportunities with you.

For the past year I have been working alongside a mentor who has helped me more than triple my business revenue among many other positive benefits.

PM me if you would like to discuss. I would be happy to share my experiences with you.

Justin

[TheMoneyManLeo]

No doubt about it. A mentor or coach can help.

I'm sure what stops some is the cost. In that case look for a friend who you can coach and vice versa.

They are a successful business person (you want to be that)..you have always been in shape and eat right (they want to do that). Trade "services". No out of pocket expense and you both get what you want.

Social media is a great way to find your "coach". Put out the call with what you can offer and what you are looking for.

Good luck.

[180]

Invaluable

I never had a "close" coach per say, but I did have a lot of mini-coaches in my life. Like an Uncle who always offers tao-like wisdom.

This has a profound effect on learning, if the disciple is truly taking to heart everything. Sometimes we need to learn things the "hard" way. But for everything else... there's "master card".... I mean a mentor.

Life is short, we won't have the opportunity to learn everything the hard way. And there really is no need for it. Which is why a mentor is so invaluable. My father actually became my mentor for dating. Which suffice it to say is awkward as hell, but his assistance has made me a titan in the this ring.

I could bounce from girl to girl feeling desperate, needy, and terrible. But, with a coach telling you what will happen before it happens and what the outcome is, not only helps your feeling, but save you a lot of wasted heartache or effort that otherwise wouldn't need to be shed. My father told me that every breakup I had would only make me stronger as a man. And it was true. Every time I breakup with a woman, I become smarter, faster, and even more witty and knowledgeable about who I am, and other people. Thanks to my mentor, I don't wallow in pity curled up with ho-ho's, ding dongs, twinkies or other little debbie products in front of a TV reeling titanic.

If I could have a mentor for not wasting time on a public forum.... damn that would be grand.

[spirit4711]

Originally Posted by Luis

...
Also, if their motivation is financial (I am paying them) are they really interested in seeing me succeed or are they in it for the money?
...

You could ask that for every service provider, e.g. teacher, lawyer, doctor etc.

My answer: some coaches are interested only in the money, but that's a very small minority. Their reputation gets known pretty quickly too. I don't think you should worry too much about that aspect.

I have had coaches and am one myself. I've been satisfied with most of my coaches and my clients are happy too.

If you don't want to pay you might consider getting someone to be in training to be a coach. Some work for free (to get experience), others ask a very small fee.