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dothingsright

posts: 145

Jun 11, 2008 12:41 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Hi All,
 
I was wondering if any of you have utilized the services of a business coach. While there are a number of things that you can learn on your own, there are some key business concepts and "how tos" that I imagine a business coach/consultant can help you move quickly through.
 
Any thoughts and/or feedback about experiences with business coaches/consultants would be greatly appreciated?
 
Thanks & God Bless,
 
Tyra
KevDev

posts: 96

Jun 11, 2008 3:17 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Tyra:

As someone who both gives and takes business classes, I would strongly suggest you seek out the nearest Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Although not coaches per se, these folks have a lot of experience in helping small businesses get off the ground, and can often put you in touch with other resourses.

You might also seek out SCORE, who, in certain circumstances, can act as business coaches.

Good luck!



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StartUpSmart

posts: 51

Jun 13, 2008 5:25 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Hi,
 
A coach for anything is always a solid idea. However, for business, the best coaching you can start with is writing your own business plan. Whether you`re a start-up or existing business, put together a basic business plan. This will be your initial guide.
 
 


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escentre

posts: 10

Jun 14, 2008 10:14 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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hi tyra
You were right that we can learn a number of things and coach are essential for the other things that you are not good at. Similarly coach do have their specialty, too, and also differ in providing their services. A test run on your coach can be an advantage - say about a week or so. Take particular note at the solutions that they offer. Coach with long working experience (15~25yrs) are a good choice because it is a good measure of the number of solutions that their have created. Creativity is another important aspect your coach must have because excellent coach solve problems with solutions not only highlight problems to you. Good luck
thanks


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dothingsright

posts: 145

Aug 12, 2008 9:26 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Thanks for your responses! I have worked on our business plans. However, as Jaffar mentioned there are just some things that I am not an expert in/at and I`d rather have someone on board that is an expert at the things I`m not.

Thanks again!

Tyra

zlchamp

posts: 70

Aug 15, 2008 7:25 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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dothingsright,
 
A perspective worth considering:
 
Every athlete knows how to work out.
 
Olympic Champions have a coach.
 
Every successs business builder I know has at leats one coach.  I have been building successful businesses for 38 years and I now provide coaching and mentoring to hundreds of other entrepreneurs at all stages of growth.
 
I just started another new enterprise.
 
Guess what?  I have 3 coaches on retainer now.
 
Consider it part of the program to keep you moving in the diection you desire.
 
Keep in mind though that not all coaches are the same.  Choose wisely.
 
Steve
 
dothingsright

posts: 145

Aug 26, 2008 5:27 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Hi Steve,
 
Thanks for the advice. I like your comparison to athletes and Olympic champions. I think it is very important to have a coach that can help you solve problems and simply help you identify solutions in a way that no other company does.
I would really like a coach who has experience in starting a retail business. I need a coach that is prepared to run as fast as I am...which is really fast in order to meet our goals. I`m clear that a business coach with the right experience can help us reach those goals.
Although I know there are some key business experiences that can be applied to many different business models, do you have or can you refer me to any of your colleagues that have experience starting online retail companies. I am specifically focusing on the gifts industry. Your help is greatly appreciated.  
 
Thanks & God Bless,
 
Tyra
PS You can PM if it is more convenient.
zlchamp

posts: 70

Aug 26, 2008 5:33 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Absolutely I can make some great suggestions.  I consider it a privilege.
 
See my PM for details.
 
Blessings to you too.
 
Steve
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