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| | The American Business Club Network is not currently active and cannot accept new posts | | Goals and Mentoring | Views: 496 | | Feb 20, 2007 8:31 am | | Goals and Mentoring | # | 
Eva Abreu | | Hi everyone,
I'm a new member and thought to start a new topic thread.
I teach others how to become more organized and I'd love to share with you how I help my clients and students focus on achieving their organizing goals, and also learn from you about what has worked for you (or hasn't worked!) in reaching your goals.
For some people, it's easy to come up with their goals; the hard part is carrying it through and actually achieving their goals.
As you probably know, there are so many different factors involved, too much to cover in just one posting!
But how I like to break it down is this:
1. Focus on one goal.
2. Find a mentor to help you reach your goal.
We probably have several goals we'd like to work on at the same time, but what I teach is to focus on one goal for a certain period of time.
For now, forget about the other goals, until the time is right to move on from focusing on the one goal.
The other key is to find a mentor (for my organizing clients, I call it an "Organizing Buddy"); find someone who can be objective, non-judgmental and supportive of your goal. Again, there are many ways and many places to find a mentor (maybe right here in this network!).
My question to you is:
1. What is your One Goal that you'd like to focus on right now for your business?
2. Have you used a mentor and what was your experience?
For me, my One Goal is to focus on increasing media exposure for my business and to eventually land on a talk show, or even host one of my own! On the show, I would have others share their success stories of becoming more organized and in more control of their lives. And yes, I have used mentors, with great success. In fact, I'm working with one now, who I found here on Ryze.
I'd love to hear your responses! Thanks for sharing.
Eva Abreu
Your Organizing Partner & Coach
http://www.Sort-Things-Out.com
Private Reply to Eva Abreu | | Feb 20, 2007 9:56 am | | re: Goals and Mentoring | # | 
DR Rawson | | Eva,
Great post. There are actually many subjects contained within your post. All of them are certainly fair game here on this Network (Club).
Over the years I've mentored many people with varying degrees of success. If you're looking for a mentor, first ask yourself, "Am I prepared to listen?"
Not everyone can be mentored or coached. Not everyone can be a mentor or coach.
Recently, I had the good fortune to be invited to listen to a long time friend, Steve Burgess. He's often referred to as the Business Profit. We were in a live interview with someone I hadn't met before but was very impressed with as the two of them tackled the subject of Leadership.
His name is Jerry Straks and he's the CEO of Petra Consulting and Coaching (www.PetraCACI.com). Jerry is a student of coaching as well as a teacher (consultant). In other words, he's always looking for better ways to connect information.
Coaching, organizing, leadership and most things in life are most influenced by communication. Verbally and mentally.
I'll stop there. With what Eva has given us and this post, we all have much to think about.
Eva, thanks for posting.
DR Rawson
C4 Global - Chairman & CEO
The moderator for the American Business Club and Commercial Real Estate Network
http://www.C4GlobalHQ.com http://www.DRRawson.com Private Reply to DR Rawson | | Feb 21, 2007 12:18 pm | | re: Mentoring & Coaching | # |
Eva Abreu | | Thanks DR for mentioning about Jerry Straks. I visited his website and plan to listen in on the recorded interview with your friend Steve Burgess. I also called and spoke briefly with Jerry about his thoughts on the Coaching industry. He's a great resource.
In your opinion, what is the difference between a mentor and a coach? I think I have an idea, and perhaps there are some gray areas, but wanted to get different perspectives as well.
Thanks in advance!
Eva Abreu
Your Organizing Partner & Coach
http://www.Sort-Things-Out.com
Private Reply to Eva Abreu | | Feb 21, 2007 1:53 pm | | re: re: Mentoring & Coaching | # |
DR Rawson | | Eva,
This is my view and only my view.
To me a mentor is someone that is an example of where I want to go, someone that has accomplished what I'm looking to achieve. In my career I only had a few mentors. When very successful people agree to mentor you, it is truly a gift.
As a mentor, they become a sounding board and a confidant.
A coach is someone who knows how business (in this case) should be done. He/she can draw upon years of experience that has been gained personally or through the efforts of others. They are especially great as strategists.
Everyone I know can use a coach. Coaches are not FREE, nor should they be. I expect to pay for their time and knowledge.
My humble view. I hope you find it helpful.
DR Rawson
C4 Global - Chairman & CEO
The moderator for the American Business Club and Commercial Real Estate Network
http://www.C4GlobalHQ.com http://www.DRRawson.com Private Reply to DR Rawson | | Feb 22, 2007 7:31 am | | Difference between Mentor & Coach | # |
Eva Abreu | | Thanks DR.
So, perhaps if someone hasn't defined their goals yet (or may have issues blocking the way), then it would be best to work with a coach first.
Then, when the goal is clearly defined, to seek a mentor who is experienced in that specific area.
I guess, if someone is lucky enough, they can find a person who can be both a coach and a mentor? Probably rare though, I would think.
Thanks again,
Eva Abreu
Your Organizing Partner & Coach
http://www.Sort-Things-Out.com
Private Reply to Eva Abreu | | Feb 22, 2007 12:22 pm | | Difference between Mentor & Coach | # | 
Sanjay Dhadda | | Thanks Eva for your guidelines about choosing Mentor & Coach. Here I would like to ask you the other option i.e. What if some one neither chooses coach nor a mentor and tries to reach to goal independently. Can he still reach to his goal? Private Reply to Sanjay Dhadda | | Feb 22, 2007 2:44 pm | | Reaching Goals on your own | # |
Eva Abreu | | Great point Sanjay! Absolutely, I believe that people can reach goals on their own. Many examples are out there.
There are also many resources to help such as books, audio tapes/CD's, seminars, etc. Currently, there is a movie/DVD that's been getting much press, called "The Secret". I don't know much about it and haven't seen it yet, but I may be learning a lot more about it very soon and it's related to the goal that I first mentioned at the start of this thread. That's all I'll say about that for now... : )
One of my favorite inspirational/motivational books is called Unstoppable: 45 Powerful Stories of Perseverance and Triumph from People Just Like You, by Cynthia Kersey (published 1998, Sourcebooks, Inc.)
How about recommendations from other members of this Network? What motivational books/CD's etc. would you recommend to help achieve goals?
Thanks again,
Eva
Eva Abreu
Your Organizing Partner & Coach
http://www.Sort-Things-Out.com
Private Reply to Eva Abreu | | Feb 24, 2007 1:44 pm | | re: Reaching Goals on your own | # |
Sanjay Dhadda | | Thanks Eva for your wonderful reply and which is an eye opener. If one desires and having spirit to fight alone than he can. But I think his path would not be simple to reach towards goal. If he has mentor/guide, probably his chances of success are more.
Since I have never happened to go thru the book you have mentioned, I would like others to guide me to fetch such book which can be procured thru Internet.
Wishing you a great weekend here.
Thanks
Sanjay Dhadda
Private Reply to Sanjay Dhadda | | Feb 24, 2007 3:18 pm | | Reaching Goals on your own... with a little help | # |
Eva Abreu | | Hi Sanjay,
In my opinion, I think it's helpful to surround yourself with positive people who will be supportive. To me, this holds true regardless of the decision to have a mentor, coach or do it on your own.
The key is "positive" people, and this can mean family members, spouse or partner, friends, business associates, etc. both on-line and off-line.
And, not only asking and expecting those around you for support, but also giving freely of yourself to help others. (Look no further than here on this network. Our leader DR is a perfect example!)
Here's a quote from the Unstoppable book: "The most important thing about establishing goals is to make sure they are important to other people in addition to you. In other words, there's a great tendency to be self-serving ('I want to have the biggest house, I want to be head of the company, I want to make the most money' etc.). What in fact brings joy in life is a goal that, while it benefits and motivates you, it also benefits others." This quote comes from Billy Payne who thought of the idea of bringing the 1996 Summer Olympics to Atlanta, GA (USA).
To order the book Unstoppable, by Cynthia Kersey (published 1998, Sourcebooks, Inc.), here are a few places to purchase (by the way, I don't have any financial interest or personal gain in the sale of this book. It's only my personal recommendation):
On-line Retailers:
http://www.amazon.com
http://www.barnesandnoble.com
Author's site:
http://www.unstoppable.net/products_unstoppable.htm
Publisher's site:
http://www.sourcebooks.com/cart/shopexd.asp?id=412
Like I mentioned, there are many other books, websites and resources out there to help you with reaching your goals.
Best of luck on your journey and please share as you make progress!
Eva Abreu
Your Organizing Partner & Coach
http://www.Sort-Things-Out.com
Private Reply to Eva Abreu | | Feb 25, 2007 3:03 pm | | re: Reaching Goals on your own... with a little help | # |
DR Rawson | | Hey guys,
My compliments. What a terrific thread. I hope that all our posts will take on this helpful nature. Each answer will help us all utilize the liberty we have to make choices that will benefit us and most of all others.
Wonderful!
DR Rawson
C4 Global - Chairman & CEO
The moderator for the American Business Club and Commercial Real Estate Network
http://www.C4GlobalHQ.com http://www.DRRawson.com Private Reply to DR Rawson | | Feb 25, 2007 3:43 pm | | re: re: Reaching Goals on your own... with a little help | # | 
Christian-Adam Ribeiraud | | Hi Eva,
I'd like to go back to what DR and you both said about Coaches and mentors, particularly the one about you, Eva, hoping to find someone with both hats, coach and mentor.
In my humble opinion, I wouldn't recommend it. The roles of coaching and mentoring serve 2 very distinct purposes. I agree wholeheartedly with the definition DR gives for each of them.
The mentor guides his protege by his example first. By being in the position the protege wishes to attain. He is also a sound board for the ideas and brainstorms of the protege, offering a bit of advice and an objective opinion here and there. There is usually no direct financial relationship between Mentor and Protege. It is more an intellectual one, where the mentor gives back for his/her success by helping someone on the way up get there safely and avoid the traps and hazards in the journey. The protege has everything to gain and nothing is expected in exchange except the utmost respect for his mentor and to in turn give back to the society as s/he is able to, and ultimately, take on a protege him/herself under his/her wing.
The Coach is a professional who provides a valuable service, and as such should be compensated clearly and financially. A coach should get the same consideration given to an Attorney or a CPA. I don't think anyone expect to have an attorney take any case on a pro-bono basis. The same goes for a CPA or other service professional.
That is my 2 cents anyway and only my humble opinionPrivate Reply to Christian-Adam Ribeiraud | | Feb 25, 2007 8:33 pm | | re: re: re: Reaching Goals on your own... with a little help | # |
Althea Garner | |
I agree with what has been stated already, however I would like to add my .02c with regard to achieving goals under one's own steam.
Yes, it is possible - heaven only knows, I have achieved a great deal in my life without a coach, BUT, it's too easy to say 'Ah... I'll do it tomorrow' or 'I just didn't FEEL like doing it then'.
With a coach, you are held accountable and tend to get very much more out of your time and effort. You will also be far more serious about what goals to consider... do you write them down?... do you action them?... have you done feasability studies? .... do you have a business plan?.... do you have a marketing plan and budget?
All this is too easily brushed under the rug when you work solo but with a coach, far more is brought into clear vision, because you are accountable to someone else.
Now if you want to achieve great results, work alone, but if you want to achieve outstanding results, hire a coach!
Best!
:)
ALTHEA GARNER (Star Real Estate)
Realtor
http://www.altheagarner.com
http://www.OCstaarz.com
Search over 38,000 homes at my web site: http://www.OCSTAARZ.COM
___________________________________________
Remember... I am NEVER too busy for your referrals!
Private Reply to Althea Garner | | Feb 26, 2007 2:52 am | | Coach as a professional | # |
Eva Abreu | | Hi Christian,
You bring up a great point about how a coach should be compensated as other professionals such as an attorney, CPA, etc. No doubt.
I agree and I personally pay for the services of a business coach and don't expect her services for free.
From what I understand though, some lawyers, for example, choose to provide pro-bono services to those in the community who cannot afford to pay.
Here's my question to all:
What if someone wants/needs the services of a coach but cannot afford to pay? For example, a single parent, a recent graduate starting his first job, a recent immigrant who wants to start a business, etc. Should they be denied the opportunity to benefit from working with a coach just because they don't have the money to pay for one? What are the options?
I have my own ideas on this subject but was curious of what others can share about this.
Eva Abreu
Your Organizing Partner & Coach
http://www.Sort-Things-Out.com
Private Reply to Eva Abreu | | Feb 26, 2007 9:24 am | | re: Coach as a professional | # |
Christian-Adam Ribeiraud | | Hi Eva,
Very good point, that of charity work. There are many ways to pay for professional services and many ways to interpret what I am going to say, so I’ll simply clarify that the primordial objective of a business is to make a clear and real profit. That being said, I'll continue with my strong belief in teaching how to fish rather that feeding a daily fish to the hungry man.
If anyone thinks of getting into business on his/her own, the very first thing that person needs to learn is, that business is business. While philanthropy, good intentions and emotional decisions are common in day-to-day activities of business, so are their antonyms. But neither side is a direct function of business. Business in general is Trade, and Trade is guided by the principle of market dynamics. That is as simple as I can put it. Those principles are strictly mathematical and logic since they are influenced by Supply and Demand. However supply and demand often defy logic and are themselves influenced by a multitude of factors such as economic, social, political, emotional (of the masses)...etc the fact of the matter is that it is the only thing that defines the market (where supply and demand meet).
My attempt in the above, is to set the context of business and entrepreneurship in an unequivocal fashion.
Now let's go back to our entrepreneurial hopeful (new immigrant, single mother, recently graduated student, or simply a person with a great idea and greater drive... pick your model or make up one).
Once s/he has decided to go into business, s/he must understand that s/he has entered the trading arena. Everything is negotiable, there are no free lunches, the best deal one can make is to meet the other party half way (I'll expand on that on a separate article) for a steady, profitable and long-lasting relationship, and most importantly, the client is always right, particularly when we know that s/he is not.
I want to add this point as a separate paragraph for emphasis: Even now, on the 21st century, the trustworthiness of a trader's word (business man) is his only immovable, unalienable and most cherished asset. The businessman's word once s/he commits it will define the value of the relationship his clients will have with him/her. Even in today's world of high-powered lawyers and "business sharks", there is nothing more powerful than the value your collaborators put on your word. If they trust it, it is worth more than gold, if they don't, not all the gold in the world will afford you to buy even a look from anyone.
With these concepts firmly in mind, the entrepreneur hopeful must be ready to treat others as he hopes to be treated: fairly compensated for the service and/or goods s/he provides. There is no place for pro-bono service for the budding entrepreneur, s/he can't afford to work for free at that stage so cannot expect anyone else to do so and remain in business long. I firmly believe in the "you get what you pay for" maxim. Not so much that if you don't pay for something it must be worthless, NO! I believe that if you don't pay for something one way or another, you don't tend to value it appropriately. The value of something is not in the price displayed or demanded but on the price ultimately paid and therefore only in the mind of the purchaser (beneficiary).
If the budding business/wo/man cannot afford to pay for the business coach in hard currency, then s/he has to devise a way in compensating in a different way. A percentage of sales for a given period, a deferred payment with an appropriate interest paid, an interest in the new company, barter work providing good or services the coach needs (must be properly billed and filed), a loan from a third party or financial institution...etc. The onus is on the future business owner to come up with a solution. The timing may not be appropriate. Maybe, a few more months at his/her day job, will be required to gather the necessary capital. Again there are numerous ways. Most importantly, if the business plan is sound and the market is real, the future business as a concept already holds value and can be leveraged.
Well, this was a long-winded development to a simple point I was trying to make:
Don't try to start in the business world hoping to get a hand out. Start that way and you'll most likely stay dependant on that hand out every time the going gets tough. I don't care if the hand out is institutional, governmental, a friend or a family member. What ever you get, plan to pay it back with interest as soon as you can. Only then can you look at whatever profit you have made as a real one. Only then will you know you are in business for yourself. I am not suggesting refusing any help, far from it. I am just reminding the would-be businessman that the best way to build trust with future financiers, partners and/or investors, is to ensure that they get a return on their investment. The biggest and quickest return you can dispense, without hurting your business, will secure a safe spot for you in the business world for as long as you maintain that rule of conduct.
ChritianPrivate Reply to Christian-Adam Ribeiraud | | Feb 26, 2007 12:50 pm | | Starting a Business - insights & views | # |
Eva Abreu | | Hi Christian, I'm glad you've taken the time to post your insights and views on starting a business. Also, thanks to DR for starting the American Business Club to allow us to freely discuss topics and express our opinions in this way. We have the most precious gift of freedom and liberty here in America to run our businesses in whichever way we choose. I strongly agree with your comment about being trustworthy and the value of a business owner's word. However, I have a different viewpoint about working for free when first starting a business. When I first started my various different businesses in the past, I did work for free or volunteered my services, so that I could gain experience, exposure, contacts, referrals, and testimonials. To me, that was much more valuable than the dollar value that I would have received for the job done. Even now, I will consider and choose to provide pro-bono services in certain situations. I think it's also a successful business model for certain companies to freely give-away products and services to bring in the paying customers. For example, cell phone companies giving away free phones with a service contract, free conference call services, and even here on Ryze with their free basic membership service. Here's a quote from Sun Microsystems Jonathan Schwartz's blog: "As the world's largest free and open source company, we expect to monetize a portion of what we freely distribute through service and support contracts, along with traditional software licensing; and through volume as well as enterprise systems and storage sales." In regards to getting a hand-out in the beginning stages of a business, I think for many people, they would not necessarily become dependent on another hand-out when times get tough. I agree that if someone does receive help, they should pay it back as soon as possible, but I'm also a firm believer in Paying it Forward. I have come across many examples of helpful folks out there who freely give of their time, services, products, advice, books, resources, etc. without any expectation of any money in return (this goes back to our discussion about mentors). The only thing they ask in return is that when the time is right, for you to pay it forward to someone else who is just starting out or in need. As you stated, the objective of a business is to make a clear and real profit. Absolutely. But how about the case where an individual wants to start a non-profit company or foundation? Would you consider this in a different category? Just curious what everyone's view is on this. Thanks for sharing!
Eva Abreu
Your Organizing Partner & Coach
http://www.Sort-Things-Out.com
Private Reply to Eva Abreu | | Feb 26, 2007 7:12 pm | | re: Fee vs. No Fee to those in need | # |
DR Rawson | | This is a terrific thread. Thanks to everyone for your contributions.
May I offer another view of FREE services? Actually, I'll give you a couple of views, if I may.
First, I'll give you an example from the past. When OSHA was just getting started few people knew what they would expect or how they would inspect. Our company provided a FREE service based on this concept. "We guarantee the inspection to be accurate and free of defect and/or liabilities with OSHA." In exchange, we will inspect for FREE but ask that if you decide to replace the equipment or require consulting services, that we be given an opportunity to provide the company with a proposal for due consideration.
That program doubled then tripled our business from the industrial sector over a 1 year period of time. It also propelled the company into the national arena.
Second, our company (C4) has a Foundation, C4 the World. 10% of our gross fees go to the Foundation. It also owns 10% of our stock. Christian made the point of teaching people you help to fish as opposed to feeding them [fish] each day or as needed. Our foundation is all about providing funds so that people can learn to fish.
Many of us do the same with our time. We give 10% of our time to Networks like Ryze, clubs like the American Business Club and/or the Seal of Liberty website (coming soon) to promote the business cause of liberty for all.
Giving 10% of my time to help someone else become successful has had great rewards personally and for others. The comments that I receive and others I know have been so positive.
I'm giving examples of what's been done. Everyone of us can do something to help others.
Is profit absolutely important. YES.
I hope that this has provided yet another view.
DR Rawson
C4 Global - Chairman & CEO
The moderator for the American Business Club and Commercial Real Estate Network
http://www.C4GlobalHQ.com http://www.DRRawson.com Private Reply to DR Rawson | | Feb 26, 2007 11:18 pm | | re: Starting a Business - insights & views | # |
Christian-Adam Ribeiraud | | Eva,
We are not disagreeing. We are just discussing different views of the same object of consideration. I specifically framed my comments in the context of a Business Coach. I purposefully separated it from that of the Mentor. The 2 roles have 2 different objectives.
The Non-profit organizations and charities work under an entireley different regime and philosophy. Tey are affected differently by the same market dynamics.
The point I was making, for the business coach, was to teach from the get go, that every professional service, required to run a company, will be expected to be paid for one way or another. Let me reiterate that not all compensation forms mean the hard currency kind. If you read again my comments, I suggested various propositions.
One more thing: One must not consider Public Relations and marketing "Freebies" such as SunMycrosystems and DR's own example with free charitable work. These were sound market penetration strategies. There was nothing free in those approaches. They provided a Service a no cost to the benificiaries, other that the convenience of providing the complementary product or service that will indeniably arise from those "free" activities. The fact that it did not cost "monies" to the recipients of these "free" services doesn't make them gratuitous. It certainly cost both C4 and SunMicroSystems a considerable amount of Funds, Time and Personnel. Meanwhile it afforded the prospects an opportunity to observe first hand the quality, craftmanship, professionalism and great service both C4 and SunMycrosystems can provide. I call this creative marketing and great strategy. It litterally allowed them to place themselves in front of their targeted market unchallenged by any competitors ( or a least not in a meaningful way - the challenge- ;) )
What corporations give away for free, as part of a marketing or promotional campaign for a new Product or service, is not what I consider charity.
I was referring to the illusion that a person who wants to set him/herself up in business, might be tempted to do it prematurely, before s/he has done all of his/her homework and lined up all the ducks in a row. There is a massive amount of research and soul searching that needs to be done before a business coach is hired. There are plenty of organisations ( Non-profit ) and government agencies that can help for no or verty little cost. S.C.O.R.E comes to mind (Service Corps of Retired Executives) They usually work with local Chambers of Commerce in the US and are composed of local business executives who give back to the community by sharing their vast knowledge and accumulated years of experience with small SME start ups.
The important thing for a beginner is not to jump hurdles before he is able to do so harmlessly.
At the end of the year, if he doesn't have the funds to pay for a CPA to review the creative accounting nightmare that "green" entrepreneur organized during the year, he might be face with problems that IRS might not be compelled to feel particularly compassionate about.
First things first, the new entrepreneur needs to understand that there is no free lunch. If he doesn't pay for something, somebody else is, one way or another.
The old adage of "Follow the money" applies here more than ever. There has to be a reason for anyone in business to offer something similarly for nothing. The person making the offering is sustaining an expense by doing so. Therefore, if that person wishes to remain in business, s/he must recoup that "investment" someway, somehow and at some point in time. Otherwise, what kind of business coach would that be? How much would you value a bankrupt business coache's advice, Eva?
The entrepreneur may have contacts that s/he can refer to the business coach in exchange for the coaching, as opposed to a commission or referral fee. The future business might be providing a product or service that the business coach needs. A delayed payment based on the performance of the business ( which directly reflects on the quality of the coaching) is yet another consideration for compensation, and I could go on and on.
I repeat, not all compensation require dollars and cents, some compensations are worth much more than that.
I stand by my affirmation that Pro-bono professional service in the case of a business coach (if it is truly a free service) is irresponsible and even negligent on the part of the coach. It inculcates the wrong notion to the business hopeful and paints an unrealistic picture of the business world out there. It is a brutal world and the sooner s/he realizes it the more emotionally prepared s/he will be for it.Private Reply to Christian-Adam Ribeiraud | | Feb 27, 2007 2:36 am | | re: re: Starting a Business - insights & views | # |
Eva Abreu | | Hi Christian,
I agree, we are not disagreeing.
There is so much that can be discussed about this subject and I have to admit it's not easy to fully cover it or explain our complete views on a subject in a single message thread. This conversation would probably lend itself better to a live panel discussion or workshop type of setting.
I appreciate your knowledge and sound business advice. I'm glad you mentioned about SCORE, which is a great resource. As it turns out, they are promoting NATIONAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK this week on their website: http://www.score.org/
so our discussion is very timely.
As you mentioned, bartering is a creative option if funds are tight. I personally find it a great way to do business and actively seek bartering arrangements and strategic alliances as much as possible.
If I may, comment on two points that were brought up.
(1) "How much would you value a bankrupt business coaches advice?". In my humble opinion, I think someone who has gone through this type of adversity could be a valuable teacher, especially if the business coach has learned from the experience and can guide their students away from making the same mistakes.
(2) "It's a brutal world". I actually like to think the opposite of our world. Again, in my humble opinion, I look at our Universe as very open and welcoming, full of opportunities and possibilities. We are especially blessed to enjoy liberty and freedom here in the U.S. Try as I might, I don't think I could ever be 100% fully prepared for what adversity may lay ahead, so call me irresponsible, but I'm willing to jump in feet first and learn to swim in unchartered waters. Hopefully, I'll avoid running into a shark or two along the way.
Thank you. I enjoyed learning and sharing with you and everyone here!
Eva Abreu
Your Organizing Partner & Coach
http://www.Sort-Things-Out.com
Private Reply to Eva Abreu | | Mar 02, 2007 10:05 am | | re: Starting a Business - insights & views | # | 
Sue "Coach" Koch | | Hi All,
I just came across this network and after reading the posts, I think it's going to be interesting so I'm excited to be here. And, I just have to throw a couple of thoughts in here because I AM a coach!
I help individuals, businesses and companies take the rat race out of the workplace by causing breakthrough results in the areas of communication, leadership, teamwork, and time management, and by boosting levels of cooperation, affinity and mutual understanding.
Whether someone is looking to advance his/her career, make a change, retire and start something new (even if they don't yet know what that is), or design an independent lifestyle that aligns with their passions and purposes, I'll work with them to design a strategy that excites and delights them.
When I first started coaching, I did it as a volunteer in an organization that offers a three month course in Leadership. The participants paid for the course and so they had a stake in the outcome. Through volunteering I discovered that I loved to coach and I discovered I was pretty good at it.
When I went out on my own to make a career of it, I started charging right away. I was lucky enough to be invited to come in and coach managers in a local firm whose owner had take the Leadership course. His company pays for their coaching.
That's really great, however, one thing I've discovered is that since the managers aren't paying for coaching, I don't have quite as much leverage with them as I do with my other clients. Unlike larger companies, the owner doesn't have a specific outcome he wants for the managers, he just believes coaching is a good thing.
The good news is that I have a lot of freedom to coach the employees in a variety of ways. The bad news is that I have more leverage with those in the company who come to me to resolve some issue that's keeping them from being promoted. Don't get me wrong. Everyone gets results, but it sometimes takes longer to get certain people into action.
Having said that, there are times when I've traded for services. I've just met a personal trainer who is considering coaching and doesn't have the money. For me, that's a potential match made in heaven because it's an area I want to work on and TOTALLY need accountability!
One more thing - aside from coaches and mentors, there are mastermind groups. I've been part of a couple of them over the years and find them to be very helpful in generating accountability and support and out-of-the-box thinking.
Sue Koch
Designing Exit Strategies for Corporate Rats
http://www.corporaterats.com
Private Reply to Sue "Coach" Koch | | Mar 02, 2007 10:33 am | | re: re: Accountability through Coaching | # |
DR Rawson | | Sue,
I loved your comments. Here's a couple of thoughts I have as a take away from your great thoughts.
First is Accountability
The expression is you get what you pay for. If you have nothing invested in the outcome, what's the point.
When I decided to change out my Board of Directors, essentially trading up I set out the qualities I wanted and what I expected of them. At that point, 100% of my stock belonged to me. I've now shared some stock with these men and 1 woman that we've selected as Board Members.
One of the key tasks is that they can hold me as CEO of the company accountable to them. Am I vested? Absolutely, if I just blow off the experience they share with me, then they can resign as a member of the Board and I've lost a great director and stock in my company. They have and I have "skin in the game."
Accountability and leverage in some instances are the same thing. As a coach, you expect those that you work with to be accountable for the objectives that were set out at the beginning of the engagement. The leverage may just be the negative side of not reaching the stated objective(s).
DR Rawson
C4 Global - Chairman & CEO
The moderator for the American Business Club and Commercial Real Estate Network
http://www.C4GlobalHQ.com http://www.DRRawson.com Private Reply to DR Rawson | | Mar 02, 2007 11:13 am | | re: re: Starting a Business - insights & views | # |
Christian-Adam Ribeiraud | | Thank you Sue and DR, I believe you've helped make my point. I don't think I was successful bringing it accross to Eva, both of your comments helped defined what I was trying to say about business coaching for the new entrepreneurs in a completely gratuitous and unaccountable way to help.
As you both said,there must be a vested interest from the recipient of the coaching. Currency, I reiterate, is not the only form of payment. But somehow, that point didn't seem to take until now.
Thank you both for your input.
ChristianPrivate Reply to Christian-Adam Ribeiraud | | Mar 05, 2007 3:30 am | | Coaching & results; Free consultations | # |
Eva Abreu | | Hi Sue,
Thanks for jumping in this discussion thread! Your comments and experience are very much appreciated!
Your volunteer coaching experience sounds like a WIN-WIN for everyone. It sounds like a great way to gain experience as a coach.
I'm glad you mentioned the mastermind groups. It is discussed in the Unstoppable book and I just participated on my first mastermind teleconference for coaches this past Thursday, which was initiated by another Ryze member on a different network group.
Regarding coaching and results - As DR mentioned in an earlier post, everyone can benefit from coaching, and as you mention, everyone can achieve results, although it seems, the level of success can vary, based on whether the person being coached has a specific goal or outcome in mind, or not. Also, how much stake the person has as well.
Just curious what eveyone's view is on the impact of the level of success, based on the personality fit between the coach and the client? Are there situations where there is a specific goal in mind, and both parties have a vested interest in wanting the client to achieve results, however, there is a personality conflict?
Sue, in general, do coaches offer an initial free consultation to clarify objectives and determine compatibility?
In my field, many Professional Organizers (PO) offer a free in-home consultation to assess the project and to determine if the job falls within the area of speciality for the PO. If it's not the right fit, or if the PO feels there may be a personality conflict, the potential client is referred to another PO that might be a better match.
Seems other professions offer free consultations as well; I've experienced this when looking for a new accountant, attorney, etc.
Thanks again for your feedback!
Eva Abreu
Your Organizing Partner & Coach
http://www.Sort-Things-Out.com
Private Reply to Eva Abreu | | Mar 08, 2007 1:34 pm | | Eva: re: Coaching & results; Free consultations | # |
Sue "Coach" Koch | | "Sue, in general, do coaches offer an initial free consultation to clarify objectives and determine compatibility?
SK: That's been my experience, although I like to think of it more of an "initial consultation", which occurs in any number of businesses as you suggest. For example, many insurance agents will volunteer to conduct a review of your policies to see whether your insurance needs are being met adequately, especially if your circumstances change. Most of us can't even read the legalize in our policies, much less understand them.
Once the prospect is clear about the gaps between what the policy covers and what they need, they can choose to go forward with that agent...or not. As a potential customer, you are looking to see if the agent is just looking for a sale or if he genuinely has your best interest at heart. Do you trust him? Is he operating with integrity on your behalf? Does he understand your needs, your risk tolerance, etc.?
I think it's a similar process with coaching. You're putting yourself in a position to be vulnerable, so you want to make sure you're working with someone who, even when challenging you, truly cares that you get the outcome you want and cares about you as a fellow human being.
Sue Koch
Designing Exit Strategies for Corporate Rats
http://www.corporaterats.com Private Reply to Sue "Coach" Koch | | Mar 09, 2007 2:09 pm | | re: Charging for services | # |
Eva Abreu | | Hi Christian,
I ran across this quote the other day and perhaps it is another perspective to support what you've been try to get through to my thick skull :) (sometimes, I don't see things the first or second time around, and Sue, I agree, many times I also find it difficult to grasp a concept through reading text-only).
Quote: "Long ago someone said to me, 'It is as honorable to sell as it is to buy'. You and I have the responsibility of keeping the honor in selling, remembering that our nation's economy depends on the fact that nothing happens until somebody sells something. Our business, more than any other, is people-driven and people-dependent, and that gives us, at once, a great opportunity as well as a great responsibility."
-Mary Kay Ash, founder Mary Kay Inc.
So I think I see your point Christian; thanks for helping me to think beyond my boundaries.
Regards,
Eva Abreu
Your Organizing Partner & Coach
http://www.Sort-Things-Out.com
Private Reply to Eva Abreu | | Mar 09, 2007 11:47 pm | | re: re: Charging for services | # |
Christian-Adam Ribeiraud | | Hi Eva,
You give me too much credit and too little to yourself. A chinese proverb says that there is no bad students only bad teachers...although I did not presume to teach in my previous posting, I did get carried away in my pompous statements.
So it is not the thickness of your skull nor the boundaries of your thought processing that is at fault, just my means of conveying the point accross. As a Veteran Business Developer and Corporate restructuring "Expert" who is supposed to be a communicator and someone who makes things look easy and turn complex concepts into simple application. I have failed you and the readers utterly. I must thank Mary Kay to succeed so easily with a few lines what I failed to do with a series of pompous paragraphs.
Thank you for knocking me off my soap box pedestal. A piece of humble pie once in a while is very good for the intellectual diet. :)
Thank you for baking this one for me and serving it in such a gracious and genuine manner, it does sweeten the tartness of it... a bit. ;)
ChristianPrivate Reply to Christian-Adam Ribeiraud |  | |
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