Micro Business Coaching
The Harvard Business Review and Fast Company calls coaching “the fad that will not go away.” The reason that the interest in coaching has increased rather than faded is because it works. Having a coach multiplies your productive efforts and decreases your counterproductive efforts. Coaching is based on the idea that you have all the answers and that you know what is best for you. A good coach can help you to envision more clearly and remove the obstacles that stand in your way. An effective coach is a non-judgmental advisor who continually strives to bring out your personal best.
I work with micro businesses that have a creative focus, are guided by socially or environmentally responsible principles, or are non-profits. I help my micro business clients overcome obstacles, reach specific goals, or maximize their businesses potential. When working with an micro business, I can either work with a single, key individual to increase his or her effectiveness, or with a group.
My clients are:
Self-employed or own a business with 1-10 employees.
Intelligent, motivated and open.
Creative (or want to be more creative).
Interested in making money, but not motivated completely by money.
Highly motivated to take themselves and their companies to the next level.
Desiring to grow their businesses without sacrificing themselves, the people around them, or the planet.
Seeking to improve their leadership and management skills through a better understanding of communication and organizational dynamics.
Looking for strategic, impartial advisor for their role.
What can a client expect?
Micro business coaching can help boost both productivity and satisfaction. Some of the benefits of business coaching are:
Gaining new Tools to increase productivity such as:
xxxImproved time management
xxxBetter communication skills
xxxIncreased organization
xxxAn understanding of group dynamics
Increased clarity to broaden and deepen perspective through the coach's:
xxxPowerful questioning
xxxObjective inquiry
xxxAlternative perspective
Faster movement toward goals through:
xxxEstablishing strategies
xxxTracking progress
xxxBalanced approaches to life and business
xxxIncreased focus
xxxWorking with strengths
xxxHelping with project planning
How does coaching work?
Micro business coaching, when used to support a sole proprietor or the lead person does not differ significantly in format from personal coaching. During micro business coaching, we first discuss and agree on the desired outcomes from the coaching process, set a plan for working with the business, and establish the terms of the work. The coaching itself can consist of scheduled one-on-one phone coaching sessions with key staff, as well as individual and group on-site sessions where I am able to, for example, work directly with employees to gain an understanding of interpersonal dynamics or might be better able to understand the obstacles and issues facing the business . We will tailor a plan that fits the goals set forth for the coaching process and establish checkpoints to ensure that the work proceeds on course.
As a coach, I sufficiently immerse myself in the culture of the micro business in order to understand the individual and organizational aims. I use listening and questioning skills to help the member(s) of the business come to a high productivity and deep level of satisfaction. I help key members strategize and develop skills that are helpful to them in maintaining the business's productivity and health. I act as both an objective eye and ally for the business, helping to guide it to the next level.
How does coaching differ from consulting?
Consultants analyze and give opinions on what is working or not working in an organization or recommend next steps or strategies. A coach, on the other hand, motivates, and helps prioritize, clarify, and form strategies but does not outline the plan for the client to follow. The coach helps the individual or organization come to their own conclusions and helps them act on those conclusions.
