Do You Really Need a Coach or Mentor?
So this is me, with my sisters. We had just finished Mud Hero.
A pretty aptly named race, because you definitely feel like some kind of hero after you crawl through mud, horse poop, more mud, dirty water, up hills, down hills, swing from things, climb other things, and UGH the heights…It’s difficult, gross, cold…but weirdly rewarding.
The thing is, I didn’t prepare. I mean, at all. I was arguably in the worst shape I have every been in (except of course for maybe right now!) and I didn’t hit the gym, pick up a weight, nothing.
Lemme tell ya…preparation is important.
I made it, but I was DYING. My legs were jelly. My arms performed basic functions at best. Getting up from a sitting position was nearly impossible, unless someone gave me a push.
I didn’t take it seriously. I thought it would be a “fun” bonding experience with my sisters.
Was I sorely mistaken. (Literally.)
(So now of course I am going to make this into a story about my business journey!)
If there is ONE thing that I could change about launching my own biz, it would be finding a coach or mentor with EXPERIENCE to give me guidance.
Mistakes or misdirections can be costly, frustrating, or both… and lemme tell ya, doing this cold and trying to figure it all out on my own was a time consuming nightmare. Over 7 years ago I launched my biz, and I was fairly overwhelmed. I had a marketing background but the online space was all new to me—I’m talking soup to nuts figuring shit out. I REALLY could have used some help.
Even if you’re a little (or a lot) more savvy than I was, a new set of eyes and unique perspective can be more invaluable than you realize.
A coach or mentor can help you find your strengths, your audience, your niche, and address any potential pitfalls you will encounter. Objectivity can be your best friend here!
Find someone who has a similar outlook, and that you resonate with.
So what is the difference between a coach and a mentor?
A Coach will help you improve or discover a specific skill, and help you solve a particular problem. They will help you maximize your potential and help you focus on future improvements and strategies. Coaching allows the client to work autonomously as well, while the coach offers support, resources and encouragement as needed. This is typically a shorter term relationship, with defined goals.
A Mentor is a “role model”; an experienced expert on broader subject matters. It is considered more ”professional development”, and tends to be more of a long term engagement. They focus on the future and this relationship can last for years.
“One of the greatest values of mentors
is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see
and to help them navigate a course to their destination.”
-John C. Maxwell
A mentor acts as a guide and an advisor who shares their knowledge and expertise that can be applicable in a broader sense.
Think…Mr. Miyagi.
Many people facing a personal or professional dilemma begin their search online, hoping to find some answers. But… you have to know where to start, what to choose, and how to apply it. Often, focus and objectivity make doing this alone extremely difficult.
Having someone to help you tackle goals, prepare, and address challenges can be crucial. Having someone in your corner can make a huge difference in your progress and ultimate success.
Learning the hard way isn’t a lesson if it sets you back beyond what you can manage.
Yes we can learn valuable lessons from our mistakes. But there are some mistakes we just don’t need to make. Especially if they cost us valuable time and money.
Research, preparation, and guidance is SO important. There is no substitute for knowledge and planning.
I wish I had hired a coach or enlisted a mentor when I got started. (Down the road, I did wise up and found some fantastic mentors to help guide my journey.) And, later on, if you reach plateaus, moments of indecision, or even find that it’s time to make some changes, A coach or mentor can be invaluable.
*The only caveat I have is to vet your choices carefully. After nearly a decade back in this space, I have seen some shady shite. Be cautious about who you give your money to. Because coaching is an unregulated space, anyone can throw a shingle up and call themselves a coach.
(This is NOT to say you shouldn’t work with someone new, because they may have other related experience, schooling, etc. Investigate thoroughly, and trust your gut! Sometimes new can mean new perspectives and ideas!)
If finances are a consideration:
Join a membership, engaged facebook groups, and follow some great coaches/mentors on social media. There is also a wealth of information on YouTube that can be helpful. NEVER go into debt you can’t manage—and if anyone tries to convince you that you should, this is all the red flag that you need.
After learning from my mistake, the least I can do now is help you to avoid MY error in judgment and help you save money, time and hair loss inducing stress.
(…And if you want to do a race, maybe pick a nice soapy foam run instead of mud.
And do a couple of sit-ups.)