Why you don't need a business coach

You won't be a demonstrator very long before you notice that there are people offering "business coaching services" specifically for the stamping business owner. Obviously, clever entrepreneurs have discovered a market in selling products and services specifically targeted to other demonstrators.

For clarity's sake, I am differentiating here between those who always offer advice, seminars, etc for free, and those who charge some or all of the time. All of the advice below is referring to paying for business advice or coaching services.

While in most cases, no rules are being broken here at the time of writing, I have reservations as to the advisability of paying for these services for the average demonstrator. Do not feel as if you have less chance of succeeding, if you don't have a business coach. That is simply not true. While some business coaches claim a high "client" base in the percentage of demonstrators who are high achievers, which of course we have no way of verifying, I can assure you that most high-achieving demonstrators are not paying anyone to coach them.

Stampin' Up has a wonderfully simple, easy to understand business plan, with excellent resources and training materials, available in a variety of formats, and backed by a incredible team of support. While I would never say there is nothing to be learned from direct-selling, marketing and home business books, websites and bloggers, I truly believe there is no need to pay for any extra services beyond what Stampin' Up, an encouraging upline, and the networking opportunities provided through physical events and Stampin' Connection have made possible.

In my experience, the single most unfortunate aspect of some of these coaches is their subtle implication that the average woman cannot succeed in Stampin' Up without outside help. This is not true, and I know this from personal experience and from speaking with many, many other demonstrators who have made wise use of Stampin' Up's resources and their own creativity and determination. You can succeed, and with flying colors!

YOU and your unique talents and efforts are what got you to where you are today and what will get you where you want to go. In fact, those coaches would agree with me when I paraphrase the quote by an unknown author--"all the business advice in the world will not work unless YOU do. "

Not all business coaching services are bad, although there are none that I recommend without reservations at the time of writing. However, some business coaches use frankly shady tactics to draw customers in. I have identified some practices that should set off alarm bells when you are considering a business coach:

• caution that the company is misleading or misinforming their own demonstrators
• promise ridiculously high sales increases in short time periods
• provide no statistics or don't back up claims of efficacy with proof
• have few or no testimonials, provide no dates for testimonials, or never update the testimonials they mention
•  regularly offer "free" webinars and phone conferences that contain some generic advice but are obvious vehicles for advertising paid services, books or products.

Remember, as soon as a person solicits money from you, their motives must be taken with a grain of salt. It stands to reason that those who claim to help you learn all the secrets of good advertising are good advertisers of themselves, and they know how to present themselves in the best light possible.

If you do decide to spend your hard-earned money on a paid business coach, go into the relationship with your eyes wide open and your research well done. Do yourself a favor and commit to really working the resources around you first, before you spend your dollars for advice. Seek out experienced demonstrators who have been there and done that. Take full advantage of the tools available, and trust in your own intuition and ability to learn and grow and help your business flourish.

Dream Big!

 

Comments

[Claire Lawrence]

just discovered this blog, Lyssa. I feel like I should be paying YOU! and I've only been on it less than 10 min. thank you for sharing so much, your generosity is amazing!

[Adele Frost]

Thanks Lyssa. You just saved me $4000.00

[Lyssa Griffin Zwolanek]

WOW, Adele... that is a lot of money. Their business advice better come in a complimentary solid gold mailer envelope for that kinda bucks!

[Nicole]

I used a so called coach for my business and regret it-now she is sucking in others! It's scary. They make you think you need them but you don't.