Hands down the best decision I ever made as I was starting my business was committing to working with a coach (shoutout Rasa DiSalvo). I actually joined my coach’s mastermind before I was even totally sure what I wanted my business to look like. I’ll admit that I felt a little uneasy at first. It was a big investment that I made after attending a free workshop and then chatting with her for 45 minutes.
I had no idea what to expect but figured it was worth the risk to play all out for a few months to see where it would take me on the path to my writing dreams. To be honest, I figured that if I couldn’t at least imagine a path after the 6 months that I’d probably start looking for corporate jobs again.
Fast forward and I’m still with the same coach two years later because she’s so amazing and has made such a positive impact on not only helping me build a successful business but has made an incredible impact on my life. I’ve seen such immense benefits from coaching that I even doubled down and started working with a coach specifically for ghostwriting (shoutout Ryan Guthrie). Similar to my first coaching experience, I’m starting my third package with him because I’ve learned so much!
The benefits of working with a coach are vast and span far beyond tactics. Besides the tactics, here’s why I love working with my coaches so much in case you’ve been contemplating making the leap towards your dreams.
Mindset
I joined my coach’s mastermind when I was first looking to start my business because I had no idea how to go about the tactics of becoming a writer, building a business, or operating outside of the established corporate structure. While we did cover tactics, by far and away the biggest benefit that I received from that mastermind and continue to receive in my coaching is the mindset work that we do.
This work has not only been a game-changer in building a successful business but has positively impacted all facets of my life. Prioritizing mindset makes figuring out the tactics much easier. By doing the work on ourselves, our aligned path forward becomes that much more clear and we have the confidence to actually take the actions to move forward.
I know I’m not alone in feeling this. Most business owners I know have expressed that starting a business was more of a test of mindset than anything else, bringing up the parts of us that need a little attention. Why not gain some awesome support throughout that work that can help you move through it with more ease and persistence.
Courage
As we work through our own mindset practice, having a coach as you’re building any new business or starting any new venture helps to give you confidence. When I decided I wanted to try ghostwriting, I fumbled through trying to ask a few people if they’d considered having someone help them write a book. When I hired my ghostwriting coach, the game changed. Knowing that he would be right by my side to take me through the ins and outs of my first project gave me all the confidence in the world to reach out to potential clients to write their book. Ghostwriting is a big investment and being able to tell clients I had a seasoned professional working with me was a game-changer in my confidence.
Furthermore, working through projects with my coach has allowed me to learn much more quickly than I would have by trying to learn on my own, giving me the confidence to continue to grow and take on new projects in my business.
Support
The support you receive from a coach is multifaceted though. It spans far beyond specific tactical situations, clients, and business development. A coach also helps provide you support in being persistent on the path towards your dreams. I’m fairly confident that, without the support of that first mastermind and my coach, I would have given up on my dreams.
Finding the right support as you build a business is key because you and your business are fragile during that time. A solid support system through a coach helps you to stay the course if it’s taking some time to gain traction, if you hit a bump in the road, or if any other less-than-ideal circumstance pops up. A coach and solid support system helps encourage you through that because guess what? Not just any support system is helpful at the beginning of building a business. It helps to have others who understand what you’re going through and have made it or are making it through to the other side. It’s easy to be swayed by well-intentioned folks that may not be striving towards the same things.
If you’re teetering on the edge of chasing your dreams, my advice on the first step to take: hire a coach. This post is simply meant as a PSA to help propel others forward and pay it forward from how my coaches have helped me.
Disclaimer: This blog should not be construed as providing, or intending to provide professional financial, legal, psychological, or other professional advice. It is simply meant to share my experiences with those who may find them relatable and helpful.