My guess is, for most people it’s less threatening than asking someone you don’t know to help you with a sticky career problem.  When you’re paying for something under a written contract, and can terminate the agreement simply by following procedures determined in advance, it’s more cut-and-dried than a personal mentoring relationship.

Because I have osteoporosis, my doctor suggested I weight train.  I signed up at the gym and hired a personal trainer (coach.)  He asked me what I wanted to accomplish, designed a program to fit my profile, pushes me to do more than I think I can, and continually corrects my form.  There are times I want to punch him out!  But I don’t.  I communicate with him, he works with me, the results are recorded, and they are significant.  Working with a business coach is no different.

Once, because the topic interested me, I responded to a survey on a financial planning website, which promised to put my name in a drawing for two hours one-on-one with a personal business coach as thanks for my time. TOP

When I won the drawing, I didn’t bother picking up the prize.  I’d run my own business for more than thirty years. What on earth could someone who didn’t even know my business or me have to say?

Plenty.  I figured the sessions were free, so what the heck!  Joseph Lucas is a business coach who provides counseling on the telephone.  He didn’t hesitate to ask tough questions.  Once he learned I was the recipient of the winning ticket, he faxed me a “Getting Started Information” questionnaire that instructed me to list the three goals I wanted to accomplish over the next three months.  I had to stop and think.  I mean, I really had to stop.  And think. TOP

Joe helped me focus, organize and envision what I really wanted from my practice.  He led me to updating my business plan, hiring an assistant, and revamping a private office.  That happened before the free sessions were completed.  I worked with Joe for another year, and accomplished a great deal during that time.

Today I work face-to-face with a business coach, Judy Whaley, who I met through a local networking organization.  She has been a tremendous help with prioritizing my goals, bringing balance into my life in light of my preoccupation with my book, and reducing my stress.  She has been instrumental in helping me find mentors for various aspects of my business. 

Oh!  Mr. Jones, the director?  I’ve been Mrs. Jones for thirty years now.  This mentoring stuff really does create fascinating and unexpected results on occasion!