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Tales From A Small Business Coach — Part I
I began working with small businesses as a coach and consultant over 10 years ago. I will say out of the gate that it is not a field to get into if you are not prepared to deal with individuals that are going to give you pushback on your assessments, advice, implementation, and so forth and so on. Depending on whether you are coaching or consulting the pushback and the management of personalities can truly test your professionalism and your own merit. However, at the end of the day the end results when things are done correctly and the success stories that follow are all well worth it.
Being a business consultant comes with a ton of hats. You are advisor, assessor, auditor, counselor, problem solver, coach, consultant, and so much more. To walk into a business, whether it be a corner store or a manufacturing plant, you are being asked and entrusted to review the detailed and intricate processes along with the tons of confidential information that is the lifeline of the business. Some businesses need something as simple as employee motivational coaching to more in-depth assistance such as creating a full structure for the business. No matter what is being asked of you, the overall ask is for you to be effective and supportive of the business in both growth and sustainability.
