Thursday is guest post day here at Duct Tape Marketing and today’s guest is from Robert D. Smith – Enjoy!
After over 30 years in the artist management business, I’ve come to learn something about the difference between successful artists—whether they’re authors, speakers, singers, musicians, etc.—and unsuccessful artists.
The successful ones know a little secret that applies to much more than just artists and stage personalities. It applies to you, both in your personal and professional lives, regardless of the nature of your business.
Are you ready to hear it?
The brand cannot manage itself.
Why? Because the brand is blinded by its gifts. Not in a selfish way, but in a way that begs for guidance on how to maximize its gift’s value.
This applies to you because, no matter what you do (even if you do nothing), you are a brand. You give a feeling, a perception, to those around you. There are certain talents and gifts you possess, and nothing will serve them better than a trusted, outside perspective.
I’m talking about a coach.
Do You Need to Hire a Coach?
I’ll make this one easy for you by slightly rephrasing the response. You do NOT need to hire a coach if:
- You do not want to advance your life
- You do not have a dream
- You do not want more
- You are fully satisfied with your lot in life
- You have already found your life’s purpose and feel you have accomplished it and are done
However, if you DO want more—to give more, be more, reach more people with what you are doing, it is imperative to have a coach, to get another person’s take on what you are doing.
You need to be able to see beyond the tunnel vision that we all have around the things we are doing.
At the very least, you need another person to be able to ask you the outstanding questions you have not thought of yet. And that’s what a good coach can do.
How to Find a Good Coach
There are certain qualities that you absolutely must be aware of and seek out when looking for the right coach. Exceptions are possible for every rule, but these are good general rules of thumb to help you on your search.
- Most likely, you don’t know them. Your friends are probably not going to make good coaches. That’s not to say you should never seek their counsel if you respect their opinions. However, the reality is that most friends are just too darn polite. And polite is something you do not need.
- You need honesty. Actually, what you need is a degree beyond honesty. It’s a kick in the butt, a 2×4 upside the head. You need someone who can look you in the eye and say, “What you are saying is not true.” If they can’t challenge your thinking, they’re not up for the job.
- They can be more affordable than you might think. Many people instantly brush off the idea of hiring a coach by telling themselves it’s just too expensive. That’s like saying a car is too expensive. Well, what kind of car? You can pay anywhere from $500 to $500,000 and get a car that runs. Coaches are the same way. There is a broad range of what is available to you.
The best part is that you don’t have to pay a ton to find a quality coach. There are plenty out there who do a great job and are still on the lower end of the price range.
Take some time and do the research. Most likely, you’ll be able to take coaches for test drives before you commit to anything. I’ve yet to find one who doesn’t do a free coaching call of at least 15-20 minutes to see if you’re gelling.
If you’re ready to take your brand, your business, your life to the next level, a coach can give you the map it will take to get there. Identify what you think are your needs, do the research, find the right person, and move forward with massive action.
It takes tunnel-vision-like focus to become great at something. A coach gives you the chance to keep that focus while also gaining access to the 10,000-foot view. Are you ready to see it?
Robert D. Smith is the author of 20,000 Days and Counting, a crash course in living every day with maximum purpose and intensity. He also writes on entrepreneurship, personal growth, and more at TheRobertD.com.
