I’m going to let you in on a little secret: I dislike exercise. Big time. Even though it is good for me, I’ve just never enjoyed it. I go through fits and spurts where I’ll be consistent for a year or two then drop off for 6-9 months before I jump back on the horse for another round. And you know what….my physical appearance shows it. Mind you I am small and fairly fit but I could be so much more “toned”, “buff”, (whatever you want to call it) if only I exercised.
When I was working out consistently and pushed myself, my trainer Rob would say, “remember no pain no gain” and there I would go for another set of squats or lunges even though I felt like my legs were going to fall off.
Well, today was no different for me. Only I wasn’t in the gym for exercise.
I was on the phone with my coach, Kevin, who I go to to exercise my business mind.
You see, early in my internet days, I spent a good year futzing around trying to learn how to be a better marketer using the power of technology and the internet. I had been certified in social media and figured I knew what I was doing. By mid 2009 I was using the internet sporadically and not to my best advantage so I sought other teachers.
I started following one of the well known industry marketers which led me to my coach. Kevin is the bomb when it comes to teaching beginning marketers. And I use his techniques in my coaching to teach others to this day.
In 2010, I coached with Kevin for 8 weeks and he helped me get my house in order. While I wasn’t quite a straight-up beginner (remember I had been plodding along for a while), he was the perfect coach for me to clean what I had already started. And I taught him a thing or two on Social Media. Or at least I tried.
Earlier this year, I reengaged with Kevin for a 10 week stint because even coaches need a coach to get to higher levels. And I wanted to up my game from high 5 figures to over the top of 6 figures.
Sometimes my calls with Kevin are technical…do this, try that, what do you think about this and I move forward with implementation. Sometimes he asks me hard questions that make me think – hence the biggest breakthroughs.
Just like attending live events, I believe coaching is invaluable to any business – I say that as a coach to some of the best students but also as one who is coached by another. As a personal development coach myself, I understand the value of a mentor/coach.
About an hour ago Kevin kicked my butt! Seriously – today he asked some no BS tough questions that caused me to really take an inventory of what was going on in my business as I plan to move into the multiple 6 figure range.
He pretty much knocked me over the head with a 2X4 – even though he doesn’t know it and I am publicly admitting it here.
Thanks Kevin! You Rock!
Ok, you left me hanging! Now I’m curious as to what your marketing issue was and how it’s being resolved!
Like you, I’ve been plodding along now for quite awhile on my own. This spring I did a 3-month course with The Lotus Circle by Kathy Jo Slusher-Haas. It was one of the best things I’ve done. In her class I finally figured out what I could do, and made plans for my next steps to accomplish it. Until income comes in, this will have to tide me over.
But your plug for coaching is well-taken.
Forgive me for leaving you hanging Sherry 🙂 It wasn’t a particular marketing issue rather than what strategic paths I might want to take on a few projects, what I might maximize best and fastest.
I needed to bounce ideas off someone who could help me take them to a different level and see from the outside in. Good for you for investing in yourself. I wish you much success with your next steps as well. Main point is to take action, even if it is little actions everyday.
Hello VaNessa,
I have found that the most successful entrepreneurs have coaches.
Even after they have made millions, they still attend seminars and have a coach.
What’s that to say for beginning marketers?
Education and implementation is key.
My mentor also say’s that another great way to learn is by teaching others what you know.
Cheers
VaNessa, I so hear ya!
Having been hit over the head with a 2X4 by one of my coaches in the past I can rejoice with you.
Rejoice because you have taken the time to learn and grow. Taken the time to always becoming an ever better you. So many people get to that “certain level” and rest or coast for the balance of their life. It is so nice to meet another person who keeps going back for the “hit over the head”!
Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing.
~ Carla
Coaches are amazing! I have had a coach for the past year that I have worked with and the help that he has provided me has been remarkable!
Hi Vanessa,
This is a great article about the value of having a coach/mentor. I really liked the way you paralleled running your business the same way you approach exercise. I can relate to the exercise because I really don’t like it either. It sounds like our approach to exercise is similar. I’m “gung ho” for a few months, then slack, then start up again. I’m also fit, but could be better. I don’t like the pain associated with real exercise, but we all have our preferences.
The difference for me with comparing exercise to my business is I love my business so I don’t have any resistance. It just goes and flows. I don’t approach it the same way, but I can see how piddling can prevent you from reaching goals. I’m glad you brought up this point because I’m thinking, “I’m so relieved I don’t look at my business like exercising!” That is like going to a job that you hate every day! I’m not saying you are not passionate about your business, you obviously love what you do!
You are right about coaching and mentoring. It is vital for success. I’m in a group called the Mastermind Partner Program and Andrea is my coach. When you can find a coach that teaches you to duplicate, then you are right, they rock! A great coach also has to use a 2 x 4 once in awhile!
Congratulations on your new goals to reach the multiple 6 figure range! I wish you prosperity galore!
Raena Lynn